For more info on a training near you:
Southwest Raleigh/Apex Training:
jen.kedrowski@strollerstrides.net, 888-389-0701
Midtown/North Raleigh Training:
missycurrin@strollerstrides.net, 888-760-0142
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Click below for more info on classes & playgroups!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
5 Reasons to Train for a 5K with Stroller Strides
Sunday, August 5, 2012
My 5K Training Experience- Fall 2011
Our Midtown Moms on the Run 5K training program is gearing up to start again on August 20th! This will be our 3rd time offering the program and we can't wait to see some of you cross the finish line for the very first time!
In honor of this exciting program I (Missy) am going to share my experience as a participant (yes- that's right, the teacher became the student!) in the Midtown Moms on the Run 5K program last fall (2011). There are a few things you need to know about me. The first is that I love to exercise- but I strongly dislike distance running. I used to joke that the only time I ran was if something big and scary was chasing me and I was generally referencing an opponent on my high school field hockey and lacrosse teams. The second thing you need to know is that in mid-August of 2011 I had arthroscopic knee surgery for a torn meniscus. I was bound and determined to be back teaching Stroller Strides by the 4 week post-op mark and I did it! But boy- did my cardio suffer while I rehabbed that knee. And in truth it had been suffering all summer as I limped through class getting ready for my surgery. So with the goal of increasing my stamina, speed, and overall desire to go for a run- I decided to participate in our inaugural 5K training program and this is my story...
Our 5K program started in early October with a great 1 mile run/walk at Shelley Lake with kiddos along for the ride in their strollers. Even though it was a short run it gave me the confidence I needed to make it through the rest of the program as we gradually increased the duration and distance of our running over the following 8 weeks. As the program progressed I found myself reading about and trying out new running form. I downloaded the RunKeeper App on my new iPhone and became a distance and speed tracking nerd! I even braved the treadmills at the YMCA (which I had always found to be ultra boring) and loved switching my usual stroller-pushing outdoor run with an easy, flat, cushioned, solo run every once in a while. I had just one physical set-back during the program when in a moment of stupidity, I attempted to retrieve my fallen iPhone while still running on the treadmill and was launched off the back. Despite a bruised and scraped up shin (on my post-op leg no less) I soldiered on and decided that next time I would turn the treadmill off before trying to retrieve anything that fell.
As the weeks went by and the weather turned chillier I found myself enjoying our Saturday runs on the Capital Greenway the most. I loved to layer up and slip out of the house by myself for a group training run. Amazingly, running felt like such an indulgence! The pavement seemed to pass under my feet as I ran alongside other chatty moms like myself. My speed increased as I learned how to be a more efficient runner. My stamina increased and I was able to run for 4+ miles- and enjoy it! My confidence increased and I approached our goal race, The Jingle Bell Run, with the goal of finishing in under 30 minutes.
I'm happy to say that I achieved my goal that chilly December morning- wearing a ridiculous snowman hat, knee-high red snowflake socks and a jingle bell of course! I loved being a part of the program and I don't think I would have made such a speedy and fun recovery from my surgery if I had attempted a 5K training program on my own.
No matter what your motivation is or what your goals are- if you're thinking about signing up for our 5K program YOU SHOULD DO IT! Here is a link to the program details for THIS fall's program- feel free to share with friends, spouses, neighbors, and other family members: https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:1406276.11083530079/rid:998b12cb5f3c2a2cd7200d86ab75f67b
In honor of this exciting program I (Missy) am going to share my experience as a participant (yes- that's right, the teacher became the student!) in the Midtown Moms on the Run 5K program last fall (2011). There are a few things you need to know about me. The first is that I love to exercise- but I strongly dislike distance running. I used to joke that the only time I ran was if something big and scary was chasing me and I was generally referencing an opponent on my high school field hockey and lacrosse teams. The second thing you need to know is that in mid-August of 2011 I had arthroscopic knee surgery for a torn meniscus. I was bound and determined to be back teaching Stroller Strides by the 4 week post-op mark and I did it! But boy- did my cardio suffer while I rehabbed that knee. And in truth it had been suffering all summer as I limped through class getting ready for my surgery. So with the goal of increasing my stamina, speed, and overall desire to go for a run- I decided to participate in our inaugural 5K training program and this is my story...
