Stroller Strides Richmond

February Mom of the Month

2011-01-30T22:13:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Jenn B (Aiden and Owen's mom). She is participating in Stroller Strides, Mother Runner, and Body Back! What an incredible committment she has to her health and wellness. Keep up the hard work, Jenn!

Learn a little more about Jenn:
1. I was born in Greensboro, NC and lived there until I was 5. I then moved to Connecticut and was there from first grade through grad school. From 2001-2007 my husband, Chris, and I lived in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Ormond Beach, FL, Simsbury, CT and Evans, GA. We moved here in the summer of 2007 and we love it here!

2. I went to the University of Connecticut for undergrad and grad school. My bachelors degree is in psychology with a minor in both neurobiology and human development and family relations. My masters is in marriage and family therapy.

3. I have 2 boys, Aiden who is 3 and Owen who is 8 months. They make me laugh and smile all day long! I love their spunky personalities and watching them learn things about the world around them- I love how amazed they are at the smallest things!

4. Chris and I married in 2001. I met Chris in 8th grade US History class and we've been together ever since. He went to Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA while I was at UConn but we managed to do the long distance thing pretty well. It truly helped stregthen our relationship and taught us how to balance partnership and independence.

5. Chris' parents were high school sweethearts and so were my paternal grandparents, so maybe it's in the genes......His parents and my Mom grew up together in the same town in Connecticut. His dad and my uncle were good friends in high school and his mom worked at my grandfather's grocery store when she was in high school. Supposedly, Chris and I met once when we were babies in strollers while my Mom was visitting from North Carolina, but I think that is more legend than fact....

6. I've always been involved in some form of sports or activities. I started figure skating when I was 3 and trained competatively until I was 15. I then started coaching when I was 16 and found my true passion was on this side of the sport. It also helped pay the bills through college. I also did crew (rowing) fall and spring all four years of high school and one season in college. I took up horse back riding (hunter-jumper event) in college; it was cheap as a student and I was able to use it toward my gym requirements too. In 2005, I started ballroom dancing. I loved it so much, I took an instructor training course and began teaching. I am looking forward to getting back into that one day! I have also played field hockey and did cheerleading.

7. Before staying home, I worked in the mental health field as a family therapist. I worked in communtiy mental health which mainly serves the underpriveged and the poorer members of our community. In my last position, I provided counseling to at risk youth and their families in 2 middle schools in rural South Carolina. Afternoons and evenings, I taught ballroom dancing. I'd love to one day combine therapy and dance.

8. My favorite TV show is Tosh.O. Even though it is crass and gross, I love it! My favorite movie is Wedding Crashers. I think my maturity level is regressing.....

9. I hate texting and facebook. I'm not a total tech phobe, I just think texting is intrusive and rude and I don't have time for facebook.

10. Even though I am not crazy about running, I have really enjoyed racing here in Richmond and doing the Mother Runner training teams with my friends. To keep myself going, I often put music I danced to or want to dance to on my IPod and choreograph in my head to keep my mind off the mileage ahead........ sorry if I bump into you :)

11. I am trying to get better about bringing my camera places and taking pictures. I definately have been slacking off since Owen was born and need to take more.

12. My grandmother was a classical pianist and supposedly taught me to play starting at 2 or 3 until we moved when I was 5. I don't remember any of it, although there are pictures of me playing. I would love to learn to play again. My great grandfather on the other side of the family also played piano in a jazz band that toured Canada in the 1920s. My great grandmother was a groupee :) I did play the flute in elementary and middle school but quit before high school becasue if you did band, you had to do marching band, which I was not interested in and it interferred with crew.

13. We have a 12 year old cat named Sadie. She was a rescue I got from a friend of mine in grad school. She is a prissy princess and is treated like royalty in our house. Aiden's first words were "Sayed" and "cat" and Owen already loves her and says "kuh kuh kuh" when he sees her.

14. I am the oldest of four- one sister 16 months younger than me and two half brothers 8 and 13 years younger than me. I don't know how my Mom dealt with teenagers and toddlers at the same time!

15. I love the beach and refuse to live in a state that does not have a coastline. I'd love to actually live on the beach one day.

16. I am a huge "Twilight" fan and can't remember how many times I have read the series. I am always open to discuss why Team Edward is better than Team Jacob.

17. I love sharks and watch 'Shark Week' all the time (I am such a dork). I love all animals except for spiders. They are gross and I'd rather have more bugs than more spiders. I am seriously afraid of them, so if you ever see one on me, get it off and then tell me about it. Done the opposite way will result in a serious freak out session.

18. We moved here when I was in my third trimester and didn't know anyone. I started Stroller Strides when Aiden was 6 months old. Needless to say, it was a very lonely start and I wish I had come to classes sooner! I met most of my closest friends through Stroller Strides and credit it for helping me get through that tough first year.

19. I love to travel, but due to us being in school so much, we never had much opportunity to do a lot. I have been to France, Ireland, and Alaska and would like to add to that list.

20. Chris is one of those naturally smart people you can't play trivia games with because he knows EVERYTHING! I love that we can talk about such a wide variety of subjects and I hope our boys have his natural curiousity to know and learn things.

21. I love having kids and loved working with them before I had my own. In high school and early college, I was a summer camp counselor. It was great to get paid to play games and run around outside. My favorite games were dodge ball and capture the flag, which I took very seriously!

22. I love to read but have not done a lot since having kids (except for "Twilight"). I have a HUGE stack on my bedside table and bookshelves to read. My favorite genre is historical fiction (and "Twilight" :).

23. Despite having to have an emergency c section the first time and not being a good VBAC candidate, I loved being pregnant and having my babies. I felt good and really enjoyed being preggo. I once joked to Chris that I would consider surrogacy for family members and very close friends; he rolled his eyes so apparently, his opinion on my pregnancies is a little different :)

24. We had just a few days to find a house and although I love our neighborhood and our house for the most part, there are some things I want to change. I love to talk about the architectural and design changes I want to do and my Mom and I have even drawn up plans for some things (she has a degree in residential architecture and art).

25. I always try to find a silver lining in everything and if I can't, I laugh at it :)

January Mom of the Month!

2010-12-30T20:38:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Dina B. (Cooper's Mom) for being picked as our January Mom of the Month! Dina is a true inspiration to all Stroller Stride moms. Keep up your hard work!

1. I grew up in central Virginia in a small town called Altavista which is located south of Lynchburg.
2. I went to a small college in South Carolina, Southern Wesleyan University and majored in Accounting & Business.
3. I had really big hair in college and a dark tan...my nickname was "Dark Dina". I was young & dumb about tanning!
4. I cheered from middle school through college and was a band geek also. I played the saxophone.
5. I realized after graduation the small town life was not for me and moved to Raleigh, NC which was my home for 14 years. I loved living in "ACC country" or "Tobacco Road"...as they call it. I still consider Raleigh home and keep in touch with old friends..thanks to Facebook!
6. I am a big football fan and met my husband, Eric, while tailgating for an NC State football game. When I first saw him, I thought, who is that redneck drinking Budweiser? He has now switched to BudLight. We are still Wolfpack fans and have had season tickets with 10 other old friends for over 10 years now.
7. While in Raleigh, I worked for the rival..UNC, as an Analyst for the UNC Healthcare System. I worked for the physician side of UNC Hospital in Radiology, Pediatrics and Managed Care. Our team of analysts helped reimburse money to the hospital from insurance companies. We also set those extremely high Physician fees everyone complains about!
8. Eric and I eloped in Maui and surprised most family and friends with a picture postcard of our wedding on the beach. I have never regretted not having the expensive stressful wedding...especially after hearing my friends say, " I can't wait until it's over". We sent the postcard snail mail...just wish Facebook was around then!!
9. Eric and I moved to Richmond in 2006 and had planned to only be here about 3 years...but the economy has kept us here and lucky to have a job!
10. Cooper is 18 months old and love him more every day! Eric's grandfather owned a tire store in SW Virginia and always talked about "Cooper Tires"...so, that is where the name came from.
11. I am a Cowboys fan and Eric is a Redskin fan. Enough said.
12. I am a huge Dave Matthews fan and have been in the "Warehouse" fan club since '99. I try to make at least one concert a year.
13. My mother taught piano and I played for about 7 years. I got a keyboard last year to try and refresh my memory.. but have not made time for it!
14. I have always belonged to a gym and enjoy working out. I would see the afternoon SS class warming up at the JCC and really thought my personal workouts would be harder. I was very wrong!
15. I am a creature of habit...and often did the same work out week after week.
16. If you haven't noticed the weight gain...what a great opportunity to announce I am 20 weeks pregnant and it's a girl!! (Please don't comment on FB since I have not told my parents yet!) Eric's brother has 3 girls...Cooper is so far the only grandson. I am hoping to pass down Cooper's outgrown clothes to my sister-in-law who is getting married one week after I deliver!!
17. I have never been comfortable in the water and could not properly swim laps and breathe side to side...until I took lessons as an adult. While working at UNC, I belonged to the UNC Wellness center and took group lessons from a brief reality star from "The Bachelor". If you are fans of the show, "Jenny" was the spy for the Bachelor, "Jessy Palmer"...the former Giants QB.
18. I have foot problems and hate wearing heels! I will spend my money on a good pair of Danskos. I started indoor cycling and quit trying to run years ago.
19. I am sort of a pack rat but after living in an old house with little storage...I am learning to let go!
20. I love to travel and plan trips. Eric and my friends always look to me to do all the research and plan the itinerary. I envy Samantha Brown on the Travel Channel!
21. I have an SLR camera and love taking pictures. One day I am going to learn how to use my PhotoShop program.
22. My parents are Disney fans and took us to the parks countless times. Eric is not a big fan...but I have already informed him we are taking Cooper more than once!
23. I enjoy red wine and have visited Napa & Sonoma.
24. I hate reality TV and wish there were more shows like "Lost" on TV.
25. I love Stroller Strides and all the new mommies I have met! I joined after my Pediatrician advised me to keep Cooper out of the JCC nursery during the flu season last year. Looking forward to bringing the new baby girl!

December Mom of the Month!

2010-11-29T23:07:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to one of our FANTASTIC instructors, Meghan White!

Our Mom of the Month has some hilarious tidbits to share!

1. I'm a closet Deadhead/ Widespread Panic fan/ Hippy
2. When I'm really tired on a run, I sing along with my IPOD…OUT LOUD!
3. I once (attempted to)played guitar and sang on stage in a Dublin pub…it was not pretty!
4. I grew up in the mountains of Roanoke, so I sometimes get "mountain sick" and have to drive home or at least to Charlottesville to get my mountain fix
5. My dad once tried to scare away one of my first dates with a real boy and arrow---the story was the talk of my high school. Needless to say…not many dates to follow!
6. I hate "Calliou"---I think he's a whiny wuss even though my husband and almost 3-year-old assure me "Calliou is a good boy".
7. I love my Irish heritage---there was actually a bagpiper at my wedding reception.
8. The first 2 times I trained to run a half-marathon, I got pregnant. Now when I mention training for anything, my husband gets really nervous.
9. I loooove to bake and cook---the problem is I eat everything I bake! If I try to give you baked goods, PLEASE take them off my hands!
10. I love a good cold glass of Chardonnay!
11. My favorite vacay spot in the world is Nantucket—I haven't been forever, but loooove it!
12. I studied classical violin from age 4 to 18, but I'm still terrified to perform in public.
13. I have a little sister, Lauren. We used to mistaken for twins when we were little.
14. I am NOT a morning person---but I fake it well!
15. My favorite comfort food is angel hair pasta with parmesean cheese, butter, and sage.
16. I love to garden/ have a garden to keep but I keep killing everything---I think it's a lost cause
17. Peter Pan was my imaginary friend for several years---my mother had to set his plate at the dinner table, strap him into an imaginary car seat, and check my drawers each night for his "shadow to mend".
18. I once stuck a paper clip in an electrical socket just to "see what would happen"----I was in my mom's classroom at school and it blew up, leaving a flaming post-it note as evidence. I was at least 11 and old enough to know better---I think I'm still supposed to be grounded!
19. I make up ridiculous songs for my kids when they're screaming in the car---at least it makes my husband and me laugh until we can stand the screaming!
20. I have 2 crazy yellow labs, Dixie and Eddie Lee. Dixie once ate an entire sheet of drywall and an old wooden fence. Marley has nothin' on my dogs!
21. I'm a not-so-secret "Gossip Girl" fan---I also love Top Chef, Grays Anatomy, and Flipping Out
22. I was an English/ Literature teacher in my pre-mommy life---My favorite book of all time is "Jane Eyre". I know, I'm a dork!
23. I'm a history nerd and would loooove to live in a REALLY old house and fix stuff all the time---my husband will kill me if I take on any more projects though, so I'll be content to teach the Church Hill class and live vicariously through my Church Hill ladies and their gorgeous old houses!
24. I have a TERRIBLE sense of direction and often get lost using my GPS.
25. My daughters are my biggest accomplishment. My biggest hope for them is that they grow up to be strong, confident, intelligent women. I love Stroller Strides because I think it's a fabulous example of how to do be the kind of woman I want them to be while fostering a nurturing and empowering sense of motherhood. Yay, Stroller Strides!

November Mom of the Month!

2010-10-28T22:02:00.002-04:00

Congrats to Aoife, our Stroller Strides November Mom of the Month! Aoife works very hard at Stroller Strides! Keep up the great work!

1. My Name is Aoife O'Sullivan. Here in the states most people think my name is very unusual, but its actually one of the most common Irish names and is in the top ten baby names for girls nearly every year. When I was in elementry school, there were four Aoife's in my class.
2. I married my husband Ciaran in May 2008 after eleven years together though we have know each other since we were about fourteen.
3. Ciaran proposed to me while snorkelling in the Maldives, very romantic until I realized he had the ring in the water and if it was lost I was not getting another one! I was impressed with his thoughtfullness as he hates snorkelling but knows I love it.
4. I moved from Dublin, Ireland to the states in March 2009. We were originally located in Northern Michigan in a beautiful lakeside town but moved to Richmond because of my Husband's job. While I loved Michigan and made great friends quickly I was happy to be out of there before winter set in as I hate the cold! We have lived in Glen Allen since August 2009.
5. My favorite thing about Virginia is the fact that the sun shines almost every day.
6. My son's full name is Ciaran Lenny O'Sullivan, we wanted to name him after his Dad but call him Lenny as we think its so cute.
7. Lenny arrived March 17th 2010 after a really great pregnancy and birth. He will always have a great birthday as its St Patricks day, something people always think we planned but it just worked out that way.

8. I think the person who invented the epidural deserves the Nobel peace prize!
9. Lenny just received his first passport this week. He is a US citizen as he was born here but also an Irish citizen because we were born there. This gives him the great advantage in life of being able to live and work in the US or Europe as an adult and not have to worry about dealing with visas or immigration lawyers which I know is a total nightmare!
10. My parents lived in New Hampshire for eight years but are now back in Ireland. I miss them every day but they visit often, and we go home for two weeks at Christmas so the time we do share is very special to me.

11. Lenny is the first grandchild in my family so sometimes I feel guilty that he doesn't see his grandparents and aunts and uncles more often, but our life here is worth the sacrifice. He has eight cousins on Ciarans side of the family so the are all looking forward to meeting him at Christmas time and he cant wait to meet them!
12. Every thing in my life now is totally different to how it was just a year and a half ago but I still feel like the same person on the inside.
13. I have a lot of friends who have not been so lucky as me to be able to have a baby without help and that makes me appreciate every day how lucky I am to have my son and never take these things for granted.
14. I joined Stroller Strides when Lenny was six weeks old. On my first day Kelly was the instructer, and Cathy was the only other person in the class. She's now my best friend in Richmond and I have never been to another class with only two people so maybe it was fate!!
15. Before Stroller Strides I hated to work out. I walked my dog every day and did yoga for several years but never liked to do too much jumping around! Now I love it and can't imagine not working out several times a week.
16. My dog is a seven year old Spaniel mix named Sky. She came from Ireland with us and it took her a while to acclimatise to the heat. She is great with Lenny and doesn't even seem to mind him pulling at her ears and tail, pinching her, climbing on her and generally being a nuscence!
17. I love a few glasses of wine or a few cocktails at the weekend!

18. I just got my new BOB a few weeks ago and love it, I still find it very amusing that I could be so passionate about a stroller but again that's just another example of how life changes after you have a baby!
19. I would like to have another baby in the next couple of years. I used to say that if it was another boy I'd go again for a girl, but now I think two would be enough for me to handle!!
20. After Christmas I am thinking of getting a part time job, in Ireland I worked in accounts but dont want to go back to that so I'm trying to think of something more interesting or fun to do. I will find it hard to leave Lenny but think it may be good for him to learn to socalize with other
kids without me there.
21. Every Monday I like to bake soda bread and oatmeal muffins. It lasts me the week and means there's always a healthy option in the fridge. I also like to make Lenny's baby food and am a little surprised how domesticated I have become since becoming a stay at home mom. I do however still hate to iron and tend to wait till there's nothing left to wear
before I can bring myself to do it.
22. I love gorey horror films and am looking forward to going with Ciaran to see Saw 3D, it may not sound romantic to most but we love having date night with a few drinks and a blood and guts movie!

23. I sometimes think I should learn more baby songs for Lenny's sake as I'm sure hes sick of my two staples of Old McDonald and Twinkle Twinkle.
24. I am hoping the weather stays nice for as long as possible as I love to be outside, especially for Stroller Strides.
25. All in all I love living here in Richmond with my little family, and Stroller Strides is a great part of my life. If I ever move back to Ireland my dream is to open the first International Stroller Strides franchise. Yes classes would be inside a lot more often, but I think there
are lots of Mommies there that would love the concept and the classes as much as I do.

October Mom of the Month!

2010-09-30T23:45:00.002-04:00

Congrats to Ellen M. (Trey's Mommy), our Stroller Strides October Mom of the Month! Ellen works very hard at Stroller Strides and she also is training for the Mother Runner Half Marathon! Keep up the great work Ellen!

Learn more about Ellen!

1. I was born and raised in Petersburg, VA.
2. I went to VCU so I could be close to my parents. I loved Richmond so much that I decided to stay here. My parents moved to Richmond 2 years ago and they live around the corner from us now.
3. I’m the youngest of 3 and the only girl. I have 2 boy first cousins that are both older than me. So you can only imagine how spoiled I was by my grandparents growing up being the youngest and the only girl.
4. My oldest brother and his family just moved within walking distance from us. I love having family close by.
5. I have 2 beautiful nieces, Alice and Sadie. Their mom is one of the most amazing women I’ve ever met and I’m so glad to finally have a sister.
6. I met my wonderful husband Tim through mutual friends in 1999. We dated for 8 years and then got married in December of 2007. He’s my best friend.
7. We had a huge traditional wedding with close to 500 guests. We had fireworks at our reception. It was an amazing day!
8. I have a very energetic 18 month old son named Trey and I couldn’t imagine life without him. He makes me smile every day.
9. Trey is named after my husband b/c I love family names. His full name is Timothy Richard Mallette III.
10. I would like to have 2 more kids. Preferably another boy and then a girl. If it was up to my husband we would stop at 2, especially if it’s a girl.
11. My birthday is on St. Patrick’s Day and my favorite color is green.
12. I love the beach!
13. I never go anywhere without my chapstick. My husband hates it, especially when I wear a dress b/c I always put it in his pocket.
14. He fills my stocking with my favorite chapstick every year.
15. I love reality TV.
16. I have 2 large dogs. Roxy is a very hyper yellow lab and Oreo is a laid back mixed breed. They are great with Trey and he loves them. They shed way too much and it drives me crazy.
17. I hate to vacuum.
18. I couldn’t ask for better in-laws. They are awesome grandparents to my son. Trey lights up when he sees them. They have a crib at their house and Trey spends the night with them often.
19. I love date nights.
20. I like reading blogs. I’ve always wanted to start one, but I don’t think my life is interesting enough.
21. I hated running until I joined Rachel’s running program in Dec of 09 and trained for the 10k.
22. My goal was to finish the 10k without walking and I did it in a little over an hour.
23. Now I’m training for the half marathon in November. Something that I NEVER thought that I would ever do.
24. I love my running buddies! They’ve been amazing through this entire journey.
25. I joined Stroller Strides in the fall of 2009 and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve met some great women and working out has helped me get back into some of my pre-pregnancy clothes.