Our 5K program started in early October with a great 1 mile run/walk at Shelley Lake with kiddos along for the ride in their strollers. Even though it was a short run it gave me the confidence I needed to make it through the rest of the program as we gradually increased the duration and distance of our running over the following 8 weeks. As the program progressed I found myself reading about and trying out new running form. I downloaded the RunKeeper App on my new iPhone and became a distance and speed tracking nerd! I even braved the treadmills at the YMCA (which I had always found to be ultra boring) and loved switching my usual stroller-pushing outdoor run with an easy, flat, cushioned, solo run every once in a while. I had just one physical set-back during the program when in a moment of stupidity, I attempted to retrieve my fallen iPhone while still running on the treadmill and was launched off the back. Despite a bruised and scraped up shin (on my post-op leg no less) I soldiered on and decided that next time I would turn the treadmill off before trying to retrieve anything that fell.
As the weeks went by and the weather turned chillier I found myself enjoying our Saturday runs on the Capital Greenway the most. I loved to layer up and slip out of the house by myself for a group training run. Amazingly, running felt like such an indulgence! The pavement seemed to pass under my feet as I ran alongside other chatty moms like myself. My speed increased as I learned how to be a more efficient runner. My stamina increased and I was able to run for 4+ miles- and enjoy it! My confidence increased and I approached our goal race, The Jingle Bell Run, with the goal of finishing in under 30 minutes.
Team Stroller Strides at the Jingle Bell Run 2011
I'm happy to say that I achieved my goal that chilly December morning- wearing a ridiculous snowman hat, knee-high red snowflake socks and a jingle bell of course! I loved being a part of the program and I don't think I would have made such a speedy and fun recovery from my surgery if I had attempted a 5K training program on my own.
No matter what your motivation is or what your goals are- if you're thinking about signing up for our 5K program YOU SHOULD DO IT! Here is a link to the program details for THIS fall's program- feel free to share with friends, spouses, neighbors, and other family members: https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:1406276.11083530079/rid:998b12cb5f3c2a2cd7200d86ab75f67b
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Our August Mom of the Month
Our Mom of the Month program honors one our of Stroller Strides moms for her efforts to live a healthy lifestyle. Our August Mom of the Month is Joanne Cross, aka Hartley and Reagan's mom (pictured below with her whole family)!
Joanne first started Stroller Strides class with us when she was a mom of one beautiful little girl. She stuck with us (as her health allowed) through her 2nd pregnancy, took a brief maternity leave, and has been back in class for months pushing both girls in a double jogger!
Lots of obstacles stand in the way of new moms and moms of multiple children getting to class but Joanne doesn't let late sleepers, feedings, diaper blow-outs, tantrums or anything else keep her from class- even if it means arriving a few minutes late! Many of our Stroller Strides moms recently delivered or are expecting baby #2 this fall and we hope they'll find Joanne's efforts and results inspiring! Thanks, Joanne, for being such a great role model to your family and to our Stroller Strides community!
We asked Joanne a few questions to get to know her better and this is what she said:
Hometown: Oakland, NJ
Education: BA at UNC Wilmington
Stroller Strides Member since: Feb 2011
Members of your Family: husBrennan, Hartley (23 months), Reagan (6 months), Vegas (lab/great dane mix) and Bella (westie)
Joanne first started Stroller Strides class with us when she was a mom of one beautiful little girl. She stuck with us (as her health allowed) through her 2nd pregnancy, took a brief maternity leave, and has been back in class for months pushing both girls in a double jogger!
Lots of obstacles stand in the way of new moms and moms of multiple children getting to class but Joanne doesn't let late sleepers, feedings, diaper blow-outs, tantrums or anything else keep her from class- even if it means arriving a few minutes late! Many of our Stroller Strides moms recently delivered or are expecting baby #2 this fall and we hope they'll find Joanne's efforts and results inspiring! Thanks, Joanne, for being such a great role model to your family and to our Stroller Strides community!
We asked Joanne a few questions to get to know her better and this is what she said:
Hometown: Oakland, NJ
Education: BA at UNC Wilmington
Stroller Strides Member since: Feb 2011
Members of your Family: husBrennan, Hartley (23 months), Reagan (6 months), Vegas (lab/great dane mix) and Bella (westie)
Previous Career: Attorney Recruiter
What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a vet for only healthy animals or a stay at home mom.
What does motherhood mean to you? Motherhood means doing everything I can to raise smart, happy, healthy & kind individuals. Being a mother is my absolute dream come true and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
What is the furthest you have been from home? The Greek Islands
What has Stroller Strides done for you? Just getting out the door in the mornings is a challenge but I realized that even if I arrive late, 45 minutes of exercise is better than none! Stroller Strides not only gives me a great workout but I really enjoy spending time with all of the other wonderful moms and love that my girls get to socialize with their kids after class too. Stroller Strides really gets our day started off right & I feel so much stronger both physically and mentally because of it.
What is your favorite exercise? I like 5 Little Monkeys or any of the strength/toning exercises with the bands.
What is your proudest moment? Giving birth to my 2 beautiful girls without drugs. This was not by choice! I arrived at the hospital an hour and a half before delivering Hartley & only half an hour before delivering Reagan.
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Traveling, going to the spa, reading People magazine on the beach.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I met my husband playing blackjack in Las Vegas. A year and a half later, my husband proposed to me playing blackjack in Vegas!
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Brennan said that my best quality was being a very good mommy:) That is the best compliment I could ever ask for!
What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a vet for only healthy animals or a stay at home mom.
What does motherhood mean to you? Motherhood means doing everything I can to raise smart, happy, healthy & kind individuals. Being a mother is my absolute dream come true and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
What is the furthest you have been from home? The Greek Islands
What has Stroller Strides done for you? Just getting out the door in the mornings is a challenge but I realized that even if I arrive late, 45 minutes of exercise is better than none! Stroller Strides not only gives me a great workout but I really enjoy spending time with all of the other wonderful moms and love that my girls get to socialize with their kids after class too. Stroller Strides really gets our day started off right & I feel so much stronger both physically and mentally because of it.
What is your favorite exercise? I like 5 Little Monkeys or any of the strength/toning exercises with the bands.
What is your proudest moment? Giving birth to my 2 beautiful girls without drugs. This was not by choice! I arrived at the hospital an hour and a half before delivering Hartley & only half an hour before delivering Reagan.
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Traveling, going to the spa, reading People magazine on the beach.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I met my husband playing blackjack in Las Vegas. A year and a half later, my husband proposed to me playing blackjack in Vegas!
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Brennan said that my best quality was being a very good mommy:) That is the best compliment I could ever ask for!
We owe a special thanks to our North Hills Omega Sports store for further honoring our Moms of the Month with a $10 store gift card!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Our July Mom of the Month
Christina Kochuba and Family
Our
Mom of the Month program offers us the opportunity to honor one of our
dedicated Stroller Strides moms for her efforts to live a healthy
lifestyle while getting to know her better at the same time. Our July
Mom of the Month is Christina Kochuba (aka Eva's mom)!
Christina
works diligently towards her fitness goals by attending classes at
least twice a week and always with a smile. She has also been known to
run between stations during class to increase the intensity of her
workout and we love seeing her go after her goals with such energy and
dedication!
We asked Christina a few questions to get to know her better and this is what she said:
Hometown: I am from Hickory, NC.