September Mom of the Month!

2010-08-31T08:59:00.002-04:00

Brooke has worked extremely hard over the last couple of months at Stroller Strides. She also gives you a sneak peak at what can be accomplished in our newest results based class called BODY BACK that will begin this FALL. Way to go Brooke!

Brooke's 25 Things:
1. I was born December 29, 1979 in Richmond Virginia

2. I have never lived anywhere other than Richmond... yes even college!

3. I have two beautiful, smart, loving and funny girls. Ava Elizabeth will be four in November and Lucy Anne just turned one this past May.

4. I met my husband David through mutual friends in 2003.

5. David and I got married September 24, 2005 and my father offered him money to change his last name instead of me changing mine... HAHA

6. I do not want anymore children. Although I love love love children I was just so sick with both pregnancies.

7. I am ADD... a lot of y'all probably know that

8. I think that I am funny which is annoying.

9. I love projects

10. I hate painting because I think that it is mind numbing

11. I have an older brother named Matt Gunn. He is VP of Classic Kitchens of Virginia.

12. I love the colors pink and green

13. I worked at The Pink Palm (the Lilly store) for about 5 years. Then for the family business, CKV until I had Ava.

14. I think that I am preppy... No wait! Really Preppy.

15. My husband was not preppy at all until he met me. He never owned a pair of kaki pants until we were married. Seriously honey you live in Richmond!!! Well he did grow up in Lynchburg.

16. I was a cheerleader and got to travel all over for competitions.

17. I played softball FOREVER and made the All - Star team for TLL and got to travel a bit with that.

18. I like to play tennis.

19. I hate being late because I like to be in the know.

20. I have a little dog named Layla. She is just as hipper as me and my husband LOVES it... well no. When I got her and brought her home my husband said "Well, Brooke what is it?"

21. When we found out I was pregnant with Ava my husband looked and me and said and I quote "Well congratulations." Then I said "Thanks hon I did it all by myself." SILLY SILLY men... Gotta love them!

22. I joined Stroller Strides in the fall of 2009. I thought that it was a joke until I went to the first class. The next morning David had to pull me out of the bed by my feet!!

23. When my husband says "No" he really means "Yes"... In my head!

24. I love my life!!

25. I am thankful everyday for my family, my friends and my life. I am living my dream!!

August Mom of the Month!

2010-07-30T13:57:00.003-04:00

Congratulations Alyssa (Jack's Mom) for being selected as our August Mom of The Month!

Alyssa has worked extremely hard over the last couple of months at Stroller Strides. She also gives you a sneak peak at what can be accomplished in our newest results based class called BODY BACK that will begin this FALL. Way to go Alyssa!
1. I lived in northeastern PA, on the banks of the Delaware River, most of my life. It was small town living (we only had one traffic light) but it was a wonderful way to grow up. We ran around barefoot and the woods and river that surrounded our house were our playground. We were allowed to roam anywhere within shouting distance. We didn't have friends down the street to play with, just our cousins who lived next door, but there was always fun to be had.
2. I had such an overactive imagination as a kid. Since we lived in such a rural area, we didn't have a lot of distractions, so we were always making up our own games and activities. One summer (after reading one too many Nancy Drew books) I was convinced that my neighbor was a criminal. With absolutely zero proof and no clue as to what crime he may have committed (my guess was murder) I spent weeks spying on him. Finally I realized that outside of playing his music too loudly and being a very poor housekeeper, he probably hadn't done anything wrong and gave up. But I attribute a lot of my creative ability to the daily workout my imagination received growing up.
3. Just before I was two, my mom let me begin ballet class. I didn't stop dancing until my sophomore year in college. I was also the captain of the football and basketball cheer teams in high school. We had a strict coach who had us throw basket tosses in the cafeteria until the flyer could touch the ceiling. I ended this tradition my junior year when I broke my wrist during the stunt. One day I hope to coach a cheerleading team, though I wouldn't be quite as strict as my coach!
4. I went to college intending on getting my degree in business and then going on to receive my masters in design. I quickly realized that business was not for me. Because it was too late to apply to art school, I spent the second semester of my college career doing an internship at Walt Disney World.
5. I still have friends at Disney. My best guy friend, Christopher, stars in the Muppet Show and makes appearances as Goofy at MGM. Jack will makes his first visit to Disney this month!
6. When I did finally apply to art school, I was accepted to both FIT in New York, and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Georgia. Although I had always thought I would go to FIT, something in my gut told me otherwise. I accepted SCAD's offer without having ever visited the college. I never looked back.
7. I graduated from SCAD with my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design in 2006. The day after graduation, I flew to Costa Rica where I spent the next two months as the resident designer for Punta Dominical, a vacation home developer. I designed 33 vacation villas during my stay, most of which were purchased by the guys who created Crocs.
8. Some of my lifelong goals are to write a book that gets published, learn to play the piano, and become a fitness instructor.
9. I have always loved kids. I started nannying in the summers full time the year I turned twelve. I only made about ten dollars a day. I continued babysitting and nannying until my early twenties. I have worked as a live-in nanny and a traveling nanny. I am still close with many of the families I worked with.
10. My first real job in the design world was with DC-based luxury hospitality designer ForrestPerkins. I had initially declined their offers to interview, but after months of persistence, I agreed to meet with them. It was a true lesson in following your instincts- I knew the job wasn't the right fit as soon as I started. I stuck it out for almost two years before making a change.
11. In 2008, I took on the role of Visual Manager for the Rockville Anthropologie store. I would later move to the Richmond location in 2009, just before having Jack. Anthropologie was like a fairyland for me. It provided me a creative outlet like I had never felt before. I love being a mom to Jack, but I still miss my job.
12. Matt and I met in 2007, dated for a few months, and broke up because of the distance. (He lived in Richmond, and I lived in DC.) We stayed friends and he would occasionally take me to dinner when he was in DC or call me to see how I was doing. In 2008, after suffering a cardiac event, he reconnected with me and we began dating again. We accidentally became pregnant, but it turned out to be the most amazing experience of either of our lives.
13. Jack arrived at 7:03 pm on February 28, 2009. I never knew how much I could love until I saw him. The nurses dubbed him 'Jack Frost' as we went into the hospital on a warmer winter day, but by the time Jack arrived the snow had begun. It snowed heavily throughout my hospital stay. One of my favorite memories in those first days was snuggling in my room with Jack, watching the snow fall outside.
14. Since Matt and I got married two weeks before Jack was born, I never had a proper engagement ring (my fingers were too swollen to get it fitted properly.) Matt and I had looked at rings, but he had orchestrated an elaborate story with the help of fellow Stroller Strider Robin to throw me off. So, for Christmas this past year, when Matt handed me the box for a tacky cat ornament I was confused. Inside was a long ribbon and at the end-my sparkly ring.
15. My great grandparents owned a very successful hotel called Peggy Runway Lodge in my hometown. It opened it's doors in 1929 and was sold in the late seventies. In the early eighties, the new owners burnt it down in an attempt to commit tax fraud. I have a chair, painted in the original robins egg blue my great grandparents had chosen, that was salvaged from the fire. It is one of my most cherished possessions. The shuffle board courts and a few of the satellite buildings still stand on the banks of the Delaware today.
16. When I joined Stroller Strides, I never anticipated what a journey it would take me on. I had gained a lot of weight during my pregnancy and hadn't worked out in months. What started out as a way to get out of the house and meet other moms turned into a fitness obsession! I am in the best shape of my life and loving it! My favorite thing about SS is achieving my goals and watching other moms achieve their goals. It's such an adrenaline rush!
17. Although I am not a professionally trained graphic designer, I do freelance graphic design work from my home office. My favorite project so far was a custom wedding invitation suite I designed using an antique letter as inspiration. The invite was hand painted with gold ink after it was printed.
18. My husband owns a very successful contracting company called Pioneer Painting. He started out as a one man show and now operates a team of ten during the busy season. He constantly impresses me with his business know-how, but one of my favorite things about him is his willingness to give back- no matter how busy, he is the first to offer his services free of charge to local schools or the elderly.
19. When I was twelve, I briefly sang with a regional opera company.
20. My first word (besides 'Mama' and 'Dada') was 'flower'. Jack's first word happened recently, when I asked another child "What is your name?" and Jack replied "Jack!".
21. My little brother is my biggest hero. He serves with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in the Army. He is currently overseas in Afghanistan. Becoming a Ranger is tough and being one is tougher, which is why it is a volunteer regiment. My brother knew this going in and still volunteered. He was only one of ten who made it into and then through the Ranger Initiation Program last fall. Whenever something feels tough, I think about him and it always pulls me through.
22. Both my mom and dad come from big families. I have 22 aunts and uncles. Family events are chaotic and loud! I think this is why when I throw a party I can never reign in my guest list. I love a crowd and the cozy feeling it creates to have so many people in your house.
23. My mom and I are the same person in two bodies. She has always been my best friend. My sister and I are opposites, but also best friends!
24. My dad used to work as the manager for a prominent foundry that would cast sculpture for artists. There are famous sculptures in almost any city you visit that my dad has helped bring to fruition. One of his coolest clients- he worked with Yoko Ono to cast John Lennon's glasses.
25. I am an eternal optimist. My mottos are 'it always works out' and 'everything happens for a reason'. Sometimes it takes a little hard work and a whole lot of faith, but in the end these words have never failed me!

July Mom of the Month!

2010-06-28T22:04:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Michela (Jordan's mom) for being selected as our July Mom of the Month. Michela has been working extremely hard at Stroller Strides classes and it shows! She has lost weight and inches and gained endurance, energy, and confidence. We are so proud of your hard work, Michela. Keep it up!
1. I grew up in McLean, VA and graduated from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, in 1991. This is only important because my best friend Jason, who I met at Hopkins introduced me to his best friend from high school, Brian, who is now my husband. I kept complaining that there weren’t enough tall men to date. It took him 5 years to finally introduce us at his New Year’s Party in 1996. Brian was visiting from Boston and is 6’9”. Brian ended up inviting me to Maui for our second date for Valentine’s Day. Not a bad start!
2. After I graduated from college there were not a lot of jobs to be had, so I ended up working my way up to manager in a Mexican restaurant called Rio Grande Café, where I learned to make some great margaritas!
3. After a few years of that I realized that I didn’t really like running around a restaurant like a crazy person for 60 hours a week. So I managed to get a few jobs that were more in my field of environmental science.
4. I was working at the EPA for a small contracting firm in 1996, when there was a 2 month government shutdown. When this happened, I lost all of my vacation and basically didn’t get paid for 2 months. This happened right around the time I met Brian and he invited me to Maui. My boss almost didn’t let me go because of the lack of vacation time. I managed to talk her into it, but it started me thinking about getting another job where I actually would have some vacation for once.
5. I happened to be going to school again for my Masters in something else and discovered the maritime academies. At this point I gave my parents a heart attack. I quit my job, rented out my condo and moved to Massachusetts to go to Mass Maritime to get yet another Bachelors, but more importantly my Merchant Marine License. This gives me the ability to drive big ships like the ones you see coming and going down in Norfolk.
6. My first ship was quite an adventure. I got to fly out to Diego Garcia, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and join the ship. From there we took the ship to Singapore to have the hull cleaned, and I got to shop!
7. We then turned around and headed to Sunny Point, North Carolina. MSC changed their minds at the last minute while we were docking and decided they wanted the ship facing the other direction at the dock. We had to turn this 1000 foot long ship around in a very tight basin on the fly. It didn’t go very well, since we hit both a buoy and a container crane on the dock as we turned. The crane actually lifted off the track about 3 feet! That was not a good last day for the Captain I can tell you.
8. After we discharged all of the cargo we took the ship the yard in Charleston, SC. We didn’t stay long since the port kicked all the ships out because of the approach of Hurricane Floyd. We were out in that nightmare for about 3 days. I could see the ship twisting in the heavy seas. Luckily, since I was the lowly 3rd mate, I had the smallest room with little in it. The 1st Enginneer’s office next door to mine was reduced to splinters and the Captain’s bed collapsed out from under him among other things.
9. One thing about that voyage that sticks with me is that as we were coming back into port it was an amazingly calm and clear evening. As we sailed through the Gulf Stream the ship caused the phosphorescent algae to glow as we passed through. Suddenly I heard splashing and caught a glimpse of dolphins playing in the bow wake, leaving behind long green streaks of glowing algae behind them. It was truly amazing and beautiful!
10. Since the ship got pretty beat up in the hurricane, we ended up staying in the yard in Charleston for much longer than was originally planned. Lucky me! I got to explore Charleston for a whole month! What a great city! Brian even got to come down and visit me for Labor Day weekend. We loved it so much, it was where we chose to get married a few years ago.
11. That brings me to another funny story. We had our wedding in a garden, so needless to say we were praying for good weather for the weekend. We heard an old wives tale that if you bury a bottle of bourbon in the city where you are getting married, you will have good weather. The owner of the Palmer Home B&B was nice enough to let us bury it in her garden when we stayed there to get our marriage license. We dug it up on the morning of our wedding along with another couple who happened to be getting married at the Palmer Home that day. Darn it if it didn’t work! All day the weather report wasn’t great for the evening. While we were getting our hair done, the hair dressers were saying to my bride’s maids “You are in such trouble!” Luckily they didn’t say it to me! Anyway, the weather was great all evening right up until midnight when all of a sudden the wind picked up and all hell broke loose. Soon it was blowing 60 knots! That bottle of bourbon really worked!
12. I can tell you wild shipping stories ‘til the cows come home but I will resist – Ha! Ha! I do have to recommend shopping at the Gold Souk in Dubai if you ever have the chance. It is at least 5 full blocks of gold shop after gold shop, some of which you can’t even see in the window because they have so much gold hanging there. There you buy gold jewelry for the price of gold, which is fixed by the market, and then you get to haggle over the manufacture charge. It is great fun! My family had a gold Christmas that year!
13. I must talk a little bit about my last shipping job before I had Jordan, my daughter, since she was such an integral part of the trip. I found out I was pregnant 2 days before I was supposed to fly out to Salalah, Oman, for my first Chief Mate’s job aboard the Maersk Arizona.
14. I had promised to relieve the permanent chief mate several months before while working aboard the Maersk Alabama (yes the one that was high jacked by pirates!). I took the job, not knowing that I was pregnant. I then got the go ahead by my Ob-Gyn, which was good, since it would have been difficult to back out at the last minute.
15. I have to say, that was the hardest thing I have ever done. Since it was my first trimester, I was tired all the time. This doesn’t mix well with being a Chief Mate, a job that requires you to work at all hours sometimes up to 20 hours a day. I just kept repeating the mantra “super baby” to keep myself going. I couldn’t let anyone know I was pregnant either. Luckily I didn’t show much.
16. When I got home, after an exhausting 81 days, I had my first ultrasound to make sure Jordan was doing fine. I was a little nervous to say the least, but everything was just dandy.
17. At this point I changed to a midwife to assist with Jordan’s birth. It took me a few weeks to convince Brian that this was the way to go, but we were both happy with the decision in the end.
18. Some of the best advice my midwife gave me was to ignore labor for as long as possible. I did! I had been told that labor might take as long as 48 hours. Well for me, it went much faster than that. I guess labor started around noon on a Saturday, but I didn’t realize what it was until around 1 in the morning on Sunday. Jordan was here at 9:15 am. Can’t get much better than that. The birth pool certainly helped too!
19. Jordan was born in a pool and is an Aquarius. She already loves the water and was blowing bubbles in the pool at 16 Months. I am really hoping that she gets into swimming like I used to. She is really going to have a height advantage! It will be great fun taking her to meets and swimming practice. Fair is fair, since my parents did it for me.
20. Jordan was born in our Church Hill home that I have renovated over the last 10 years. My brother Sam, sister-in-law Mel and my nephew Little Sam are my neighbors. The latter 2 you may have met at Stroller Strides. Sometimes I bring Little Sam (AKA “Fiver”) with me to class.
21. I moved to Church Hill because they throw great parties here. It also reminds me of being on a ship. Everyone knows everyone else’s business. Now it’s even better since we have a Stroller Strides class here too!
22. Purple is my favorite color. You should see my kitchen!
23. My husband works in Bethesda, MD during the week so I get to play single mom during the week. Quite a challenge!
24. I love to knit. I have 5 projects going at once, but since most of them are for Jordan now at least they are small.
25. I help out with Border Collie rescue periodically and have 2 Border Collies of our own. Rembrandt loves to herd Jordan and Rigel loves to clean up her snacks.

June Mom of the Month!

2010-05-30T22:47:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to AUTUMN (Liam and Brennan's mom) for being selected as our June Mom of the Month! Autumn has participated in Stroller Strides for over 20 months. She always shows up to class with a huge smile on her face and gives 100%! Keep up the hard work, Autumn!