Education: I went to the University of Dayton for undergrad and I went to Appalachian State University for my Masters in Family and Consumer Science. I am now a Registered Dietitian.
What does motherhood mean to you? Love - I love being a mom to Eva. No matter how exhausted I may get, my heart melts just seeing her smile.
What is your favorite exercise? Any exercises with abdominals. Those exercises really work!
What is your proudest moment? When the doctor placed Eva in my arms after labor. I was both shocked and proud that I actually gave birth to such a perfect little angel.
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Reading, traveling and cooking.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I won a hula hoop contest a couple years ago at Croaker Festival in Oriental, NC.
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Loyalty, thoughtfulness and caring.
Education: I went to the University of Dayton for undergrad and I went to Appalachian State University for my Masters in Family and Consumer Science. I am now a Registered Dietitian.
Stroller Strides Member since: October 2011
Members of your Family: My husband- James and daughter -Eva who is 15 months old.
Current/previous Career: My last job was as a Dietitian for the UNC Eating Disorders Program.
What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be marine biologist, astronaut or librarian.What does motherhood mean to you? Love - I love being a mom to Eva. No matter how exhausted I may get, my heart melts just seeing her smile.
What is the furthest you have been from home? I used to live outside Frankfurt, Germany.
What has Stroller Strides done for you? Physically, I have become
stronger and toned since having a baby. I have met great women and kids
who are both fun and supportive.What is your favorite exercise? Any exercises with abdominals. Those exercises really work!
What is your proudest moment? When the doctor placed Eva in my arms after labor. I was both shocked and proud that I actually gave birth to such a perfect little angel.
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Reading, traveling and cooking.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I won a hula hoop contest a couple years ago at Croaker Festival in Oriental, NC.
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Loyalty, thoughtfulness and caring.
Thank you to Omega Sports for further honoring our Moms of the Month with $10 gift cards to the store!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Our June Mom of the Month
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| Lindsay & Family- Photo courtesy of Mason Dee Photography |
Our Mom
of the Month program offers us the opportunity to honor one of our
dedicated Stroller Strides moms for her efforts to live a healthy
lifestyle while getting to know her better at the same time. Our June Mom
of the Month is Lindsay Blackburn (aka Graham's mom)!
Lindsay is a faithful class attendee (despite rehabbing a shoulder injury) and a sweet friend to all she encounters. She
has also agreed to serve as a 3rd Playgroup Captain (serving alongside
co-Captains Amy & Krista). Welcome aboard, Lindsay! We all look
forward to the fun things you've got in store for the playgroup this
summer and fall!
Hometown - One of the few people from Raleigh, NC! Never thought I would live in Raleigh after college, but my internship was here which led to my first job. After traveling with work a lot I grew to love and appreciate Raleigh and can't imagine living anywhere else.
Education - BSBA Accounting from Appalachian State University
Stroller Strides Member since - September 2011
Members of your Family - Husband of almost 7 years - Casey, Graham (2 years old), JD the cat, Tuscan and Moose the rabbits!
Current/previous Career - CPA, first in public accounting and later in industry. Neither was much fun!
What was your childhood ambition? President of the United States or CEO of a major corporation. Seriously.
What does motherhood mean to you? Motherhood is something I had always wanted and had to wait a while for, but it has been worth the wait. It is more rewarding and challenging than I could have ever imagined. I have a whole new respect for my parents since Graham is just like me as a child! Thank goodness they never left me somewhere because I now know just how tempting that may seem some days! Even on the worst day I can't imagine doing anything else. What is the furthest you have been from home? Hawaii and Europe, I think about equally far from here in opposite directions.
What has Stroller Strides done for you? I am wearing shorts again!! I can also run more than I ever thought I could and actually enjoy it. Stroller Strides is really the only way I can fit exercise into my day now and I love coming to class. It has done so much for Graham too. He was such a shy and clingy little guy before we started and it is a joy to see him make friends and come out of his shell a bit. I love having so many new friends to chat with each day. I was getting pretty lonely at home all day and didn't have many mom friends before joining Stroller Strides.
What is your favorite exercise? Anything for my arms, sometimes legs and never abs.
What is your proudest moment? It used to be passing the CPA exam on the first try, but now it is giving birth with no drugs!
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Photography, crafts/building things, anything made with lots of sugar.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I have two pet rabbits that have their own bedroom in my house! I am also a House Rabbit Society educator, am the head rabbit volunteer and educator at the SPCA and organize the house rabbit meetup group! Before Graham, I used to foster rabbits as well and would have up to 8 rabbits in my house at one time! And no it didn't smell. I fostered a mom and her 6 babies which was a lot of work, but an amazing experience. Casey calls me the crazy rabbit lady.
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? When I asked him he sat for a long time thinking and came up with selflessness (giving), ingenuity (crafty), maternal instinct (good mom) and independent. I am pretty sure he was just trying to think of a big words. I added my interpretations in parenthesis after asking him to explain!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Our May Mom of the Month
Our Mom of the Month program honors one of our Stroller Strides moms for her efforts to live a healthy lifestyle while letting us get to know her better at the same time. Our May Mom of the Month is Krista Welty (aka Caiden's mom).
The Welty Family
Krista is a faithful attender at our Shelley Lake class location, serves as one of our hard-working (volunteer!) Playgroup Captains and is a great role model for healthy living for Caiden! A former science teacher, Krista even provides the occasional impromptu science lesson during class and we all learn a little something new about the beautiful world around us. Thanks for all you do to help make our classes and playgroups so special, Krista!
We asked Krista a few questions to get to know her better and this is what she said:
Hometown : Long Beach, CA
Education: BS in Biology
Stroller Strides Member since: July 2010
Members of your Family: Chris, Caiden and me
Current/previous Career: High School Biology Teacher
What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a veterinarian.
What does motherhood mean to you? Not sweating the small stuff, enjoying your kids, making sacrifices.
What is the furthest you have been from home? Mykonos, Greek Isles
What has Stroller Strides done for you? Made exercise fun!
What is your favorite exercise? Abs.
What is your proudest moment? Graduating from college.
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Books, ice cream, afternoon naps
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I can swim 50 feet underwater on a single breath... Well, I used to but haven't tried it in a long time.
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Smart & caring.
Education: BS in Biology
Stroller Strides Member since: July 2010
Members of your Family: Chris, Caiden and me
Current/previous Career: High School Biology Teacher
What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be a veterinarian.
What does motherhood mean to you? Not sweating the small stuff, enjoying your kids, making sacrifices.
What is the furthest you have been from home? Mykonos, Greek Isles
What has Stroller Strides done for you? Made exercise fun!
What is your favorite exercise? Abs.
What is your proudest moment? Graduating from college.
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family!)? Books, ice cream, afternoon naps
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us or makes you unique. I can swim 50 feet underwater on a single breath... Well, I used to but haven't tried it in a long time.
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? Smart & caring.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Our April Mom of the Month
Every month we take a moment to honor one of our Stroller Strides moms for their efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle while also getting to know her better at the same time! This month our Mom of the Month is Ann Clark (aka Kade's mom)!
Ann is a sweet, funny mom of an active 2 1/2 year old little boy and she is just a blast to hang out with! She always has an amusing motherhood anecdote and a smile to share with everyone close-by. Ann is a regular attender at Stroller Strides classes and Plum Moms Club playgroup activities and when I polled our Instructor team for nominations for this month's Mom of the Month- they all unanimously nominated Ann! We're all impressed by your efforts to get and stay fit, Ann, and we love having you around!
We asked Ann a few questions about herself and this is what she told us:
Hometown: So unfamiliar to all of you- Bulacan, Philippines
Education: BS in Nursing- Class of 1999
Stroller Strides Member since: June 2012
Members of your family: My loving hubby Kurt, our lil' man Kade, and my awesome stepson Zane
Current Career: Housewife and I'm loving it!