25 things about Autumn:

1) My grandmother named me. She said I was born about the time the leaves started changing colors.
2) Liam, 4, and Brennan, 2, are my greatest accomplishments! It constantly amazes me that these two little people who can make my heart swell with such joy and pride and love can also make my head feel like it’s going to explode with frustration.
3) I’m from the Farmville area, and I say “area” because I went to school there, but I had to drive 30 minutes one way to get there. We lived in Green Bay, which is a tiny “town” just off highway 360, and you literally have to cross two wooden bridges to get to my house.
4) My husband, Jason, is also from Farmville, but we went to different schools and didn’t know each other growing up. Mutual friends introduced us during the summer of 1998. I always feel weird saying this, but I knew I liked him before we even met; I just had this feeling. We started dating 2 weeks after we met and have been together ever since.
5) Jason and I moved to Wilmington, DE after he graduated from law school for his career. We lived there for 3 years before moving back to Richmond to be closer to our families.
6) I earned a degree in English from JMU. I changed my major way too many times, and somehow ended up there. It all worked out though … I had a couple of jobs here in Richmond before finding my way into marketing and then outside sales for a company that manufactures polypropylene films in Delaware. And I worked in account management for a direct marketing agency after we moved back to Richmond for 2 years before deciding to stay home with my beautiful baby boy, Liam.
7) I am extremely competitive, almost to a fault … in sports, card games, board games, Stroller Strides relays, anything really.
8) I played softball in high school. I was an on-again, off-again exerciser all through college and post-college. It wasn’t until I started doing Stroller Strides in the fall of 2008 that I made a true lifelong commitment to fitness. I am in the best shape of my life, and it feels awesome.
9) I exercise to feel good, both physically and emotionally, and to offset my big appetite … I love food, I love wine and beer, and I hate to diet … as soon as I start thinking about counting calories or cutting out certain foods, eating is all I can think about.
10) While living in Delaware, following an elective surgery, I developed a blood clot in my right leg and one in my lung and learned that I have a clotting disorder, Factor V Leiden. The experience, while very scary and very painful, was a blessing in disguise. Had I not developed the clots, I wouldn’t have found the clotting disorder, and then I would not have been able to take the necessary precautionary steps during my pregnancies to prevent miscarriage or worse.
11) My pregnancies were considered “high risk” because of my clotting history, and I had to give myself a shot of blood thinners daily throughout my pregnancies, but the bright-side to it was after 20 weeks, I had to have ultrasounds every 4 weeks to make sure my little peanuts were developing as they should, and getting to peak in on them frequently was pretty great. Also, I was induced 2 weeks early with both Liam and Brennan because my labor and deliveries needed to be monitored very closely. I missed out on the “going into labor” experience, but I’m a planner so I didn’t really mind. And there really wasn’t a choice in the matter.
12) Aside from being “high risk”, I liked being pregnant. I gained 20 lbs with Liam and 22 lbs with Brennan. And my labor and delivery experiences were easy and pleasant. I did not work out on any kind of regular basis with either pregnancy, and will be very interested to see how incorporating fitness into the equation will be, if we decide to have a 3rd (btw, the jury is still out on that).
13) I started running last fall with my husband – our good friends were organizing a charity run within a 10K for their 6-year old cousin who was battling brain cancer (btw, she is still battling like a trooper and celebrated her 7th birthday last month). I asked Rachel for help, since neither of us had ever run before, and she put together a run schedule for us. We followed it to the tee and finished our first 10K, in the hilly Shenandoah Valley, in 59 minutes. We liked running, and running together, so much that we decided to sign up for the SunTrust 8K the next month, and we did that in 48 minutes (I actually finished in the top 50 for my age group). We ran our 3rd race in March, an 8K in Virginia Beach, and finished in 45 minutes. I am running the Run Like a Girl 8K this weekend without Jason, so we’ll see how that works out. We make a great team, because I struggle the first 2 miles and then find my groove, while he starts out strong and then looks to me for motivation. I have found I prefer trying to run faster rather than running farther – not sure any 10 milers or half marathons are in my future.
14) We live in Westover Hills, in the City, just south of the River. We just bought a new house, about a mile away in the same neighborhood. We are putting an addition on the house before we move in, which will hopefully be mid-October.
15) I love sports, watching and playing. NFL is a way of life around our house on Sundays during football season – go Cowboys!
16) I have become as obsessed with superheroes as Liam has.
17) If truth be told, I really wanted only boys, because teenage girls scare me, but I got Brennan, and I couldn’t love her more. And if we have a 3rd, I really hope that it’s a girl, because there is no bond comparable to that of sisters.
18) Hard-core, pee-in-your-pants, uncontrollable belly laughter in my favorite sound in the world … anyone’s will do, but I am particularly fond of Jason’s, Liam’s and Brennan’s
19) I have one sister, Amber, and she’s three years younger than me. She might be my little sister but she is my biggest hero.
20) I am very thankful for our good friend, Matt Lake, who owns Wine and Beer Westpark … he is awesome at hooking his customers up with very tasty wine for a very reasonable price – everyone should check him out!
21) I am always that girl with a camera. I love taking pictures and filling album after album with memories … I always envision myself as an old woman sitting on a front porch in a rocking chair looking at the pictures, thinking back and smiling.
22) William “Liam” Riordon was going to be named “William Robert” after his two grandpas, but we opted for Riordon (a random name we found in a baby book) after hearing too many “Billy Bob” jokes.
23) Brennan Paige is a third generation “Paige”
24) I fell in love with sailing last year when we went with two other couples in the British Virgin Islands. I cannot wait to go back one day, hopefully soon!
25) We have two big dogs, Bo & Luke. They are the sweet, good dogs, but they drive me crazy with their year-round shedding. They don’t understand why two little people usurped them, but are incredibly nice to them anyway.

May Mom of the Month!

2010-04-29T07:59:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to JANET (Jeffrey's mom) for being selected as our May Mom of the Month! While Janet has only being participating in Stroller Strides for 4 months, in that time she has lost 10% of her body weight! Way to go, Janet! Keep up the hard work and continue to inspire moms everywhere!Here are 25 things about Janet...

1. I am originally from Illinois but moved to VA when I was 6. Even though I have lived in Charlottesville since I was 8, I still get asked if I am from the Midwest due to my “accent”. My baby sister, on the other hand, has a true southern accent.
2. I have 3 sisters. My older sister is 7 years older, and my baby sister is 2 years younger. I have a twin sister.
3. We are fraternal twins in every way. We don’t look or act anything alike. There were some kids in high school that had no idea we were related, even though we had gone to school with them since elementary school.
4. I am a carbon copy of my older sister. We just visited her beautiful family in Florida this month where my husband had a case of mistaken identity. He gave her a “love pat” on her behind because he thought it was me!
5. All of our names start with the letter “J”: Jennifer, Jackie, Janet and Joyce. My mom swears she didn’t mean to do that! Jennifer married John, and have two sons, Joseph and Jack
6. I had a lot of pressure when naming Jeffrey. He is named after my husband’s late brother, Jeff. Since it was a “J” name, it seemed to be the perfect name. When the time comes, we are not sure if we will name the next baby with a “J’.
7. Speaking of my husband, he is my soul mate. He makes me feel so loved and beautiful every day. We got married in November of 2008.
8. I met my husband, Guy, at work. He was my boss. I truly enjoyed working for him and would work for him again in a heartbeat.
9. I went to Mary Washington College as an undergrad and Duke University for grad school. I think I had the best of both worlds; a small, intimate college experience and a larger, university experience.
10. Some of my favorite memories of Duke were centered on basketball. You cannot go to Duke and not enjoy basketball. However, the process to get tickets to the games is insane. For graduate school, you have to camp out in a parking lot for the entire weekend. Most people rented U-hauls to sleep in. Whenever the whistle blew, you had to check in. The goal was to not get caught in the bathroom or be passed out (you can only imagine what people did to pass the time)! At the end of the weekend, everyone who made all the check-ins got put into a raffle to get a season pass. You did not necessarily when tickets, just the chance at tickets.
11. I’m THRILLED Duke won the National Championship this year!!!!
12. I studied to become a Pathologists’ Assistant. I examined all tissues that come from the OR for disease, specifically cancer. On cancer resections, I would assess the tumor for type, margins (if surgeon removed all of it) and for the presence of lymph nodes. What I did helps determine the stage of the cancer and whether or not the patient would need chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
13. My job was physically demanding, dangerous, but very rewarding. I once put a scalpel blade through my thumb because a uterine tumor rolled while I was cutting it!
14. I also trained to do medical autopsies. I do not like to them because of my size. I am only 5’2” and found it difficult to work on people twice my size. One of my favorite parts of my job was doing the fetal pathology and autopsies. I knew that I had a very important duty to try and find an answer for the grieving parents. As sad as the cases where, the information derived from them could potentially affect future pregnancies or their current children. However, I had to stop doing those once I became pregnant (I was constintly terrified something would go wrong in my pregnancy).
15. I feel blessed and lucky to be able to stay at home with my son. I do miss work a bit, but I wouldn’t give up being a SAHM for anything.
16. 2007 was a really bad year for me. That January, I came home to find that over 250 gallons of heating oil had been dumped into my basement. The deliveryman was supposed to deliver the oil to my next-door neighbor. Instead, he found a pipe that led into my basement. It flooded the entire basement and everything in it.
17. I spent the next 4 months living in various hotel rooms. This was a very depressing time for me. The basement had to be gutted. When I finally was able to return home, the house began to make me very sick.
18. I suffered severe migraines from the residual oil fumes. These headaches left me sick for 3 days at a time. At the height of them, I had 2 migraines a week. I even had 2 ocular migraines that caused me to lose my vision for 2 days. I was told many times by the oil company that the house was clean. At the insistence of my attorney’s they finally tested the basement, which showed residual oil under the concert slab. When they tore up the slab, there were pools of oil present. They had to remove 6 feet of dirt from the basement to get clean oil samples. I was afraid my house was going to cave in.
19. During that time, I had to spend another 2 months in a hotel room. It took almost 3 years to finally settle with the oil company. They never did admit fault. Thankfully, I was able to sell that home and move on with my life. We settled on Jeffrey’s due date!
20. I love my dog. His name is Cameron (after Duke’s basketball stadium) and is a white labradoodle. He doesn’t shed and is very smart and loving. I have taught him how to whisper, bow, and ring a bell when he wants to go outside. He is very good with Jeffrey.
21. I LOVED being pregnant. I think it was all the hormones, but I had someone tell me that I was the happiest pregnant person they have ever known. If I could be 5ish months pregnant at all times, I would be!
22. I put on an astonishing 47lbs (can’t believe I admitted to that) while pregnant. And what is worse, over half of those pounds were put on the last two months. I still don’t know why I gained so much weight at the very end. I was careful with what I ate; I just don’t think I was paying enough attention to how much I was eating!!
23. I was in labor for almost 40 hours. I wanted a natural birth because I was terrified of having a c-section. Unfortunately, Jeffrey just couldn’t make his way out so I got a c-section anyways. I would do it again in a second because Jeffrey is the world greatest little boy. I love him dearly and can’t imagine my life without his smile.
24. I have lost over 10% of my body weight since joining Stroller Strides. I still have a good 6 lbs to go before I return to my pre-pregnancy weight, but I know that I can do that if I keep coming to class.
25. I am so grateful to Stroller Strides for helping me feel like my old self again. It is amazing what pregnancy can do to a body; the support I have found at Stroller Strides is just priceless. Not to mention, it makes me strong enough to lift that darn infant carrier!

April Mom of the Month!

2010-03-31T14:07:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to COURTNEY H (Will and Hadley's mom) for being selected as our April Mom of the Month! Courtney has been a Stroller Strides member for OVER TWO YEARS! During this time she has watched her son grow up, continued to exericse throughout her second pregnancy, and delivered a gorgeous baby girl. She attributes Stroller Strides for helping her over come post-partum depression and lose the baby weight! Keep up your hard work Courtney!

Here are 25 things about Courtney....

1. I was born in Texas, but moved to Richmond when I was 8 1/2. I call myself a Texan, but consider Richmond home. I lived in Northern VA for 6 years after grad school and don't miss it a bit!
2. My mom and step-dad were high school and college sweethearts and were reunited at their 20th high school reunion. They have been married for almost 25 years. We now live around the corner from my parents in the neighborhood I grew up in. It's fantastic, and my husband would agree!
3. I have a sister, a stepsister, and a stepbrother. I consider my "steps" my real sister and brother. I like being 1 of 4, especially as adults. Holidays are the best!
4. I don't think I could have 4 kids...2 is nice number and much less expensive
5. Speaking of money, I am the one in our family who does all the money stuff. I like to have control!
6. I went to Virginia Tech and graduated with a degree in history. I am still trying to figure out what to with that.
7. I met my husband, Brian, at Tech while we were studying. We started dating in 1996, had 2 years off, and then married in 2003. I knew I was going to marry him the first weekend we hung out.
8. Brian is the most outgoing person I have ever met. I have always admired that quality in him. I am a closet introvert. You might not know it, but I am shy around new people and new situations.
9. He is also very funny....which is handy during a fight! It breaks the tension!
10. I worked as an IT recruiter for a year and half, and then went to VCU for my master's in teaching.
11. I have 2 children-Will, who is 2 1/2, and Hadley, who is 3 months. They are the one of the best things that ever happened to me and make me laugh and smile daily!
12. I suffered terrible Post Partum Depression after having Will. It was a very rough 4 months with a crying baby who never slept and was a difficult nurser. I swore I would never have any more children. You can see from #11 it didn't quite work out that way.
13. I credit Stroller Strides for helping me overcome my PPD. I exercised, had more energy, met some of my closest friends there, got in shape and lost weight, and started running.
14. Someday, I'd like to have a job or volunteer to help women who suffer from PPD. People don't talk about it enough.
15. I run, but I don't really like it. I run mostly for the social aspect of it. I love running with friends and chatting about everything and anything. I call my Saturday running group, my therapy group. It's my "me" time.
16. It's also a great opportunity to to get away. I went to Charleston last year with 3 other friends to run the Bridge Run. We decided to do another girls trip this year since it was so much fun!
17. I only run races, so I have a goal to work towards and to keep me on track with my running during the week.
18. I started running when I was a teacher in Fairfax Cty. I ran about 15-20 miles a week with another teacher and our school's PE teacher, who also happened to be a Nike sponsored runner and competed in the Olympic Trials. It was a great stress reliever.
19. My running goal this year is to run the Richmond 1/2 marathon in November. I have never run more than 10 miles.
20. Running and Stroller Strides, helped me have a great 2nd pregnancy with Hadley! I ran until I was 22 weeks, only gained 17 lbs, walked around Target until I was 7 cm dilated (I didn't think I was in labor..oops), only had to push 4 times for a total of 2 minutes, and she weighed almost a pound more than Will. The OB even asked me what kind of exercise I did after my delivery.
21. I am a big procrastinator, and I like to be organized. Organizing my house is how I procrastinate from doing things I need to do like laundry and writing thank you notes.
22. I taught 3rd grade in a gifted and talented center in Fairfax for 5 years. I loved teaching GT students. They were so smart and interested in everything and made teaching fun.
23. I love to eat, also another reason why I do Stroller Strides and run. My husband and I love to try new restaurants in town. Mamma Zu's is one of my favorites and I love to eat potatoes, in any shape or form, and hor d'oeuvres (I can get a little of everything that way).
24. I love to travel as well. My favorite place is anywhere with white sand, clear blue water, a good book or magazine, and a cold beer!
25. Will is my active little peanut and Hadley is my easy going baby! She makes me want to have more kids, and he keeps me on my toes. It's been so fun to watch them grow and develop their own little personalities.

March Mom of the Month!

2010-02-26T00:04:00.000-05:00

We are excited to announce Sara S. (Henry's mom) as our March Mom of the Month! Sara has been a Stroller Strides member for 8 months and continues to see improvements in her strength and endurance. She is also participating in the Run Like a Mother 10k training team. Congrats Sara!! 1. I have a beautiful 10-month-old son named Henry who amazes me every day. He crawls, stands and says “mama”. Melts my heart every time I hear it.
2. My husband and I did not know what we were having until Henry was born and I will definitely do that again. It was so exciting to hear “it’s a boy!”. It would be nice to hear next time “it’s a girl!”… we’ll see.
3. My husband, Greg, and I have been married for 2 years. His office is our 3rd bedroom so I see him a lot. We never get tired of each other.
4. I wore the wedding dress my mom wore at her wedding 40 years earlier. Both my sisters wore it for their weddings too. Needless to say, it’s had a few alterations.
5. For our honeymoon we spent 3 weeks driving from San Diego to San Francisco with a detour to Napa. My favorite day was Disneyland. We were there from open to close.
6. In 2008 I capitalized on my passion for organizing and started my own business. I also worked for an organizing company called Space Matters. My motto is “everything has a place”… yup, my house is pretty buttoned up.
7. One day when Henry (and hopefully his brothers and/or sisters) are older I’d like to start my business up again. In the meantime, I’m happy to give consultations and advice on organizing. I love organizing and want others to know the benefits it can bring to their lives.
8. I was born in Marietta, GA in the year of the Bicentennial and have 2 older sisters.
9. We moved to Tennessee where I attended high school and college. Georgia will always be my home state but I’d move back to Tennessee in a heartbeat. Richmond is the furthest north I’ve ever lived and after this winter I know why.
10. During high school I was on the swim team but never learned to dive off a diving board. I also was on the synchronized swimming team and can still do some cool moves in the pool.
11. In college I joined the girl’s club soccer team and would have stayed on for the varsity team if I hadn’t torn my ACL. I had reconstructive knee surgery and haven’t played soccer since but the knee is fine 15 years later.
12. I was a debutante my sophomore year of college. Yes, the pictures are priceless as was the newspaper announcement, video and frilly white dress. Hello world here is Sara.
13. I have a degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Tennessee Tech University, home of the Golden Eagles. I chose biology because “I love plants and animals…” Yeah, I found out it was a little more than that but I just couldn’t see myself studying anything else.
14. I’m excited to share my passion and appreciation of nature with my children. Plus, my husband gets a kick out of the all the birds I can name.
15. One thing he does not get a kick out of is my collection of anything squirrel - statues, jewelry, prints (all very tasteful of course). In the 4 years we’ve known each other he has never given me anything with a squirrel on it until this past Valentine’s Day. He loves me.
16. My dog, Libby, will be 12 this year but doesn’t act a day over 2. She is so good with Henry and lets me dress her up as Snow White every Halloween. She’s a great dog.
17. My cat, Baker, is 10 and just a big, fat, sweet cat. If I want him to come to me I just whistle. He’s not so crazy about being dressed up for Halloween but I do it anyway.
18. So I kind of like… no, actually I love candy and chocolate chip cookies. I can’t keep either of them in the house. My husband calls me a closet candy eater because he knows I eat candy but he never sees me do it. It doesn’t count if no one sees you right?
19. Greg and I are huge theme park junkies. We had season passes to Busch Gardens for a few years in a row. My favorite ride is Apollo’s Chariot and nothing is more fun than Busch Gardens at Halloween.
20. We love to travel and having a baby hasn’t slowed us down too much. We’ve taken him to Atlanta, Chicago, Asheville, Knoxville and New York City. We’re contemplating a trip over the pond this year.
21. My husband gave me a digital SLR camera for Christmas and I’m currently enrolled in a photography class at U of R. The auto setting has been banned.
22. I’ve been a member of The Junior League of Richmond for 8 years and served on the Board of Directors a couple years ago.
23. In 2006 I went on a mission trip to Honduras where we painted a church and girl’s home. I never imagined walking into a grocery store that was guarded by a man with a machine gun. It’s a beautiful country though.
24. I really like yard work. We live in a townhouse and as such don’t have a yard but I’m looking forward to when we do. Planting flowers, tending the garden and cutting the grass, it’s all fun for me.
25. Stroller Strides has been tremendous. I’ve met some great women and working out has helped me achieve my goal of getting into my favorite pair of 7’s. My husband attended a class with me this past summer and has a new appreciation for my exercise regime… it kicked his butt.

Meet Your Instructors - Julia

2010-02-06T08:40:00.003-05:00

1. My name is Julia.

2. You may see it as "Rossicize" on the chat board.

3. I got that nickname from a client; well, actually, a family, that I trained several years ago.

4. I worked as a full time personal trainer in NYC for five years, as well as teach Pilates mat classes.

5. Yes, I trained a few "stars" (made it on Page Six of the NY Post, for those of you who are familiar.)

6. I started with my first client at 6 a.m.! What a great preparation for those early morning feedings of a newborn!

7. Back to Page Six, it served as light reading (along with the headlines) between clients with breakfast.

8. The best meal (from the deli) was what we trainers named "the grease sandwich." Scrambled eggs with cheese and turkey on a toasted sesame seed bagel with butter and coffee.

9. And yes, I think the best coffee comes from the dirtiest looking deli.

10. Besides my passion for fitness, which I've loved to be able to work with fellow moms since moving to Richmond four years ago, I was also a professional modern dancer.

11. I "retired" after my last performance while five and a half months pregnant with Benjamin.

12. Some highlights of dancing in NYC - Being named in the NY Times, having a cartoon drawn of our company in the New Yorker Magazine, dancing in the windows of Grand Central Station (which by the way, my husband happened to see as he was passing through going about life several years before we actually met!!).

13. I recently just started taking modern dance class again. It is wonderful to "move" again and rediscover muscles that Stroller Strides and/or running don't even touch.

14. I took the challenge by the moms who took my Stroller Strides classes and started running six weeks after delivering Molly. I completed the 8K in 2009 with a time of 47:01 almost a ten minute improvement.

15. Speaking of Molly, she is my little beauty that is quite tough from playing with her brother. Although, she is girly with her doll stroller and hair bows. One day, I'm sure I'll catch her her "playing Stroller Strides" and will be proud that I am passing on the importance of exercise and healthy living.