What was your childhood ambition? I really wanted to be a flight stewardess (flight attendant). That's what I tell anyone who asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up because on TV they always looked pretty with make-up and those fancy looking clothes (yayy!) and went to different places all over the world! Exciting!
What does motherhood mean to you? It is the bet thing that ever happened in my life (well, besides getting married to my wonderful husband).
What is the furthest you have been from home? Being here in the US for only 2 years. I still consider the Philippines my home so I'd say its the United States.
What has Stroller Strides done for you? Amazing things, are you kidding me?! You guys are awesome. Besides getting my body in shape and my son getting to socialize, it is a big help that I get to talk to all of the wonderful moms on just about everything about motherhood, raising a toddler, places to go, etc.
What is your favorite exercise? Anything dealing with my belly!
What is your proudest moment? I think it was when Kade was born. I had him at 30 when I thought I would never be able to have a baby. I am so proud each day that goes by and he is safe with me, so proud when he first learned how to count. All of his milestones are precious and the proudest moments of my life.
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family)? Stroller Strides!!!, apple strudel (from Costco), and I loooove clothes and shoes!!!
Tell us something about yourself that would suprise us or that makes you unique. Ah, maybe that I'm a worry freak!!!
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? That I have a big heart and care about people and that I'm the best wife =)
Omega Sports has generously donated $10 gift cards to further honor our Moms of the Month- visit them at North Hills, Crossroads or in Durham!
The Clark Family
Ann is a sweet, funny mom of an active 2 1/2 year old little boy and she is just a blast to hang out with! She always has an amusing motherhood anecdote and a smile to share with everyone close-by. Ann is a regular attender at Stroller Strides classes and Plum Moms Club playgroup activities and when I polled our Instructor team for nominations for this month's Mom of the Month- they all unanimously nominated Ann! We're all impressed by your efforts to get and stay fit, Ann, and we love having you around!
We asked Ann a few questions about herself and this is what she told us:
Hometown: So unfamiliar to all of you- Bulacan, Philippines
Education: BS in Nursing- Class of 1999
Stroller Strides Member since: June 2012
Members of your family: My loving hubby Kurt, our lil' man Kade, and my awesome stepson Zane
Current Career: Housewife and I'm loving it!
What was your childhood ambition? I really wanted to be a flight stewardess (flight attendant). That's what I tell anyone who asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up because on TV they always looked pretty with make-up and those fancy looking clothes (yayy!) and went to different places all over the world! Exciting!
What does motherhood mean to you? It is the bet thing that ever happened in my life (well, besides getting married to my wonderful husband).
What is the furthest you have been from home? Being here in the US for only 2 years. I still consider the Philippines my home so I'd say its the United States.
What has Stroller Strides done for you? Amazing things, are you kidding me?! You guys are awesome. Besides getting my body in shape and my son getting to socialize, it is a big help that I get to talk to all of the wonderful moms on just about everything about motherhood, raising a toddler, places to go, etc.
What is your favorite exercise? Anything dealing with my belly!
What is your proudest moment? I think it was when Kade was born. I had him at 30 when I thought I would never be able to have a baby. I am so proud each day that goes by and he is safe with me, so proud when he first learned how to count. All of his milestones are precious and the proudest moments of my life.
What are three of your favorite things (besides your family)? Stroller Strides!!!, apple strudel (from Costco), and I loooove clothes and shoes!!!
Tell us something about yourself that would suprise us or that makes you unique. Ah, maybe that I'm a worry freak!!!
If we asked your spouse what they think your best qualities are, what would they say? That I have a big heart and care about people and that I'm the best wife =)
Omega Sports has generously donated $10 gift cards to further honor our Moms of the Month- visit them at North Hills, Crossroads or in Durham!
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