16. I enjoy listening to others and sharing stories. (So, if you want any star gossip, just ask).

17. But, seriously, I am interested in everyone's unique path in life.

18. I read a quote many years ago that I often think of, "Everyone in life knows something that you don't know, but need to know, so learn from them."

19. I thank all of the Stroller Strides mommies, as I teach you, I also learn from you as well!

Meet Your Instructors - Kelly

2010-02-01T09:56:00.003-05:00

1. My full name is Kelly (Ann) McGrew Connors. I don't dislike my name but always wish that my name was less common - I was one of many Kellys growing up.

2. I tried to give my daughter a more unique name because of this. She is almost a year and a half and her name is Adeline (Add-a-linn) although many people mispronounce it because of the spelling.

3. I grew up in CT and all of my family, including my brother, is still up there with the exception of my parents. I am SO thankful that they are here and I know they love seeing their granddaughter grow.

4. I came down to VA for college at JMU, where I met my husband, the love of my life and my best friend. We actually disliked each other when we first met and did not start dating until two years later, right before we graduated. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. We have been married for seven years this June and I really enjoyed the time we had just the two of us before kids.

5. Every year for our anniversary my husband and I stay at a bed and breakfast near JMU.

6. I have two dogs and two cats and they are wonderful even though they have never annoyed me so much as when I had a baby. The hair everywhere! The barking! But I love them. It makes me sad when people say that they "hate cats" or "hate dogs" if they never had one. Animals love you no mater what and I am happy that my daughter will grow up with them.

7. I like to drive fast. It is part of growing up in the North, I think. And I am always late, my least favorite quality about myself, so I have to drive fast, right?

8. I love to run and it is truly my passion. I prefer to do it by myself, sometimes with no music. It is my escape and makes me feel so good afterward. I was not always like this - it took many years and I love to run races - I am super competitive with myself. So those of you who want to run but do not think you like it, give it a try!

9. I ran the marathon in 2004 and hope to do one again, maybe before I turn 40. I highly recommend it - one of the best things I have ever done.

10. I danced all my life from a little girl through college. I miss it but do not think I will ever go back. I also almost have my black belt in kickboxing.

11. Have you noticed that the three activities that I have done - running, dancing and kickboxing - are all individual? I have never played a team sport. I am too much of a perfectionist and don't like the idea of relying on other people or letting others down. My husband played a lot of sports and I hope my daughter will be like him and not like me!

12. I was very close to my grandmother. She was like a second mother to me and Adeline's middle name is Ruth after her. We used to bake together and that is something that I still enjoy doing and I am pretty good at it.

13. I took a year off to be at home with Adeline and went back to teaching part-time this year. (I teach high school Spanish.) I wish I did not have to and it breaks my heart to leave her but I am luck to have my mom keep her.

14. I did Weight Watchers in 2002 and have been a Lifetime member ever since. It taught me how to eat right and I highly recommend it to anyone. I love anything to do with diet and exercise. The Biggest Loser, although unrealistic, is my favorite show.

15. I have been in a couple of commercials and the newspaper and I think that makes me famous.

16. My daughter never took a bottle. I tried every kind. I did not have much of a social life this past year but I loved nursing and cherished every second and was very sad to stop.

17. We live in Mechanicsville in the Atlee area and I can get most places in 15-20 minutes. I doubt we will ever live in the West End. After teaching high school there for the last nine years, I know a lot of kids. My husband hates going to Short Pump with me and I don't blame him.

18. My favorite foods are pizza, peanut butter and ice cream. Healthy. Everything in moderation though, right? I also love coffee but use entirely too much Splenda.

19. I love to work out in the morning. I think it is the best way to start the day and you feel so good after and don't need to make excuses.

20. I really enjoy wine, especially red, and have been to Napa Valley twice. I have also visited most of the wineries in Virginia.

21. I had an easy pregnancy until two months before my due date, when I passed out twice - once at school into the edge of a filing cabinet and once behind the wheel. I carried Adeline very low and she was sitting on one of my major nerves when I sat upright, so luckily I was off work for the summer and Mom was around to drive me everywhere like I was back in high school. Let's cross our fingers that this does not happen again!

22. Baseball is one of the few sports I like to watch and I love the Red Sox! My husband and I have been to Fenway Park several times and I hope to start this tradition again.

23. I can function on less sleep than most people. I can also fall asleep anywhere!

24. I Love Lucy is one of my favorite shows of all time and I named my cat Lucy after her. I have also dressed up as her several times for Halloween.

25. I really love to speak Spanish and enjoy seeing the loos of surprise on people's faces when I do! I have been to Spain twice (once to study abroad, once for vacation) and think it is incredible.

February Mom of the Month!

2010-01-28T22:00:00.000-05:00

Each month we will be highlighting a different mom who is having incredible success at Stroller Strides.

This month we are pleased to announce MEGAN B (Nicholas' mom) as our very special mom. Megan has been coming to Stroller Strides since Nick was 6 weeks old. She pushes herself harder and harder at each class and has seen incredible changes in her body (see number 21 below). She is on our Run Like a Mother 10k training team and will cross that finish line in March. Finally, she has also found new friends at Stroller Strides which helps her get through the tough times of motherhood! CONGRATS MEGAN!

Here are Megan's 25 things:

1. I was born in Kansas but have also lived in Wisconsin, Virginia, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.
2. I have a younger sister who is in a PhD program for child psychology and a younger brother who is an undergraduate in political science and pre-law.
3. I was president of the student council and captain of the academic teams in high school.
4. I married the first guy I ever kissed.
5. We were married on a beach in Jamaica.
6. We started dating when I was a freshman in high school.
7. I was an intern for my Congressman for two years in high school.
8. I got my undergraduate degree in political science from Bryn Mawr College and my teaching license from the University of Richmond.
9. I taught preschool for 4 ½ years at the JCC but I’m not Jewish.
10. One infant is harder to take care of than the sixteen 3 year olds that I taught.
11. Nicholas has been the best thing that has ever happened to me.
12. I slept with my hand in Nick’s bassinet for a week because I couldn’t believe he was real.
13. A friend offered to give me an ultrasound on her personal machine to find out what we were having because I couldn’t wait until the 20th week appointment. She is a vet. We did the ultrasound at her clinic.
14. She told us we were having a girl. She was wrong.
15. My husband is William Bradley V. I didn’t want to continue the family name and have William the sixth.
16. I liked the name Nicholas and my husband liked Max. So we picked Nicholas Maxwell Bradley.
17. I craved carrots, celery, and grapefruit when I was pregnant. I have not eaten them since.
18. Raising my son without family nearby is incredibly hard. They live in Minnesota and Florida.
19. I know what 50 degrees below zero feels like.
20. My husband thinks I don’t know how to change the lining of the diaper pail.
21. I am down 3 dress sizes from what I was wearing before I got pregnant.
22. I going to run the Monument Ave 10k because I’ve spent too many years thinking I can’t.
23. I am obsessed with the tv show LOST.
24. I am learning how to cook but hate to use measuring cups.
25. I’m so thankfully for all of the amazing friends I’ve made through Stroller Strides!

Meet Your Instructors - Alex

2010-01-20T14:18:00.003-05:00

1. I was born on December 24th, 1980 in Upper Montclair, NJ. I grew up going to NYC all the time and still think it's the most amazing place on earth. I love it.

2. I moved to Midlothian, VA when I was 10.

3. My husband, Eddie, and I dated for NINE months in elementary school. We didn't date again until college.

4. I have an undergraduate degree in Public Relations and a Masters in Teaching. I've never used either, but plan on teaching someday ...

5. I have two sons ... Jack Alexander, who just turned three and Finn Edward, who turned one in August.

6. I think I'd like to have one more child ... a little girl, of course. :-)

7. We live in the City. In a white ranch house. With a lime green door. I love my lime green door and I love living in the City. But we need more room!

8. Pink and green are still my favorite colors.

9. I love to plan. I plan to plan to plan. Usually, I plan so much that I never do all the things that I planned.

10. Some may say that I'm a teensy weensy bit obsessive compulsive. I like things to be right. And pretty. And organized. And perfect. You get the picture.

11. I loved being a cheerleader. I got to travel to the cool competitions you see on ESPN and will still argue with anyone that, yes, cheering is a sport. I wish I could still cheer.

12. My dad died of cancer when I was six-years-old. I'm an only child and my mom never remarried. So, I grew up with just her and me. We have an amazingly unique relationship.

13. I am constantly late. Ugh.

14. I have always been active, but NEVER ran until last year. Not in high school. Not in college. Not ever. I honestly thought I was unable. I trained with Rachel for the 10K and have loved it ever since. I am so proud of this accomplishment.

15. I have no tattoos or crazy piercings. I am very indecisive and could never make that big of a commitment.

16. I love to cook, entertain and plan parties. (See #'s 9 and 10)

17. I think rules are made to be broken.

18. I really love and have always loved my life. No major complaints. Although sometimes I know I appear to be a complainer. I don't know why I do that.

19. I often bite off more than I can chew ... food and commitments.

20. I never ate meat until I moved in with Eddie. I still prefer seafood and rarely eat red meat. Except for burgers.

21. My grandfather helped invent the cathode ray tube. That is what makes the picture come through on a television set. He owned the fourth major network before it was sold to Fox (it was called the DuMont Network). He died long before I was born, but I've always been fascinated with his life and accomplishments.

22. I love waking up to my boys. Every morning I get just as excited to see them as I did the first time we met. They are such amazing little creatures.

23. I had a scheduled induction with both boys (plan, plan, plan). I loved the whole experience. I might be sad if I never went through it again ... maybe.

24. I don't think I'd move away from Richmond unless it was to a beach.

25. I joined Stroller Strides when Jack was 5 months old, at Rachel's "Second Anniversary Celebration." I think it is an awesome program of which I am very proud to be a part.

Five Years of Memories!

2010-01-13T08:04:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, January 12th, was Stroller Strides Richmond 5th Anniversary. Wow, five years of successful business...I don't like to toot my own horn often, but I am beyond proud of this accomplishment. Our classes continue to grow in size and quality. Our reach into the community continues to extend. If you ask a pregnant women if she has heard of Stroller Strides, more than likely, she has. So has her OB, her pediatrician, and her friends.

So let's keep spreading the word! I posted on Facebook yesterday asking people to post their Stroller Strides memories and here are a few of the replies:

My favorite memory has to be my first day. I was scared to death that I would never keep up with all the other moms. But I did and signed up that day. I so enjoyed all the time spent meeting new people. I have to say that you are one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. You give more of yourself than anyone I know. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I became a Strider four years ago tomorrow, at Rachel's one-year anniversary. I wanted to "get through flu season" without taking my then-6-month old to the gym kid care place. I have made lifelong friends, as has my daughter; encouraged a new franchisee; and become involved in changing other women's lives for the better. Stroller Strides is WAY more than just a fitness class.
going to MNO and hanging with Lisa Druxman was a memory I'll never forget, and the way my quads felt after her class at Meadow Farm too..... you know im so grateful for SS, and the friendships I have from there! thank you!
You taught me to run!!! I am now training myself again for the 10k and I know I can do it because you inspire me.
Happy Anniversary and thank you. Because of you and SS I got back in shape, ran my first ever 5K and met many wonderful, beautiful and motivating moms who became incredible friends. Thank you!!
From a HOSS (husband of a stroller strider), my favorite memory is doing sprints at the JCC with a Rudolph nose on my face at a holiday '08 family workout (or something silly to that effect). seriously though, congrats to you and many more years of continued success. The stroller strides network has meant so much to our family
my fav memory...when i started SS (5yrs ago) i made some wonderful friends
Thank you for helping me get in shape while spending time with my children. It is becuase and you that I started running and ran my 1st 8k last year. I am very thankful for the camaraderie with other mom in Stroller Strides.
You have inspired many woman over the last 5 years. I enjoyed going to SS, teaching SS, making new friends, and my children making new friends. Keep up the great work!
Your five year anniversary marks my three year anniversary... I signed up for Stroller Strides at your second "birthday bash" held at Regency in 2007! Wow! Thanks for all you've done and continue to do!
I'm addicted- I'm away this week and miss my SS classes!

Feel free to post your favorite memories here! But if you haven't been to Stroller Strides yet...WHAT'S KEEPING YOU?!? Join us! Your first class is free, and we are offering a fantastic special in January...$20.10 registration fee. Save $54.90 which is like getting one month free!

I hope to see you at class soon!

(btw, i will post a pic from that first class on here soon!)

Meet Your Instructors - Kate

2010-01-10T11:14:00.002-05:00

1. My name is Kathryn Veazey Crone.

2. I have always gone by Kate, so if you called me Kathryn I would probably not even know who you were talking to.

3. My birthday is December 3rd, 1980. I am 29 years old ... this year is a BIG year ... 30!

4. I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter, Emma, and an 8 month old son, Trip.

5. They are my life and I cannot imagine life without them.

6. Emma has a head full of red hair and is constantly on the go. She is extremely outgoing and my parents say I was the exact same way.

7. My nickname as a child was non-stop, because I never stopped. Seriously, I never stopped.

8. I stopped napping at 18 months and I don't know how my mom did it. Emma is starting to get rid of her nap and it's driving me bonkers!

9. Trip is the sweetest baby. He loves to smile and laugh at his sister. I love watching him watch her.

10. I hope they are best friends.

11. My husband, Ty, is 8 1/2 years older than me and I love it. I give him a hard time about being older all the time.

12. We met at the Westwood Club, where I was a tennis pro and events coordinator.

13. He was a member and my mixed doubles partner.

14. The first time he asked me out, for breakfast, I told him I was going shoe shopping.

15. I really was. And was going to get new running shoes.

16. I think I may be addicted to shopping. I love it!

17. We obviously did end up going out to dinner and the rest is history.

18. We have been married for 3 1/2 years.

19. Emma was born three days before our first anniversary and Trip was born two years later, nine days before our third anniversary.

20. May is a busy month for us.

21. I love that my husband and I have an activity, tennis, in common. It is something we can do together.

22. Although, now that we have two kids we do not get to play tennis together much anymore.

23. I have played tennis since I was in elementary school.

24. I have always been involved in sports ... tennis, soccer, swimming, running.

25. In high school, I had to make a decision to either keep playing tennis or soccer competitively.

26. I chose tennis.

27. I played in college at East Carolina University.

28. I tore my rotator cuff during my junior year, had surgery and decided not to play my senior year.

29. Even though it was hard to turn down my scholarship and leave my teammates, it was a great decision.

30. I had the best senior year, as a "regular" college student. And fit four years of going to bars into one year. It was crazy ... and so much fun.

31. I have been an only child since I was 12 years old.

32. My older brother passed away from cancer when he was 16 years old.

33. It was a very tough time in my family's life. But has made stronger and made us appreciate every day we have together.

34. I was born and raised in Richmond, VA. My parents and my husband's parents are also from Richmond.

35. I never thought I would live here after college, but cannot imagine raising my family anywhere else.

36. I love being a Stroller Strides instructor and being able to work with my kids and my friends.

37. It is a very rewarding job.

38. I have always enjoyed running and working out.

39. My favorite distance is a 10K.

40. My best finishes are 9th in my age group in the Monument Ave 10K, with a time of 44:34 in 2004; and 13th in my age group in the Cooper River Bridge Run, with a time of 43:34 in Charleston, SC in 2004.

41. I hope to get back up to that pace again this year.

42. I wish I had more time to run, but sometime it is hared to fit it all in.

43. I keep telling myself that my time will come. And I know it will.

Meet Your Instructors - Emily

2010-01-05T15:49:00.004-05:00

1. Most importantly, I love being a mom to Drew and Chase. I knew it would be fun to be a mom, but I never imagined it could be this much fun. Drew is so imaginative, sweet, obsessive, cuddly, and creative - I love the way preschoolers think. Chase is my belly-laughing, laid-back, into everything sweetheart who reminds me everyday, as he gets bigger and bigger, that time just goes by too fast.

2. I married my best friend. My husband and I dated in high school after meeting through a mutual friend (we went to different schools). We broke up all through college, to do our own thing. This turned out to be the best thing for us. We both grew up a bit and got back together after graduating. We were married 2.5 years later. It was one of those, "if you lose something you loved and it comes back to you, it's yours to keep" situations.

3. I LOVE the beach. I could spend everyday playing/reading/running on the beach. Someday, hopefully, we will live close enough to make it happen.

4. I have two spoiled, loving dogs. Toby, a yellow lab, and Ty, a golden retriever. They are both about 100 pounds and a bit crazy! They will be 5 and 7 this year, but we always joke that we need to start saying 1 and 2 because it is getting embarrassing that they are so old and act so young ...

5. I went to the University of Richmond for my undergraduate degree in Education and got my Masters as a reading specialist through UVA. I taught third grade for three years, first grade for a year and was a reading specialist in an elementary school for three years before staying home with my kids.

6. When I was little, I always wanted to be a clown nurse - a nurse who would come in and take care of kids but would be dressed like a clown so the kids could laugh while getting medicine or their blood pressure taken. I still would like to be a nurse someday, but am really enjoying being a fitness instructor, so I may do more with that someday. Or who knows, maybe I will teach reading again!

7. I strongly believe that smiles are contagious.

8. I love chocolate and ice cream. They are my major downfalls in any hopes of ever dieting. My favorites are mint chocolate chip and chocolate peanut butter cup ice cream.

9. I love to read, but never really get the chance/make the time.

10. I have three older siblings. My sister, Annissa, is 41 and lives in Florida. My brother, Charlie, is 39 and also lives in Florida. And my sister, Abby, is 33 and lives in Richmond. Some of my favorite memories are of when we were all home together.

11. I grew up in Syracuse, NY and never, ever will live north of Richmond again, if I can help it!

12. I love 95+ degree days and would be very happy in a climate that is always like that.

13. I played field hockey and lacrosse in high school and still miss playing them. I played lacrosse a semester in college, but was turned off because it was such a big commitment (with study hall, lifting, etc. each day ...). After college, I coached a recreational league in Richmond. I hope to convince my children to play.

14. Once of my least favorite things to do is fold laundry. I often leave clean clothes in a basket for a week. Hence, my clothes are usually a wrinkled mess. But, since my husband doesn't like how I do laundry (I throw in all colors at once), he cleans, folds and irons his own. Really works out well for me!

15. I get a thrill out of cleaning out closets and throwing things out. I am a little anal about it. I try to fill up at least two trash bags to give away every time we get one of those Vietnam vet bags in the mail.

16. I like to explore other countries. When I was 12, we lived in England for a semester (my dad was a professor). I went to school there and adjusted to London life. In college, I spent a semester in Madrid, Spain. I lived with a family there and tried my best to communicate. Both were such wonderful, fun experiences I will never forget. Unfortunately, I am now in the system as being "never allowed to donate blood" because I spent too much time abroad during the mad cow disease scare ... kind of sad if you ask me, as I would love to donate.

17. I love reality TV. Especially, High School Reunion, 16 and Pregnant and The Hills.

18. I am pretty laid back about most things and try to look on the bright side of things. Pessimists drive me crazy. You can't change what is in the past, so why not be optimistic about the future?

19. Christmas is my favorite holiday. I am one of those people who would love to start playing Christmas songs in October.

20. I love to start out my day with a workout. It gives me energy to get through the day. And honestly, when I say I am going to wait and workout later in the day or during nap time, it rarely happens.

21. Henry Diamond once said, "You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love." And that is what I see when I look at my life.

22. I want to have lots of kids if I can convince my husband. Or at least one more.

23. I loved the whole pregnancy/birth experience. I was fortunate enough to have pretty easy pregnancies and labors. After my first child, I became passionate about the birthing experience and my nursing aspiration switched from being a clown to working with pregnant women.

24. I love being able to stay home with my kids and feel so fortunate that I am able to do so. I thank my husband often for this opportunity.

25. I try to always be a good friend and a good listener. I would do anything for a friend.

New Year, New You!

2009-12-30T21:00:00.000-05:00

Happy 2010! This is an amazing time to make some changes to how we live our lives. What is your New Year's Resolution?

Is it to get back into your pre-pregnancy jeans? Our Stroller Strides instructors are the most qualified instructors in Richmond to be able to help moms do that! They are all nationally certified fitness professional with extra training in pre- and post-natal fitness. We know that it will take much more than hundreds of crunches to lose the 'mommy middle'! We will guide you every step of the way to building muscles and losing inches so you can pull out those jeans again! At Stroller Strides, we will LEAN you up and CUT you out!
Is it to exercise consistently, especially in the cold weather? Stroller Strides offers 11 different INSIDE classes per week in the wintertime. With two different locations every day, you have many options. Once spring rolls around, we head back outside with alternative indoor locations on bad weather days.
Is it to be a better role model for your children? I am constantly reminded of the positive influence Stroller Strides has on my daughters. They play with one of my resistance bands at home and like to drop in the middle of a store and do push-ups (lovely!). They have so much fun doing exercises and being fit. I feel very proud of the fact that they are growing up seeing the importance of exercise. DID YOU KNOW...our children's generation is the FIRST IN HISTORY to have a predicted life expectancy LESS than that of their parents. That's scary! Teach them how much fun exercise can be, and this will be instilled in them forever!
Is it to be a better mom, wife, and friend? At Stroller Strides you not only get to exercise, which releases endorphins to make you naturally happy, but you also get to meet a whole group of new mommies. Get to know them, and you will see how many of us face the same challenges you do every day. It is nice to learn tips, share ideas, socialize, and make new friends! Taking care of yourself will make you a much better mom and wife. Believe me, I have had plenty of husbands personally thank Stroller Strides for making their wives happier!
Is it to be 'GREEN'? We do an incredible job teaching mommies how to be more healthy and environmentally friendly. Our LUNA Moms Club has weekly playgroups, monthly Mom's Night Out activities, and quarterly community events, many of which focus on raising awareness for our precious environment. For example, our playgroups may include a craft using recycled supplies, or we may bring in a speaker to teach us the importance of recycling. We are always trying to teach you simple and easy ways to help save the planet and keep your family healthy.

So, it's SIMPLE! The only way to reach all your resolutions is to join Stroller Strides! You won't be disappointed!! We can't wait to see you in class!

In January, Stroller Strides Richmond is celebrating 5 years!! Thank you for making it the best 5 years of my life!!

Meet Your Instructors - Katie

2009-12-30T08:49:00.003-05:00

1. My full name is Kathleen Higdon Cooke (my middle name used to be Francis, but I was VERY happy to drop that once I got married).

2. I have never gone nor will ever go by Kathleen. In kindergarten, I came home very upset because they announced Kathleen Higdon's birthday, but not mine.

3. I am one of five children and have three brothers and one sister. They all live within 12 miles of my parents and I live over 120 miles away.

4. I went to Randolph Macon College in Ashland and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only did I fall in love with the South, but I met my husband, Tripp, because we were introduced after college by someone I went to college with.

5. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and I ALWAYS cook the meal. Tripp also proposed to me on Thanksgiving.

6. We were married at a historic mansion in Maryland by someone dressed as George Howard, one of the first governors of Maryland. (I love history and I am a nerd.)

7. We brought our first son home on our first wedding anniversary.

8. I have two beautiful sons, William (2 1/2) and Nathaniel (2 months).

9. I am a huge Maryland Terps fan and even have basketball season tickets. (And I HATE Duke!!)

10. I firmly believe that you either really LOVE the Rolling Stones or The Beatles, not both. I really love The Beatles.

11. No one in my household wears or owns jeans.

12. I am extremely loyal to friends, brands, stores, etc.

13. I can sing (along with the music) all the words to "It's the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine)" by REM.

14. While I am very proud to be from Maryland and do miss my family, I would be happy to live in Richmond for the rest of my life.

15. I started racing (running) two years ago and now I am hooked on half marathons. I ran my last one at 14 weeks pregnant and plan to run my first one back (post-baby) in April.

16. I love to bake, especially cupcakes.

17. Before I had children, I taught Middle School Alternative Education for five years. I really enjoyed it, but knew that once I had children, I wanted to stay home with them.

18. My favorite movies are: Old School, Dumb and Dumber, Braveheart, Better Off Dead and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

19. I love going to concerts, especially OAR.

20. My husband and I make many decisions using Rock, Paper, Scissors.

21. I believe in quality, not quantity when it comes to friends.

22. The best trip I have ever taken was to Ireland with Tripp. It is a wonderful place and I recommend it to anyone who hasn't been.

23. I enjoy playing pretty much any sport, especially field hockey and lacrosse.

24. I try to live my life by the following quote from Martha Washington, "The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not upon our circumstances."

25. and this one from Monty Python, "always look on the bright side of life ..."

2009 Year in Review...

2009-12-26T09:00:00.002-05:00

Enjoy this photo montage of Stroller Strides Richmond - Year in Review (and a few older pics too). It features our 12 Days of Fitness...Enjoy!

Plus there is a special coupon at the end for those who watch the entire thing!

A little TLC goes a long way! Announcing...

2009-12-18T08:14:00.005-05:00

Stroller Strides® Top Level Coaching Membership entitles you to:
• Initial fitness and body analysis with monthly assessments
• Weekly one-on-one meetings
• Short and long-term goal setting
• Weekly exercise and nutrition planning designed for you
• Reminders, motivation, and answers to your questions
• Personal food journal and copy of LEAN Mommy signed by Lisa Druxman

Sign up quickly…we are only accepting a limited number of TLC members! To enroll, you must have a current membership or class pass. The price is an additional $50 per month for a minimum of 3 months. Email RachelP@strollerstrides.net or call 888-232-2450 for details.

Sign up by December 31, 2009 & receive a FREE Stroller Strides t-shirt!

Meet Rachel!

2009-12-15T09:32:00.003-05:00

Here is my list of 100 things. Enjoy learning lots about me!

1. My name is Rachel Megan Pustilnik.
2. I am 34 years old, and my birthday is March 24, 1975.
3. I do not like birthdays very much. I just like to pretend they are just another day.
4. I am married to my best friend. I have known Jack since I was 5-years-old. He is my older brother’s best friend.
5. The first time we dated, we broke up after 2 months because it felt like I was dating my brother – EEWW.
6. Four years later, we tried again. This time it worked.
7. Our first date was a 7-mile run together. We were training for the Atlanta half-marathon. It was on July 15, 2000. I will never forget.
8. We went shopping for wedding rings after we had been dating for 6 weeks. We just knew.
9. Nine months later we were engaged. Thirteen months after that, we were married.
10. Thirteen months is too long to be engaged. I wish it was much shorter.
11. I went to Virginia Tech and graduated with a BS in Biological Systems Engineering. Yes, I am an engineer.
12. I worked very hard in college to get good grades, but I partied even harder.
13. I have two beautiful daughters, Morgan and Olivia.
14. I have a very different, yet special, relationship with each of them.
15. Morgan is my inspiration. She is the reason I started Stroller Strides Richmond.
16. I wanted to prove to her that mothers can have a career, be successful, and be present. Her spirit pushes me to accomplish everything. I want her to take over the world.
17. Olivia is my calming force. She taught me how to slow down.
18. She reminds me to breathe, enjoy the beauty, and appreciate everything.
19. I wasn’t sure I was ready for a second child, but now I realize I needed her. She completed the circle.
20. Because my children have grown up at Stroller Strides, they think exercise is cool. I am very proud of that.
21. They will randomly drop to the ground and start doing push-ups.
22. I am also proud that my 5-year-old LOVES to sit in the stroller. She thinks it is a privilege to come to class.
23. Morgan is beyond smart. She started reading when she was under 3.5. She is in Kindergarten and reading on a 2nd grade level. She constantly needs to be challenged.
24. My in-laws say they think Olivia is just as smart if not smarter.
25. My life goal is to make sure my daughters remain the best of friends. I will do whatever it takes to make sure that happens.
26. I have 3 tattoos – a gecko, an infinity sign, and my girls initials woven into a cool design.
27. The infinity sign was in honor of one my best friends, Brandon Wilburn, who lost his life way too early.
28. His death changed the course of my life. I left a high-paying, secure, yet unfulfilling job to pursue my dream to become a marine biologist. I moved from Atlanta to Charleston, SC.
29. I realized half-way through grad school that marine biology wasn’t my thing. By that time I was married and ready to settle down. So we moved back to Richmond.
30. I believe in fate. I also believe Brandon’s passing brought me to Jack. Jack was the only other person I knew who had experienced a close death like that. I went to him to talk and weeks later, we were dating.
31. I now live 2 miles from where I grew up. I love that I am back home.
32. Both my mom and my in-laws still live in Richmond. We have rarely paid for a babysitter in five years.
33. None of my grandparents lived in Richmond so I am very proud of the close relationship my girls have with their grandparents.
34. I love to watch my children dance. In fact, I had to stop writing this list just now so I could turn on music and dance with Olivia.
35. When I was pregnant with Morgan, I had planned to go back to work full-time.
36. The second she was born, my mind was changed. The problem was…how would I be able to stay home?
37. My mom had given me an article from the paper about a stroller fitness company. It mentioned Stroller Strides.
38. I went to their website and read more. I was hooked. I emailed Lisa Druxman immediately.
39. I bought my Stroller Strides franchise before Morgan was 3 months old. I just celebrated my 5-year anniversary.
40. I didn’t know it at the time, but I have been destined to own my own business.
41. Although I haven’t taken more than 2 days off in 5 years, I love it.
42. Owning a business is a lot like motherhood. It’s the hardest, yet most rewarding thing I have ever done.
43. I work constantly and can’t stay away from my phone for fear I will miss a phone call or email.
44. I love meeting new moms and seeing them get in shape, have more energy, and make new friends. That is worth more to me than money.
45. I am proud of the reputation I have built.
46. I wake up every day and hope that Stroller Strides will change one more mom’s life.
47. I started running in 1998. My first race was the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta. It’s a 10k on July 4th. It’s hot.
48. Since then I have run more races than I can even remember. Lots of 5ks, plenty of 10ks, 4-5 half-marathons and one marathon.
49. I think I am done at one marathon.
50. I love triathlons. I have done a million sprint tris, a couple of Olympic distances, and a half-ironman. My life goal is to complete an Ironman. I plan to start train when Olivia starts kindergarten.
51. My husband has run 4 marathons and has no intention of stopping. I don’t blame him.
52. In October 2008, he had a heart attack. He was 37 and was training for a marathon.
53. He worked very hard to fully recover. Thirteen months later he ran a marathon. He is truly amazing. No wonder he doesn’t want to stop.
54. I struggle with my relationship with food. I tend to stress eat and feel I ‘deserve’ junk food when times are tough. I know this is wrong. I am working hard on changing these negative tapes.
55. Olivia finds comfort in food. That scares me.
56. Morgan could care less about food. I admire her for that.
57. My goal is to join a CSA this spring.
58. I would love to grow my own fruits and veggies but I have no gardening skills.
59. I am overly protective of what my kids eat. They eat extremely healthy at home. They have never eaten a slice of white bread under my supervision.
60. Cancer runs in my husband’s family. His sister passed away of cancer at 29. His mom is a breast cancer survivor. His aunt died of cancer. Too many women with too much cancer.
61. If I can do one small thing to help my daughters stay healthy forever, I would be so happy. So I feel justified in being so anal.
62. I have two dogs, a weimereiner and a mutt.
63. An ex-boyfriend bought me my weimie for my birthday. I have had her longer than my husband. She was supposed to be my running partner. Now, she’s just annoying
64. I know that sounds mean, but she did not take all the additions to the family very well. She just kept getting more and more jealous. Now she acts out to get any kind of attention, good or bad.
65. I hope my kids don’t turn out like that.
66. The 3 cities I have lived in are the 3 capitals of the confederacy – Richmond, Atlanta, and Charleston. You would think I was a southern belle. I am not.
67. Although, if I have enough drinks my accent appears.
68. I have always had a hard time making new friends. I have lots of acquaintances but few friends. I wish that were different.
69. I used to have more guy friends than girl friends. Now that I’m a mom, that has changed. I am grateful for all my girlfriends. I like them better.
70. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. For the past 10 years, we have hosted every year except one. That was my least favorite year.
71. We have hosted as few as 7 people and as many as 40. I prefer 40.
72. I do not cook very much except on Thanksgiving. If I follow the directions, I am a good cook.
73. I don’t like to follow directions. It takes too much time.
74. That fault has caused many problems over the years.
75. It is the reason our swing set in the backyard is backwards. You wouldn’t know if you played on it. But it is totally wrong because I didn’t read the details of the directions.
76. I pride myself on providing top-notch customer service.
77. I get anywhere from 100-200 emails every day. Its very hard to get back to people promptly but I try.
78. I don’t get much sleep.
79. I seem to do my best thinking when lying in bed trying to fall asleep. Many nights I find myself getting up and working instead of sleeping. I just can’t turn my brain off.
80. I sometimes wonder how much larger my business would be if I could dedicate 40 hours a week to it.
81. But then I realize my girls wouldn’t be home with me all day. I understand that there are some business ideas I won’t be able to implement. It’s hard to swallow, but my family is first.
82. I get very competitive trying to make sure Stroller Strides remains the best and most popular fitness program for pregnant and new moms. I am confident we offer the best possible classes around.
83. I have employed over 20 instructors since I opened. I am proud to have opened up new career opportunities for moms. These women are all very talented and knowledgeable. I am proud to have them on my team.
84. I expect a lot of my instructors. They are the face of my business. I put a lot of trust in them. It’s not easy work what these ladies do!
85. My ideal trip would be to California. First in Napa Valley. Then to LA, and finally end in San Diego. I love it over there. I’m afraid I would never leave.
86. I wish I had more time to cook elaborate meals every night.
87. Instead my family eats the fastest things I can throw together. They are healthy, but not fancy.
88. I am proud that our family sits down at the table for dinner every night. Not everyone always eats, but at least we are sitting as a family.
89. I love the beach but I hate the sand. If I had all the money in the world, I would buy a house on the beach, and build a boardwalk from my house down to the beach so I didn’t have to sit in the sand.
90. I have had 8 body piercings including 5 in my ears, one in my tongue, one in my belly button, and one in my nose. I just got the one in my nose 9 months ago. I call it my quasi-mid-life crisis. Some days I love it, others not so much.
91. I don’t like being late. As a child, we were always early. My mom arrived at doctor’s appointments before the office even opened.
92. I am always late.
93. I have no style or fashion sense. If I could wear sweats and t-shirts forever, I would be happy.
94. I enjoy dressing up but it makes me too self-conscious.
95. I can’t sit still for very long. I often wonder how I made it through school without getting into more trouble.
96. I graduated high school 9th in my class. Honestly, school was easy. I was a rebel. My poor mom.
97. Karma is a bitch.
98. I have broken one bone – my right arm. I was 24. I was rollerblading for the second time ever and I was letting my dog pull me. Bad idea.
99. I like to take risks. I have taken lots of risks in my life, some smart, others not so much.
100. I love the adrenaline rush.

Meet Your Instructors - Tonia

2009-12-07T14:09:00.001-05:00

Over the next few weeks, we will be giving you the opportunity to get to know your instructors just a little bit better. Each instructor will be compiling a list of facts about themselves. You might just be surprised with how much you'll learn. Here's my list, updated from the original which some of you may have seen. Yes, it's long. But I'm complex. Hope you enjoy!

1. My name is Tonia (Toe-Knee-Ahh).
2. I have always had a bit of disdain for my name, as I have rarely met a person who could pronounce it correctly without hearing it first.
3. Because my name is unique, I wanted somewhat unique names for my children. My plan kind of backfired. My older daughter's name, while unique for a girl was the fifth most popular name for a boy the year she was born and my youngest daughter's name was the 22nd most popular in the year I bestowed it on her. When we found out we were having our third girl, I gave up on names all together and let Jeremy have control.
4. It's probably the first and last time that that will ever happen.
5. My sisters do not have unique names. My parents chose Angela and Gina for them. So not fair!
6. I always wanted two children, preferably a boy and a girl, even more preferably born in a bubble. Neither of those things happened.
7. I am thankful that they didn’t.
8. When I met my husband, I thought he had a huge gap between his front teeth. He doesn’t.
9. All three of my children do.
10. I got married in the Bahamas.
11. It was one of the best days of my life.
12. One of the most memorable things that happened that day had nothing to do with me. My little sister fainted during the photos. Scary then. Funny now.
13. I don’t like waiting … for anything.
14. I am a quick decision maker. I bought a house, got married and was pregnant with my first child in a matter of four months.
15. I had my first child young … I was 23. The second came along when I was 25 and the third, one week before my 27th birthday. This means that I have been pregnant or breastfeeding for over five years straight.
16. Having children at a young age was the best decision I ever made.
17. Two of my biggest accomplishments are graduating from an Ivy League university and finishing a marathon.
18. I've run two marathons. I will never do another one.
19. I am striving to run a sub two hour half marathon in 2010.
20. My other three biggest accomplishments are my daughters.
21. Proof of the first two is hanging on my wall. I would hang my children on the wall too, but I think that is frowned upon.
22. I finished college in three years.
23. I did it because I was sick and tired of both school and accruing student loans.
24. I have never had a real job (i.e. one I could support myself with).
25. However, being a stay-at-home mom is more job than I could have ever wanted.
26. I am the bad cop in our house.
27. I often think I should show more compassion toward my children. I often expect more from them than I probably should.
28. In addition to watching my kids 24/7, I currently work part-time as a fitness director, handle the bookkeeping for Mr. Honey-Do, serve of the board of Kaden's preschool and have my own business.
29. I do a lot of things, but running is my passion.
30. Strangely, I used to hate running and would avoid it at all costs.
31. I still hate running, but I run at least four days a week and am mildly addicted.
32. I ran throughout my pregnancy and completed two sprint triathlons, 3 10Ks, an 8K, 2 5Ks and a half-marathon. Four days before I delivered, I ran seven miles.
33. I used to be overweight.
34. That is no longer the case and on more than one occasion have been told that I need to eat something.
35. When I was 12 I broke my pelvis and dislocated my hip.
36. I was on bed-rest for two and a half months.
37. Although my doctors were sure that I would never return to sports I did, and I competed through college.
38. The only lasting effect of the injury is that my right leg is an inch and a half longer than my left.
39. I am a two-time NJ State Champion in the shot put.
40. I still hold numerous county and school records in both the shot put and the discus.
41. I have two tattoos, one is a discus thrower.
42. The other is Chinese symbols. My sisters have the same tattoo.
43. I want a third – a shamrock and my children’s initials.
44. At one point in my life, I had 12 ear piercings, in addition to a belly ring, an eyebrow ring, and a tongue ring.
45. I started dating my husband while on a trip to England.
46. We dated for 10 months before becoming engaged.
47. We didn’t live in the same state until a month before our wedding.
48. If given three wishes, I would wish for wealth for my family, health for my family, and for my father to be able to meet my husband and children.
49. If I was only given one wish, I would wish for my father to meet my husband and children.
50. My father passed away when I was 20.
51. It was the worst moment of my life.
52. It was also one of the best moments of my life. It completely changed my perspective on life and how I approach things. It made me into the person that I have become and that is a person that I am 100 percent happy with, both inside and out.
53. I miss him everyday.
54. I have known my best friend for almost 25 years.
55. I am about to turn 28.
56. I was the first of my friends to get married and have children.
57. This makes me feel much older than I am.
58. But it will also make for an early empty nest.
59. I watch too much TV.
60. My favorites are teenage dramas and reality shows.
61. I could live off hamburgers and cupcakes, but I would have to workout far more than I do now.
62. I write lists for everything, including other lists.
63. I pack two weeks in advance to avoid forgetting something.
64. I usually still forget something.
65. Three years ago, I vowed to cook dinner Monday-Friday for my family for the entire year.
66. I did, and I still do.
67. My favorite sandwich is peanut butter and banana.
68. I eat it everyday. Sometimes twice.
69. I will finish paying off my college education two months before my oldest daughter enters college.
70. I missed 72 days of school in my junior year of high school. I still got straight A’s.
71. I missed finishing in the top 10 of my high school class by .001 of a point.
72. I only keep in touch with two people from high school.
73. They both served as maids-of-honor in my wedding.
74. The last time I had an alcoholic drink was at my wedding.
75. It was an amaretto sour.
76. I don’t plan on ever having one again. For no other reason than I don’t like how it tastes.
77. The only thing I ate at my wedding was a cream puff and a bite of wedding cake.
78. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
79. Christmas is a close second. Only because I really love the look of joy on people’s faces when you get them a gift they truly love.
80. I hate Christmas music, without exception. Ok, maybe one exception – The Tran Siberian Orchestra.
81. I was born in February.
82. I have always been jealous that I never had a pool party for my birthday.
83. My father once called me out of work and said that I had "explosive diarrhea."
84. It wasn’t true.
85. I am cheap. So cheap that my children wore cloth diapers, and not because it is good for the environment.
86. I often put my kids to bed extremely early because at least one of two things is true. 1: I have had enough of them and/or 2: They can’t tell time and don’t know how early it is.
87. I love to travel, yet have done very little traveling, mostly because I have either been pregnant or had children for all but two months of my married life, which began less than six months after I graduated.
88. I want to travel to Australia more than anywhere else.
89. Yet, if I could live anywhere, at least for a little while, it would be the Pacific Northwest.
90. Whenever I stay at a hotel I always sleep with a hood on. I don’t like my face resting on the same pillowcase that others have used.
91. I almost never drink anything with calories. It’s always water, unsweetened iced tea and diet soda for me. I live eating too much to waste any calories on a beverage.
92. I’m not a sucker for romance. I think jewelry and flowers, while a nice gesture, are a waste of money. Give me a box of donuts and a good pair of running shoes any day.
93. I am addicted to running skirts. I owe 13 of them and if they didn't cost a fortune, I'd buy them in every color.
94. Although I am not a jewelry fan, I never take off my wedding band and engagement ring. I even play soccer with them on.
95. As a child I played the clarinet. My parents bought me one for Christmas and I quit playing the following spring.
96. I am tall for a girl, 5’8 ½"
97. Yet, I am destined to be the shortest member of my family. My husband is 6’7" and most of my family, including my mom, are over 6 feet tall.
98. It’s said that you can double a child’s height somewhere between age 2 and 2 ½ to get an idea of how tall they will be. If I do that for my oldest and it’s true, she will be between 6’ and 6’3. The same is true for Mackenzie and I am sure that Natalie will follow suit.
99. Most people’s feet grow during pregnancy. Mine shrunk a half size. Now I need all new shoes.
100. I hate wearing shoes. But, alas, no shoes, no service. So in my opinion, sandals are the best option, sneakers are close second and dead last, heels, I can barely walk in heels.

running late?

2009-11-09T12:46:00.003-05:00

Can you remember a time when leaving the house meant grabbing your keys, your bag and nothing more? Remember when you could just get in the car and go? Well, then I'm sure you've noticed that since you became a mom, leaving the house is never that simple.

It's a hard adjustment to make. Having children means packing up a lot of stuff, not to mention a lot of people. For me to make it to Stroller Strides in the morning, I need to get everyone (all four of us), fed, dressed and out the door. Add in the bathroom breaks, the crying fits and all of the gear I take (a triple stroller, tubing, a mat, Stroller Strides paperwork, three cups, three snacks, a water bottle, sunblock, sunglasses, three blankets (in case it's cold), diapers, pull ups, wipes, and three emergency outfits) and leaving the house can be an hour long ordeal.

But, how can you guarantee that you'll make it to Stroller Strides (or anywhere else for that matter) on time? It's easy. Give yourself "loading and unloading time." Think of it this way. If you were kid free and going to a doctor's appointment at 10 a.m. that is 15 minutes away from your home, you'd probably leave around 9:40-9:45. Well, with kids, you can't walk out of your door at 9:45, you'll never make your appointment.

BUT, if you walk out of your house at 9:30 you now gained 15 minutes of "loading and unloading time." This is the time you can use to buckle your little ones into the car, make the multiple trips back inside to get things you forgot, or just to give yourself a cushion so you don't feel so stressed while you are driving. Because honestly, nothing is guaranteed to make you late and ruin your day like getting a speeding ticket on the way.

So, tomorrow, when you are getting ready for Stroller Strides, keep this "loading and unloading time" in mind. Just remember that you need to give yourself a cushion to get there on time, but you'll also need to add in time for getting yourself and your baby ready for class once you arrive. Here's an example of how I would make this happen:

Class starts at 9:30.

So, if you need 10 minutes to prep for class once you arrive, you need to arrive at 9:20.

And, if you have a 15 minute drive to get to class, you need to pull out of your driveway at 9:05.

Which means, in order to give yourself 15 minutes of "loading time", you need to walk out of your door at 8:50.

Try it out! See how it works. I promise that you'll feel much less stressed and enjoy your workout more if you don't have to worry about running late ...

Top 10 Components Found at EVERY Stroller Strides Class!

2009-11-03T21:52:00.002-05:00

I snagged this list from our November Stroller Strides Instructor Newsletter written by our amazing, incredible, inspirational National Fitness Director, Farel Hruska. I just want to remind everyone what they can expect at EVERY Stroller Strides class!

#10) An instructor presence and energy throughout the entire class

#9) A dynamic warm -up that is also fun and social

#8) A gradual start into each set of exercises

#7) 5-8 stations with cardio bursts at each one. This is to ensure we keep the strollers moving!

#6) SINGING! This is an integral part of Stroller Strides. We want to keep the babies happy while we get our workout!

#5) Mom and child interaction throughout class.

#4) Different levels for each exercise designed for all fitness levels.

#3) Resistance training of every major muscle group in EACH class. Stroller Strides is a one-stop fitness experience: cardio, strength and flexibility at every class.

#2) Communication about other Stroller Strides events like weekly playgroups, monthly Mom's Nights Out, and our community events.

#1) Support Group Fitness: As Stroller Strides instructors, we create a safe environment (both physically and emotionally) where moms feel comfortable, supported and challenged!

Every mom should experience all 10 of these components at each class. It is truly a fitness class like none you have ever taken!

who needs sleep?

2009-10-29T14:39:00.003-04:00

Are you getting enough sleep? Probably not. As a mother of a newborn (or toddler or even teenager for that matter), your sleep is probably interrupted on a daily basis. It's a constant game of catch-up. A game that you are never going to win.

In the December issue of Fitness Magazine, it is reported that on average, women sleep six hours and 40 minutes on weeknights. A huge drop from the nine to 10 hours Americans slept per night a century ago.

I'm sure you've heard people say, "I only need four hours of sleep." or "I'm used to getting less than eight hours." And if that is true, then how important can sleep really be?

To answer that simply, it is VERY important, especially for active women. Sleep allows your body to recover from tough workouts and readies it for the next one. During deep sleep, every muscle in your body work to rebuild itself stronger than before. Also, sleep plays a major role in muscle memory, which sharpens focus and reduces reaction time.

So, how much do you really need?

Experts suggest that women get seven to eight hours of sleep per night, which may seem like a lot. But just wait, if you're an active woman, especially one whose training for an endurance event (and isn't parenting the ultimate endurance sport?), then up to 10 hours of sleep per night may be needed for peak performance.

Sweet dreams!

Do you really need to drink 8 cups of water a day?

2009-10-20T19:22:00.002-04:00

We all know hydration is important, but is it really true that we need to drink eight cups of water each day? The answer is no, but it's not that simple. The average person needs 8-10 cups of FLUID per day to replace what the body uses each day (in addition to the fluids we ingest through our foods). While water is the recommended fluid, keep in mind that all the fluids you ingest do add up.

The Institute of Medicine recommends that women should aim to get 10 cups of fluid daily, from all sources. And pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding may need more.

But rather than measure out every ounce you drink, keep these two things in mind:

1. Drink when you are thirsty.
2. If your urine is clear to pale yellow, you are probably getting enough fluids.

ATTN ALL MOMS!

2009-09-23T16:08:00.002-04:00

It is VERY important that any fitness instructors/trainers that you work with should have specific training in PRE and POSTnatal fitness. Mommys' bodies are unique and we have very specific training needs. ALWAYS ASK your trainers about their experience, training, and qualifications! Its good to know ALL Stroller Strides instructors are nationally certified PLUS have training in pre/postnatal fitness!

BEWARE OF IMPOSTERS! You do not want to injure yourself! Your family depends on you!!

Stroller Strides Richmond was named Top 3 Fitness Program in Richmond by the readers of Richmond Magazine!

2009-07-29T08:13:00.003-04:00

WOOOHOOO! I am overjoyed with this news! Stroller Strides Richmond truly rocks!! Thanks for everyone who voted for us! I am giddy with excitement!

We are continuing to work hard to provide you high-class instruction, powerful workouts, and a supportive environment for moms and their children. Thank you to everyone who voted for us. And a special thank you to our instructors who's knowledge, energy, and excitement make Stroller Strides the BEST in RICHMOND!

PLUS - check out this photo of how moms are teaching their children the importance of exercise!! This is Jackson doing bicep curls :)

Stroller Strides Richmond JULY Contest...Win Big!!

2009-06-29T06:39:00.008-04:00

Stroller Strides Richmond and Tots on the Go have partnered together to give you the chance to WIN A FREE WEEK'S RENTAL OF ANY PRODUCT (including ALL strollers, carriers, and more)! Plus, it is a chance to donate to the Central Virginia Food Bank (CVFB).

At playgroup on July 17th, the person who brings the most canned food (based on weight) to donate to the CVFB, wins a free weekly rental of any product Tots on the Go offers! You can try out that new double BOB or practice using the Lillebaby Carrier...any product, you choose!!

Did you know many kids and families in Richmond face a food shortage this summer? With school out of session, children lose access to school-provided meals. Plus parents must pay for childcare during the summer months and have even less money to feed their families. Its important we help them! Please participate in this great contest!

Seven Steps for a Better Post-Baby Body Image

2009-06-22T07:43:00.002-04:00

This incredibe blog post has been taken from the Stroller Strides Blog. I think it is amazing and has some great points for all of us!
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More powerful than any food you eat or any exercise you do, are the feelings you have about yourself. According to our founder in her book, Lean Mommy, breaking away from a negative body image will help you make – and stick to- positive lifestyle habits. Not only will you be happier, but you’ll be a better mommy!

I’ve never met a mom (including myself) who didn’t want to lose the baby weight she gained. Who likes the fleshy belly left after pregnancy? However, how we see ourselves isn’t always realistic. It’s important for our mental health, not to be a slave to the scale! It’s easy to slip into tunnel vision after having a baby. If you have more weight on your bottom that you’d like, is this what you should focus on? NO! It’s your choice whether you hone in on what you don’t like or whether you adopt a more accepting attitude and see the whole, healthy you. When you are depressed and unhappy, you are more likely to see only the negative. But, you’ll be happier if you focus on the positive. This is easier said than done. You must stop thinking that you, or your body, or its parts are awful. At first you can try lowering the volume of your dark thoughts and you can redirect your self-talk by creating a awarenes of it, then you can begin to minimize it. When you learn to like and hopefully, love your body, you will begin to appreciate it. Here are seven quick tips from Lisa Druxman to help you get started:

FOCUS ON STRONG POINTS Would you let your husband or your kids tell you repeatedly that you are fat and ugly? So, don’t do it to yourself. You deserve to treat yourself as well as you expect others to treat you.

BE WHAT YOUR LOVED ONES SEE Your baby thinks that you are the most beautiful creature to have ever walked the planet. (Your dog and cat does, too.) Allow yourself to see what they see!

LOOK GENTLY IN MIRRORS Before looking at your reflection, identify something in your mind that you know you like about yourself. Focus on that when you glance in the mirror.

KEEP SCALES IN CHECK If you are prone to getting obsessive or having an emotional response to the numbers, throw your scale out the window! It can’t measure your worth, your health or your happiness. You don’t want your children to mimic your behavior and start weighing themselves as soon as they are able?

REFRAME SELF-DEFEATING THOUGHTS You think diet, you think DEPRIVATION, You think exercise, you think BORING or TORTURE. If you are following a punishing routine, you’re likely to fail since you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. If you respect and appreciate your body, you will want to treat it well.

WATCH WHAT YOU SAY Every negative remark you make about your body ingrains body-bashing beliefs even deeper. In Stroller Strides classes, no one is aloud to make negative comments about their bodies. Start listening to your conversations and stop all the negative talk!

CHANGE YOUR TAPES Every behavior stems from the desire to feel good or avoid feeling bad. If you associate eating healthy and exercising with pain and eating cookies and sitting on the couch as a pleasurable activity, then you will choose to snack and sit. But, if you redefine your thoughts so you think of being active as invigorating and eating well as energizing then you are likely to choose to engage in healthy lifestyle habits.

Learn more about what you think about the way you look in Lean Mommy. You can purchase the book from Amazon.com or from the Stroller Strides website.

Just more proof that Stroller Strides is good for your kids!

2009-06-18T09:37:00.004-04:00

Just telling people about the healthy influence I have on my children has won me a contest! This is from RichmondMom.com. Thanks Kate and Shamrock Farms!

Shamrock Farms & Wii Fit Winner Announced!

Richmondmom.com & Shamrock Farms Milk asked for your fitness tips to get Mooo-vin this summer with your family, here’s what you told us! Some of you Richmond families hike, bike, dance and rock out, even do TRIATHLONS with your families!

Our winner, Rachel Pustilnik sent the following winning tip (selected by Shamrock Farms) and won a Wii Fit and $100 in Shamrock Farms milk, a $300 value! Congrats, Rachel!
I take my daughters to Stroller Strides class where they watch mommy exercise. Once home from class, the girls get to lead us in a fitness class. They set up obstacle courses, make us do lunges and get us sweathing. Most of the time the exercises they have us do are the ones we did at Stroller Strides so they are watching and learning.

Congratulations to Stroller Strides for the March for Babies!

2009-06-16T10:56:00.002-04:00

We knew that Richmond Stroller Strides moms are generous and caring, but did you also know we were the BEST! Our moms raised the most money of all other Stroller Strides across the country! Although it wasn't really a competition, it just shows how giving our Stroller Striders are!

Locally, we raised $5,530 for the March of Dimes. A special THANK YOU to Nicole Long and her family who raised most of our funds! Across the country, Stroller Strides franchises together we raised $76,169 for March for Dimes through your efforts nationwide. We have helped to save lives of premature babies and contributed to important research for preventing more premature births.

Congrats! Keep up the amazing work!

You'll Never Look at Dinner the Same Way...

2009-06-10T20:13:00.004-04:00

Check out this trailer for an amazing moving coming to Richmond this summer!! http://www.foodincmovie.com/ According to their website, it will open at Movieland on the Boulevard on July 10. I can't wait!

YES! Moms are role models!

2009-06-02T10:13:00.004-04:00

Hey Moms...you know you are a role model to your children. Why not be the best you can be! Stroller Strides really does instill incredible values in your children. I could make a list a mile long, but a picture speaks a thousand words. Enjoy!

We are downsizing!!

2009-05-19T14:47:00.004-04:00

'Downsizing' - that's a new buzz word, right? It kind of makes everyone nervous, but at Stroller Strides Richmond, its a GOOD THING!

Every mom wants to stay on top of things, right? No mom has enough hours in the day to get evrything done, right? We all want something fast, simple, and complete, right? Well, we heard you, and we are 'STROLLING' towards the answer.

Right now, if you wanted to stay in the loop with all that the Richmond Stroller Strides mommies are doing, you would have to do the following:

Pull up the main website to see the current class schedule, read about specialty classes, and see the newsletter.
Join our Yahoo chat room to see who is meeting where for an afternoon coffee break, or to ask these 'expert' moms the answer to the question 'How do you remove crayon from carpet?'
Join our Meetup page so you can RSVP to all our social events - Mom's Night Out, playgroups, family days, community events, etc, etc
Click on the blog to look at cute pictures and read about the biz

WOW - that's too much information in TOO MANY PLACES! So I am currently working on a way to consolidate it all into one, yes ONE, place. Plus we will be adding an optional weekly email update so you can stay on top of everything. I am working hard to keep you up-to-date while decreasing your time clicking on website after website!

I am hoping to roll everything out by the beginning of June! Stay tuned!!

Stroller Strides on TV!

2009-05-15T07:38:00.005-04:00

What great press we have been getting lately! Yesterday Stroller Strides Richmond was featured on the NBC12 morning news at 6:45am. What a prime spot! Every mother in Richmond is probably awake at that time watching the news! A special thanks to Ashley Swann for doing an incredible segment! There are lots of moms, happy babies, and even a dad!

Here is the video:

Here is a link to their story online. Be sure to vote in the poll 'Do you ever mix in a workout with your kids?'

An Organized House is a Happy House

2009-05-12T19:43:00.003-04:00

I had a very non-traditional Mother's Day. Normally moms (typically including myself) request the day off where they forget out their household duties just for one day. This year, I actually spent the day 'in the trenches'. I organized my entire house. It was a daunting task, but the toys and clutter were taking over. It had to be done.

So I made a goal...everything in the house has a 'home'. That meant all toys had their proper bin. All mail had a basket. All art supplies had a shelf. If we ran out of room, then something had to go. We did not keep it if it didn't have a 'home'. That meant no more toy strollers parked in the corner. No more coloring books stacked on the floor. Everything went somewhere.

Now I also made a household rule that no one goes to bed at night until everything is in its 'home'. I wish I took before and after pictures because the difference is remarkable. We are going on Day 2 of an organized house and everything 'feels' calmer. Let's see how long we can keep it like this! To top it off, we will get to have one killer of a yardsale to sell all the stuff who we deemed 'homeless'!

As a treat for all this work, many women would ask for a massage or a pedicure. Not me, I scheduled a carpet cleaning. I know, I'm a strange woman! Strange, but calm.

Watch our slide show!!

2009-05-12T02:44:00.000-04:00

These are pictures taken during a Stroller Strides class and published in the Times Dispatch. What beautiful mommies and babies!

Mothers work out with Stroller Strides in Maymont Park

Extra, Extra, READ ALL ABOUT IT!

2009-05-11T13:26:00.002-04:00

Stroller Strides was in the Richmond Times Dispatch on Sunday! Here is the link. The article was FANTASTIC! I was so excited to have this piece written by Maria Howard who typically writes articles about all the fitness trends in Richmond and is a fitness professional herself. She did a great job explaining how moms are really important role models in promoting healthy lifestyles. I love how she talked about their being a 'crier' at every class. Its the tue, ain't it :)

They also had a fabulous slide show on the website which can be found here. Those moms are working hard!

Thanks for the ladies who were in class that day, and especially to Jenn B. who was quoted in the article.

Mother's Day is Special at Stroller Strides!

2009-05-11T08:33:00.007-04:00

I hope everyone had an amazing Mother's Day! At Stroller Strides, we celebrated with a good sweat on Friday! Our annual Mother's Day celebration started with 28 moms (and one grandma) participating in a great class! During class we focused on exercises that moms need to do our jobs as mothers so there was lots of squats, rows, core work, and agility work. Here are some pics of the babies all lined up at the start of class.

Then after class, we had our Celebration! We treated the moms to pampering, Stroller Strides-style!! Thank you so much to our businesses that supported our event:

Kalico Kitchen provided delicious cake!
Chick-fil-A brought a yummy gruit platter
Massage envy gave moms chair massages
BeautiControl consultant, Erin Snow, gave hand and foot treatments
Vitamin Water 10 provided refreshing drinks
LUNA provided the ever-popular yummy LUNA bars.

What a great way to kick off our special weekend!!

LONG time, no blog....

2009-04-30T13:11:00.004-04:00

I am very sorry about the extended delay in my blogging. I have no excuse and am vowing to do better with posting more often. I will say this, the lack of blog posts does not reflect a lull un business. Stroller Strides Richmond is BOOMING! We have begun our outside classes (www.strollerstrides.net/richmond) and have met lots of new mommies since then.

We are also in the process of getting some great press coverage! As the newspaper and TV segments come out, I will be sure to post them. But I wanted to share a cute picture the newspaper photographer snapped at Maymont class on Tuesday. Look at those sexy moms and cute babies!!

Join the Get Fit Challenge

2009-02-10T14:18:00.004-05:00

Join Stroller Strides®’ National "Get Fit Challenge"! This will be a 3 month long challenge February 20 – May 22 to see what changes you can make in your life to create a healthier, stronger, leaner you! The best part is that you will have your fellow Stroller Striders encouraging you along the way so you are sure to succeed! Register by FEBRUARY 16th! The challenge is FREE. You will be provided with weekly emails that include fitness tips, recipes, support, and more! In order to participate you MUST attend the fitness evaluations at the beginning and end of the program. These will be held at Stroller Strides class on Friday, February 20th and May 22nd. Are you up for it? Go for it!

Watch this video about the challenge (we will not be doing the Hydrostatic Weighing, but instead we will do a fitness assessment at the beginning and end)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17rcMLAZx8Y&feature=email

LUNAFEST 2009 is going to be INCREDIBLE!

2009-02-01T10:25:00.003-05:00

LUNAFEST® is a fundraising film festival dedicated to promoting awareness about women’s issues, highlighting women filmmakers, and bringing women together in their community.LUNA created LUNAFEST® to support women on a number of levels. Here is our mission:

To provide women filmmakers the opportunity to be seen and heard

To empower women by showcasing women’s issues, stories and amazing moments

To support women’s health and our partnership with the Breast Cancer Fund

To support local communities by providing non-profit groups a creative medium to raise funds for local organizations

To provide women with a forum to communicate, share, and inspire social change within their communities

Here is a description of the charities we will be raising funds for this year! The Breast Cancer Fund is a national organization dedicated to researching and raising awareness of ways to prevent breast cancer. The second charity is Cleaning for a Reason which donates house cleanings to women undergoing cancer treatments. The local business My Hands for Hope provides eco-friendly cleaning services to these women free of charge. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT of ticket sales and silent auction monies will benefit these charities.

Tickets are ONLY $20 in advance and this includes food and a FREE wine bar!! We expect to SELL OUT so buy your tickets today!! visit http://lunafestrichmond.org/ and buy your ticket now!!

2009 is the Year of the MOM!

2009-01-05T08:07:00.003-05:00

Being a mom is much more than raising children. It is about creating a family. Creating a family includes building tradition, instilling values, teaching morals, generating hopes and dreams, and providing unconditional love. What an emotional responsibility!! It is no easy task, and I personally don't think moms give themselves enough credit!

So make a decision...make 2009 the Year of the Mom! Take the time to appreciate all your hard work. There will be days that you will cherish all your time and effort when you see your children acting like angels - how sweet! Then there will be days when you feel like all was for naught - who are those little devils?

Raising children is a blind job - you never know what you are gonna get. Should you give hugs or keep them at arms length? What will encourage my child to be the best they can be? If I do what my friend does with her child, will it make my child better? Motherhood is just an endless cycle of the unknown.

BUT we can make our jobs a little easier...moms need to support other moms. Find a way to support a mommy-friend. Make a phone call, write a letter, send a picture to a mommy-friend who you love. Let them know you are there for them, that you understand their good days and bad days. Be an ear to hear and a shoulder to lean on. You will make a world of difference in a mom's life.

At Stroller Strides Richmond, we are supporting each other with a friendly competition called the Healthy Momma Challenge. In teams of 3, moms compete to earn points for doing healthy activities. It is a great program that connects women together in a sense of community. I will post updates as the contest gets underway in a few weeks!

Happy and Healthy 2009!

The best gift I could have ever received...

2008-12-25T10:55:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, my husband gave me the best present a wife could ever get. We took a run together. Less than 3 months after Jack suffered a heart attack, we took a 3.6 mile jog together. The tears of joy were wiped away as we chatted like old times. We took a route Jack had taken thousands of times before, but the houses we passed and the hills we climbed looked bright and new. In a way they are...this is a new start for him. A new lease on life that has provided him (and us) the opportunity to appreciate the finer things.

I am so proud of him and how far he has come. He has followed his exercise physiologist's rehab plan to the T. To the amazement of his doctor's, his last echo-cardiogram showed a perfect heart and that gave him the confidence that he will make a full recovery. Our run yesterday was closely monitored and we did walk several times when his heart rate went too high. But he recovered very quickly and we continued on.

I am so excited about his future! I might get a running partner back. Way to go honey!

What makes you smile?

2008-12-23T12:44:00.002-05:00

Simply think about the things in life that make you happy. Tell those people that you love them. Spread the love!

Come On Already! Hurry Up!

2008-12-09T07:05:00.004-05:00

As a VERY busy mom, you would think my children would follow in my footsteps. As a business owner, I am always on the go as I constantly rush to stay on schedule. My day is booked every minute - get the kids up and fed, drop off at school, teach Stroller Strides, back home for office work during nap time, pick up from school, afternoon activities, dinner, bedtime, and finish off the day with more work.

At first glance, you may think my children would be very like mom - rushing from one thing to the next. But they aren't! In fact, my 4-year-old is the world's best DAWDLER! Everything she does takes 3-4 times as long as they should. Here are 2 examples, we were 30 minutes late to school yesterday because it took her 45 minutes to get dressed. Now, her clothes were already picked out, but that didn't seem to help. Another example, it took her 45 minutes to eat her dinner. Its not like she was taking helping after helping. It took her that long to eat her one plate of food. She was singing, talking, day-dreaming, and whatever else the whole time.

What does that do to me?!? It boils my blood. I am constantly saying - Hurry up...Let's go...Get going...We are going to be late. I feel like I am always on her case to move faster.

But I do believe that everything in life happens for a reason. Maybe this dawdling child was given to me for a reason. Maybe she is here to do her best to make me slow down. Many days I can't slow down, there is too much to do. But maybe my schedule shouldn't be so full. Maybe I should take more time to do things. How nice would it be to take 45 minutes to get ready in the morning? In that time, I could shower, get dressed, do my hair, AND put on make-up. 45 minutes at dinner could give my family the time to talk about everything going on in our lives. A chance to catch up, laugh, and relax. What a treat!

Maybe my dawdler is on to something...

Keep your pants on!

2008-12-03T08:28:00.002-05:00

OK, I wanted to share this funny story from a Stroller Strides member. She is 'blaming' the incredible workouts at Stroller Strides for an almost embarrassing moment!

'I'd like to tell you a quick story ... yesterday I got up, and realized it was too cold to wear my favorite skirt to church, so I threw on a pair of my favorite pants. I haven't worn them in about a year (it's been a year this month that I joined Stroller Strides). Well, they were falling OFF the whole time I was at church. I had to get up and do a reading, and all I could think the wholetime I was walking up to the podium was "Please don't let my pants fall off...please please please!" When I got home, I looked at the tag- 12. SO, on that note, I'm going to Stroller Strides this morning, because if I'm going to buy a new"church" wardrobe, I may as well buy a whole new wardrobe and be SURE it fits after Christmas. Yes, it's vanity at its worst, but I still thought it was funny enough to share.'

New Printable Schedules!

2008-11-30T19:00:00.002-05:00

I am very excited to have a great new printable schedule that has a calendar with all our classes, LUNA Moms Club events, and monthly specials on it. Simply print this out once per month and see all that we have going on. Click here to download it!

Join us at Stroller Strides classes in December! It is a great way to continue to exericse through the hardest time of the year! We can't wait to have you in class!

Also, read our newsletter by clicking here!

I am thankful for...

2008-11-27T19:58:00.003-05:00

every person who has tried Stroller Strides classes in Richmond.

My hope is, whether you have taken one Stroller Strides class or a thousand, that it has touched your life in some way. Whether it was showing you how fun exercise can be, making you a little sore after a workout, increasing your energy level, making a new friend, seeing that motherhood is not the lonliest job in the world, having a really good laugh, finding a shoulder to lean on, or reaching a goal you never thought possible...I hope Stroller Strides has brought you a little bit of joy to your lives and made you a stronger, healthier, and happier mom.

Happy Thanksgiving!

If you needed another reason to do Stroller Strides!

2008-11-25T09:58:00.003-05:00

I was shown this article last week and couldn't help but laugh. Although I don't agree with it AT ALL, I do think it just gives moms one more reason to come to Stroller Strides!

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/family/11/21/baby.buggies/index.html

It says the moms who have babies in forward facing strollers do not interact with them very much, thus causing their child to feel stressed. Then they reached a (far-fetched) conclusion that stressed babies lead to anxious adults. Which all comes back to the fact that moms need to interact more with their babies in the stroller.

ENTER STROLLER STRIDES! Since most moms do not have rear facing strollers, you will surely get that interactive time at Stroller Strides! Not only do we get a killer workout, we make our babies laugh by singing, counting, clapping, tickling, and more! If the researchers from this study don't think this is enough interaction, I don't know what is!

If only we can get BOB to design a rear-facing stroller :)

See you in class!

The Holidays are Here!

2008-11-18T12:24:00.002-05:00

Most people get a nice smile on their faces when they read that, but some moms may get a knot in their stomach when they think about the holidays. That means...parties, cookies, presents, cleaning, stress, inlaws, etc, etc. It is a very tough time of year for many.

Did you know that the typical person gains 5-7 pounds every holiday season? Plus those pounds typically do not come off. So how can you change this awful trend? Make a pact RIGHT NOW to do what you can to decrease your stress over the next couple of weeks. Between now and January 1, 2009, commit to doing the following:

exercise 4-6 times per week for 45 minutes or more.
15 minutes of Mom-ME time each day (reading a book, meditating, taking a bath, etc)
make good food choices at parties
enjoy the moment

Stroller Strides classes will help keep you on track to reach these goals. Your instructors will give you a great workout, your friends are there to help you de-stress, and you will receive expert advice on how to make the proper food choices at parties.

So commit now to making this holiday season special. You will be creating once-in-a-lifetime memories with your family. But make it less stressful and more fulfilling! Just remember our simple rules!

Stroller Strides is worth every penny!

2008-11-13T07:16:00.002-05:00

I know a lot of people are re-prioritizing family budgets. I understand how stressful that can be, we are doing it too. While you are budgeting, do me a favor and find creative ways to keep Stroller Strides in your budget. ESPECIALLY with the holiday season approaching, you will need to find a way to de-stress, burn calories, and relax with friends. You can get all of that at our incredible workouts!

Finding ways to fit Stroller Strides in your budget is easy! Just look for ways to save $1.80 per day. It may mean cutting out your Starbucks (or going from a Venti to a Grande), doing lunch with friends instead of dinner, or other simple solutions. If you want to see what the true value of Stroller Strides is, just read my previous blog:
http://strollerstridesrichmond.blogspot.com/2008/05/are-you-worried-about-your-expenses.html

We love having you at classes, and you know you do to :)

The big RUNNING weekend is almost here!

2008-11-11T13:12:00.004-05:00

Good Luck to all the ladies running the NTelos 8k, McDonald's Half-Marathon, or Suntrust Marathon this weekend! We have a slew of Stroller Strides moms running. Whether this is your first race or your hundreth, I am cheering you on!

One thing, you may be nervous, but remember to take the time to appreciate the beauty of the day. You are a strong, healthy mom who is accomplishing a goal you set for yourself...reaching further, doing more than you thought you could. This is something to be very proud about. So when you are at the start line, ready to begin, your heart is beating a mile a minute, do one thing for me. Take 3 deep breaths, smile, and pat yourself on the back. Just getting to the start line is the accomplishment. The race is the prize. Enjoy the view, the crowd cheering you on, and the sense of joy you feel when you finish! Cherish it forever!

I am so proud of each of you! Please post your race stories and pictures when you are done.

Every day is a new day...

2008-11-07T07:59:00.002-05:00

I tell myself this every day when I wake up. No matter what turbulence occured the day before, there is always a new day that allows you to start over. Yesterday was a very tough one for me. My 4-year-old had not slept or eaten well so needless to stay she was a handful. We had a total of 3 temper tantrums yesterday, the last one ending in the libary where she started screaming and eventually went boneless when I tried to pick her up.

Needless to say, I was exhausted yesterday. I prayed that everyone would sleep in to allow me to catch up on my lost sleep. Well, my 15-month-old was up at 5am and my 4-year-old was up at 6. I rolled my eyes thinking it was going to be another disaster of a day. Then I came to my senses. I said - this is another day. Although the kids woke up early, they were not acting tired. So I needed to be more positive. And believe it or not, it worked. We had a great morning - no temper tantrums. I brought my ipod speakers with us on our walk to school and we actually danced and sang the whole way there!

Now we are off to Stroller Strides to continue on our path of smiles and giggles.

So remember, yesterday is behind you. Today is the day you need to focus on. If yesterday was a bad day with your kids, a day you ate horribly, said something you reget, or anything else, just remember to keep moving forward. Today is a new day to do something special.

Wisdom from a Flight Attendant...

2008-11-04T19:29:00.002-05:00

No, this isn't the title for my next mommy book...but there is a phrase that you hear on every plane ride that just touched me for the first time. So everytime you fly, flight attendants give us all the safety rules. I've heard them a million times and never really paid much attention to them until this last time. For some reason, I really heard the words and found a deeper meaning. Here is what she said 'Be sure to secure your oxygen mask before securing a small child's'.

If you take that literally, it means to make sure you are strong and healthy. If you are not, then you will not be able to help other people. As mothers, we are helping other people EVERY DAY! Our children's lives depend on it, just like we depend on oxygen. So if you hear the phrase correctly, that means moms need to be strong and healthy before they can properly take care of children. That is so true. If we do not take care of ourselves (mentally and physically), then we will not be able to offer the proper care to our family.

When things are building up in your life and the stress is getting to you, remember to put YOUR oxygen mask on first. Here are some ideas: take deep breaths, close your eyes for a minute and focus on your inner strength, take a walk, go to Stroller Strides, give yourself a hug. Any of these things can help make us stronger and happier. Then we can take that strength and pass it on to our children.

The Strength for Motherhood

2008-10-29T11:37:00.007-04:00

Watch this video when you need a little inspiration as a mom. Stroller Strides helps gives moms the strength for motherhood through friendships, support and fitness. If you are a mom, then you are an athlete. Pass this video on to give your friends the strength.

The Strength For Motherhood

Renew your spirit...

2008-10-25T07:37:00.002-04:00

Whether we admit it or not, we all live in a routine. Getting our kids up and fed, husband out the door to work, off to Stroller Strides, home for naps, out to afternoon activities, cook dinner, bedtime, and off to sleep. OK, that may be over-simplifying it, but you get the idea. It can get very monotonous and cause you to feel like there is no end in sight.

Every once and a while, you need to do somethig that will renew your spirit and make you appreciate your routine. I get this opportunity once per year at the Stroller Strides National Conference. I get to head out to San Diego (by myself) and attend 2 days of sessions about how to improve my business.

OK, so this is technically 'work' but there are so many things that I get to do outside of my normal routine. For instance, I get to travel for 8 hours in each direction. Sounds like a lot, but I get to sit peacefully for 5 hours on the plane without having to change a diaper, wipe a nose, or answer a 'why' question. I get to choose what I want to do - read a book, sleep, do sodoku puzzles, whatever I want. So part of my trip consists of doing child-free activities. That would be enough to renew my spirit, but there's more.

Then I arrive in San Diego and get to see friends from all over the country that I have not seen since last year. It is like a long awaited reunion with tears and laughter and lots of hugging. Seeing my friends who I only talk to on the phone and through email during most of the year is so refreshing!

Then I get to attend sessions for 2 days where I learn new ways to improve my business. The only way I can describe it is this....its like a breath of fresh air to get reinspired. I know that sounds so cliche, but when you do the same thing - day in and day out - you can get in a rut. Just going through the motions. Simply taking yourself out of that routine and doing something to renew your spirit is essential! It makes returning to that old routine not so old anymore!!

So find something that you can do to renew your spirit - take a girls weekend away, go to the spa, attend a conference. Find something that takes you out of your normal routine that will inspire you to return to that routine with a new sense of self!!

Life can change in an instant...

2008-10-16T09:52:00.003-04:00

Wow, not often do you get the wake up call that my family got 2 weeks ago. As a preface for this blog, my husband and I are both very healthy adults. We are both long distance runners and eat healthy. Admittedly, we have our occassional junk-food treats, and we both run a very full life. Stress is a normal feeling in our lives...

Here is the long story...

For the last couple of weeks, my husband had been complaining of breathing problems during his long runs. He kept saying that he never felt like he could take a full breath. We keep giving excuses for it - air quality, humidity, etc. This problem increased and showed itself while he was doing normal activities like walking up stairs. Thursday 10/1, he experienced it again laying in bed. I figured he may have an infection in his lungs. We were at the peak of marathon training. He had just run 18 miles the week before. I figured he was experiencing over-training and probably had gotten himself sick. I convinced him to make a dr's appt for the next day. Surprisingly, he listened and made an appt for 4pm for Friday.

Well, he never made it to his appt. At 3:15pm he called me in severe distress. He was having massive chest pains which was radiating down his arms and up into his jaw. A women from his office was taking him to the closest hospital (CJW Chippenham). I dropped the girls off with my in-laws and rushed to him. We sat in the hospital with no answers. His blood work, urine, EKG all looked normal yet he was still having chest pains. His heart rate was low but his blood pressure was high. I asked a nurse what was potentially causing this, and he said his guess was an anxiety attack due to overwhelming stress. Let me say that my husband is very used to stress, and in same ways I was not surprised to hear this but none of the medicines were working and I didn't understand why. Another round of tests came back negative - we still didn't know what was going on. I was beginning to believe it was either severe indigestion.

We saw the cardiologist in the ER and he said that he wanted to keep Jack overnight. The next morning they would run a stress test to rule out any heart problems. He did observe Jack while he was experiencing a wave of chest pain. It was at this point that he ordered one more blood test and checked him into the IVCU. We got settled in the room for the night, and Jack actually started to get some sleep only to be interrupted at 1am. The nurse said the last set of blood work came back with elevated enzyme levels, meaning there was indication that there was heart damage. So in this sleep-induced stupor, we were coming to the realization that this was, in fact, heart related. We were told the cardiologist was coming to do an immediate catheridazation to look at his heart and fix any problems.

I kissed Jack and told him I loved him, and he was wheeled into the cath lab around 2am. I was surprisingly calm. I owe this to the amazing nurses. They did a lot to reassure me that Jack was not in any imminent danger, but looking back on this, this could have been the last time I saw him. I wouldn’t let any of those negative thoughts touch me. The only time I cried was explaining it to my mom realizing that I didn’t even know if Jack had a life insurance policy. My mom quickly directed me to think positive and that was the last time I thought about it.

An hour later, the doc came out with bad/good news. The bad news was that yes, Jack had in fact suffered a heart attack. The good news was that it was on a smaller artery (in the left circumflex) and they did not have to put a balloon or stint in. He explained that this artery had been partially blocked for a while (possibly several years) and in order to compensate for the decreased blood flow from that artery, his heart had grown collaterals from the right side of his heart to the left to circumvent the block. The pain that Jack experienced that afternoon was when the artery completely closed off and caused some damage to his heart muscle. But because the collaterals had grown on their own and because it was a small artery, the doc didn’t feel it was necessary to artificially fix the problem.

The doc did get to show me the video he took during the catherization. Although this was much like looking at an ultrasound of your unborn child, you don’t really know what you are seeing, but your mind makes a picture out of the jumble. I did eventually see what he was showing me – I saw Jack’s left side of his heart filling up with blood and then saw very small blood vessels flowing in from the right. It was amazing! His body had actually repaired itself! I have always thought the human body was an incredible machine (gestating and birthing 2 children taught me this), but this was proof of the ‘miracles’ it can perform.

The diagnosis…Jack is expected to make a full recovery. He does have some damage to his heart muscle, and more time is needed before we can see if he will heel 100%, but right now that is the prognosis. The realization hit us that this road to recovery won’t be overnight. It is expected to take an entire year. Will he ever be able to run marathons again? We just don’t know, but we do know that in a few months he should be running again.

My 37-year-old, marathon running, healthy eating, no-family-history husband is a heart attack victim. It was hard for me (and still is) to say those words. It was even harder for him to say them. We spent 3 nights in the hospital and began to come to grips with this reality. Jack will be taking 10-12 pills a day, taking off work for at least 2 weeks, and will only be able to walk 20 minutes a day for now.

This is when the emotional jab hit us. Questions started flying – how could this happen to someone so young? Someone so healthy? What did we do wrong? What will life be like now? We came home from the hospital not knowing what to expect. The man that ran 18 miles 2 weeks ago now barely had the energy to walk his daughter to school. So 10 days later, I am finally at a place where I can write the story and be at peace at our new situation. Jack is recovering well…he is taking it easy, taking his meds, and doing only what he has the strength for. He is getting better everyday and we hope he will be strong enough to go back to work towards the end of next week.

What have we learned from this scary event? What it came down to is a deep appreciation that he is alive and on top of that, will probably make a full recovery. So as tragic as a heart attack sounds, I think it is a fabulous wake-up call. A ‘stop and smell the roses’ incident. Although Jack had no major risk factors for heart disease, he and I live very stressful lives with little time to relax. I have always (thought I) loved living like that. But what I have come to terms with is that nothing matters but my own personal peacefulness. Having more things, doing more things, putting others ahead of yourself is not what will make you happy. These all get in the way of seeing your true self and learning what you can do to make YOU happy.

It’s very hard to come to this realization in the midst of raising 2 young girls and being their care-taker (and mommy). All I want to do right now is spend my days meditating and soul-searching, but I am forced to find a balance. A balance between my needs, my family’s needs, and my business’ needs. Some days it seems achievable and other days it seems impossible. But I am making a conscious effort to simplify my life and learn to de-stress, and that is what is best for me now. I am giving my husband the tools to do this also.

I hope I can blog again about this in a few months with a much brighter sense of peace and an update the he has made a full recovery. Only time (and prayer) will tell…

3 Deep Breathes, Last and Most Important Stretch - Smile!

2008-10-01T19:44:00.004-04:00

I didn't see Oprah yesterday (Wednesday 10/1) but Kathie B. sent me info about the show. It was about a mother who tragically lost her daughter when she forgot and left her in her car for 8 hours. It was a very hard story to read (and probaly even harder to watch).

The lesson she is trying to teach all mothers is to stop trying to be the 'Perfect Mom'. Admit to yourself that you cannot do it all. A perfectly clean house, a perfectly cooked dinner doesn't matter - your children matter. We try to do too many things and don't focus on doing just one thing best - raising our children.

I must admit that I feel like this very often. I try to do everything and often forgetting what is most important to me. Take my example - this JUST happened as I was writing this blog. My 4-year-old wakes up 30 minutes early and walks into my office. If this had happened yesterday, I would have sent her back to her room (kicking and screaming) until she her alarm went off jsut so I could have a few extra minutes to work. Our day would have started in bad moods, and it would only have gone down from there - I know - its happened before. So instead, she walked in the room and was greeted with a smille, a hug, and lots of love. Instead of sending her back to her room, we sat, cuddled,and talked about her day. Yes, I do have 5 emails that were never answered, but what is more important - my inbox staying empty or my daughter's heart staying full? That's not a hard question to answer.

Another guest on the Oprah show made a suggestion that moms learn to meditate to help re-focus their energies. I have started doing this at Stroller Strides classes. At the very end of class, I have the moms sit in Child's Pose, close their eyes, and focus on themselves for a minute. Even if their child is screaming, they need to be able to 'go to their happy place'. Focus on positive self-talk, praising themselves for what they just did in class, and focus on the future. When I started doing this, most moms didn't last longer than 5-10 seconds. They were looking up at their children, getting them a snack, picking up a toy, etc. but I continued to encourage them to stay in their pose. Their children are safe (even if they were unhappy) and that this time is for them (not the kids). The moms did great and have really have gotten much better at it. Even better, the children seem to be happier at the end of class. I bet they are picking up on their mom's peace and tranquility.

We always end class with 3 deep breaths. I think this is important to do anytime you feel stressed. Breath in fresh, calm air. Push out the stressed air. Taking a few seconds to re-focus your energy can get you to take a fresh look at what is going on. In fact, I had written this entire blog and something happened and I lost it all (my day is not starting off on the right foot :) So, I took 3 deep breaths, went about my morning and found 5-minutes to re-write it. My breathing worked!

And remember the most and important stretch - Smile!

In full swing...

2008-10-01T08:26:00.003-04:00

I want to apologize for the lack of blogs lately. I am trying to come up with reasons (aka excuses) as to why I have been so slack lately. The best thing I can come up with is marathon training. I am in the hardest part of marathon training with the next 3 weeks comprising 2 20-mile runs. I am tired and sleep seems so much nicer than working.

But I need stay on top on things. I can't just stop everything because I have decided to run 26.2 miles. So some of the little things have been put on the back burner, like blogging and cleaning my house ;)

I do promise to do better, stay on top of everything, and post more often. Oh, and I just got pics from our Stroller Strides Fall into Fitness. I will post those ASAP!

Be a postive role model - PLEASE!

2008-09-18T14:32:00.003-04:00

OK, so the pics from Fall into Fitness will be coming shortly, but in the meantime, I wanted to share this article from the NY Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/15/health/healthspecial2/15eat.html?_r=1&ei=5070&oref=slogin&emc=eta1&pagewanted=all

6 food mistakes that parents make - i thought it was a perfectly written article about how to help positively influence our children when they eat. I like it because it includes research studies to prove what we should be doing.

I have 2 daughters - my 14-month-old eats everything in site. She has never turned away a serving of broccoli or strawberry. She is such a pleasure to feed, never complaining, always asking for more...all with a smile on her face. My 4-year-old is a different story. From the first day she started solids at 6-months, mealtime has been a struggle for us. She turns her nose up at everything. She won't try anything new and eats surprisingly small portions. Every meal is a fight and mentally drains me. Most dinners end in a yelling match, fight, or someone being sent to their room (and I wish it was me!!). She has never had a positive relationship with food and that scares me. I have tried everything (many things mentioned in this article that we should and should NOT do), but I like the reassurance this article gives:
'put the food on the table and encourage a child to try it. But don’t complain if she refuses, and don’t offer praise if she tastes it. Just ask her if she wants some more or take seconds yourself, but try to stay neutral'

There are lots of other hints I like, but the one I really wanted to talk about is this Dieting in front of your children. I was shocked at what I read - a 5-year-old girl thought dieting meant drinking chocolate milkshakes (aka slimfast). First of all WHY DOES A 5-YEAR-OLD KNOW WHAT DIETING MEANS?!? and secondly, she may think eating chocolate is healthy (as 'dieting' may be associated being healthy). UUGH!!

I am so nervous about raising girls in today's society but one thing I am particular about is doing everything i can to make sure my daughter has a positive body image. How do you do that?

Work on YOUR positive self-talk. In the L.E.A.N program that Lisa Druxman created, she teaches us to use positive self-talk not only for our benefit but for our children. We should NEVER talk about being fat or skinny or dieting or looking ugly, etc. We need to teach our children that eating healthy and exercise is imporant. Using words like strong, healthy, energy, beautiful is what they need to hear. At Stroller Strides, we try to focus on these words as well.

Try to watch what you say not just TO your children, but IN FRONT of them. Make sure they know that you love your body no matter what it looks like. That being healthy and strong is more important than fitting into a size 2.

I hope you read this article and take to heart what it says!!

That was amazing!

2008-09-15T13:05:00.002-04:00

Isn't it nice to be inspired? See an old friend, and have them put a new perspective on your life. It was such a blessing and a pleasure to have Lisa Druxman come to Richmond over the weekend. Not only do I regard her as one of the best business owners on the planet, but she is my friend. I am honored to represent her business - Stroller Strides.

I could blog forever about all the things I learned this weekend, but child services would arrest me for neglect. So I will write them in short little entries over the next few days. Also, as I get pictures back, I will post them!

So our Fall into Fitness event was a HUGE success. My power of positive thinking paid off. The weather report showed rain all day Saturday. Not only was it sunny, but it was record heat and massive humidity...oops, I think my positive thinking did a little overkill :)

Lisa taught an amazing class to over 80 moms and dads!! It was huge. Not only was she amazing, but my bum is still hurting today! I think everyone had a great time! Our Very Important Mommies night was amazing as well. Lots of old and new striders came to thank Lisa for her amazing program. We also raised $750 to donate to Healthy Child, Healthy World (Lisa's choice of charity).

So all the events went perfect as planned. But it was the amazing group of women that have participated in Stroller Strides in Richmond that make it all so special. I really appreciate everyone coming out to the events and showing your support. I love you all!

I promise to post pictures and write more. Right now, I have to catch up on emails and get through a HUGE stack of papers on my desk. Post your fav memory from the weekend!!

Prizes for Fall into Fitness!

2008-09-11T06:55:00.003-04:00

Everyone who comes on Saturday (rain or SHINE!!) will receive a free raffle ticket. Raffles will be given away at 11am. You must be present to win. We have over $2000 worth of prizes for you! Here is a list of the AMAZING prizes we have:

Business Name & Raffle Description
Stroller Strides - free month of classes and prize pack
Atlee Chiropractic - pillow and complimentary exam with xrays
Pediatric Partnership - basket of pediatric samples
Mommy's Baby Cakes - One Diaper Stroller
Bon Secours - diaper bag with supplies for mom and baby
Birth Talk Birth Circle - book, diaper cream gift bag
Tots on the Go - strollometer and stroll-a-tune
Go GaGa - Slide diaper bag
HappyBaby - 5 free trial or BOGO coupons, 2 jars organic baby cereal
Cartwheels and Coffee - $20 gift card and Tshirt
Luna - coffee mug
Kelly's Kids - $20 gift certificate
Signing from the Heart - gift certificate for 50%off classes
The Pampered Chef - $15 gift certificate toward purchase and/or show
Clear Sight Ultrasound, Inc - A Platinum 3D/4D Ultrasound Package Gift Certificate
Dream Dinners -1 free small family dinner
Central VA Dance Academy - free year tuition
Space Matters - assessment gift certificate
American Family Fitness - 3 -month single membership
Young Chefs Academy - 1 weekly class drop in
It's Hip to be Round - $50 gift certificate
The Stork - $120 gift certificate
Progress Physical Therapy - 2 postpartum pilates classes
Silpada - sterling silver earrings

For more information, visit Stroller Strides Richmond or call 888-232-2450

Fall into Fitness is ALMOST here!!

2008-09-10T18:31:00.002-04:00

I cannot tell you how excited about am about this weekend! It is Stroller Strides Richmond 3rd Annual Fall into Fitness! We are expecting 100 moms!! What great fun we are having. Here is a summary of the day:

3rd Annual FALL INTO FITNESS
with special guest, Lisa Druxman, CEO and Founder of Stroller Strides!

Fall into Fitness offers moms a chance to attend a sample Stroller Strides class plus receive FREE giveaways and refreshments. Stroller Strides class will be taught by Lisa Druxman, CEO and Founder of Stroller Strides. Moms new to the Stroller Strides program (and their babies!) are invited to attend, as well as those already enrolled in ongoing classes. For more information, visit www.strollerstrides.net/richmond, call 888-232-2450, or email rachelp@strollerstrides.net

LOCATION: Crump Park
3400 Mountain Rd; Glen Allen, VA 23060

TIME: 9:00am Registration
9:30am Stroller Strides class

10:30am Book Signing and Giveaways

It promises to be an outstanding time!! I will post tomorrow all the raffle prizes! We have amazing prizes for everyone! Can't wait to see you there!

Proof that Stroller Strides influences your children...

2008-09-06T13:55:00.003-04:00

You may think that just because the children are sitting in the stroller during Stroller Strides class, that they are not picking up on the value and importance of exercise. Well, think again!!

2 examples...my 13-month-old does squats. She knows the words 'up' and 'down' and does squats (in perfect form, I may add).

Second, my 4-year-old participated in her first kids race today at the Annabelle's Angels 5k. Unfortunately, it was pushed inside due to Hurricane Hanna. But her 5 laps around the gym was her biggest accomplishment! She wanted to run 'like moms at Stroller Strides'. She even asked if she could bring her toy stroller with her during the race (hmmm, maybe next year!!). But she has been into physical fitness and exercise since she could walk (just like her sister) so even though she may not look like she is paying attention during Stroller Strides classes, the positive influence we have on them does sink in!

On a side note, I want to offer a HUGE congratulations to the mommies who ran today's 5k in RAIN (I mean hurricane!) What a dedicated group of ladies! Tonia finished SECOND in the stroller division. Now remember she is 18 weeks preggo and pushing a double. She is amazing! Katie, Ginny, and Melanie - you gals were beautiful! Way to represent Stroller Strides!!

100~20~Sunny

2008-09-04T09:52:00.002-04:00

Have you read the book The Secret? I love the idea that positive thinking brings positive results. One of the ideas they give you in the book is to write down your goals. Make them visable. You should see them every day, believe them, and they will come true.

Well, for our Stroller Strides Fall into Fitness event next Saturday - these are my goals - 100~20~Sunny. I am writing this in my blog so everyone knows my goals, and I have it written down on a large sheet of paper in my office to remind myself everyday!

100 - I would love for 100 people to attend our event! It is FREE to the public, on a Saturday so work schedules shouldn't get in the way, and it has been promoted to the media to help bolster attendance. I would love for 100 moms and dads to come and experience Stroller Strides!

20 - That is how many new moms I am going to pull in! I know there are 20 new moms in Richmond just dying to try Stroller Strides :)

Sunny - the weather will be perfect that day! The sun is shining on a great Fall day! I can't wait!

So, tell everyone you know - even if they are not moms - they know people who are! Come out to Crump Park and have an awesome time at Fall into Fitness!!

She asked for seconds....of broccoli

2008-08-28T04:38:00.002-04:00

Now, I wouldn't have believed it myself, but here is the story. With the school year starting next week, I realize that our summer schedule (which includes meals) has been very slack. So to prepare my family for the shock of next week, I have put everyone on a schedule. No more sleeping in, no more hanging out in our PJs all day, and no more short order cooking!

I was not looking forward to telling my 4-year-old that she no longer had a choice for dinner. Dinner is now a planned meal each night that is to be served at 5:30pm. That is so we can get everyone in bed by 7:30pm, and my daughter will be up by 6:30am to get ready for school. Another rule I started...the kitchen is closed between 4:30 and 5:30pm. No snacks to fill you up before dinner.

The first night was met with brave opposition, but surprisingly she ate her dinner. The second night, she spent dinner in her room for throwing a tantrum because she didn't want to eat what we had. The third night, she ate dinner AND asked for seconds of BROCCOLI! I was floored! Who knows what other nights may bring, but let's hope tonight's dinner is met with such positive behavior (keeping my fingers crossed!)

So you may be a bit surprised at all this. What, Rachel, are you cooking dinners? Why yes, I am!! I have found some quick and easy meals that are healthy! Check this out - http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/Dinner/1Bag5Dinners/1Bag5DinnersHealthyLiving.htm. I can even revise some of the recipes to include organic foods, low-fat meats, and they still taste great!

So with less than a week until school starts, our family is physically preparing for the new schedule. Now I just have to work on the mental part and not be an emotional basketcase when I kiss her goodbye at school. I am working on that too!

Summer is Winding Down...

2008-08-26T11:20:00.003-04:00

Wow, how fast did that go? In May, I remember thinking 'there is so much time in the summer. how will we fill up all our days?' Well, that time is all but gone, and school starts again in a week.

What does that mean to MOMS? OK, to some it might be cause for a massive celebration! To others it might mean tears of sadness as their little ones seem to be growing up way too fast. To others it might not mean anything - same routine, different day (I remember those days :)

But what the end of the summer means to most is a return to a schedule. Vacations are over, routines begin again, and September always brings about a kind of 'New Year' mentality. The holidays are right around the corner (remember, the average person gains 7 lbs between Halloween and New Years) so a New (school) Year's Resolution may be in order.

So, take advantage of the fall season, and make a resolution to better YOUR health and wellness. At Stroller Strides, we are kicking off September with the 3rd Annual Fall into Fitness event!

This includes a FREE Stroller Strides class, goody bags for everyone, giveaways from local companies, and a SPECIAL GUEST! Lisa Druxman, CEO and Founder of Stroller Strides is coming HERE (yes to Richmond) to lead the Stroller Strides class and do a book signing after class. This event is Saturday, September 13 from 9am-noon at Crump Park in Glen Allen

I am so excited to have Lisa come to Richmond to meet all our incredible moms. She has been an inspiration to me since I bought my Stroller Strides franchise. I cannot wait for everyone to meet her and learn from her!!

So as the summer comes to an end, put your priorities in order and make a few resolutions. I hope that at least one of them is all about YOU!

A Mother's Intuition...

2008-08-22T06:30:00.002-04:00

I have said time and again, when it comes to my children, I will do whatever it takes to make them happy and safe. I am pretty sure most moms feel the same way. But here is the snag in this, as a woman, I also have a tendancy to want to avoid controversy and try not to upset anyone.

Well, what happens when those two things collide...when someone is not doing the right thing by my child AND my tendancy to shy away from telling those people how I really feel for fear it will upset them. What happens when this is a professional...like her pediatrician?!?

I recently had an AWFUL experience at my daughter's 4-year-old check up. That is when she was due for a round of shots and have some blood drawn. I had prepared her, as much as possible, before our check-up about the shots and she seemed fine with it. Well, when the shots began, she flipped out. Being a helpless mother caught in the emotion, the best I could do was hug her with all my might and cry right along with her. I could go on and on forever about the reaction from the nurses, their tone of voice with me and my child, and their lack of sympathy. But what will forever break my heart is that I had the intuition BEFORE all of this, that this pediatrician's office may not be the best choice for me and my family.

I had not been happy with this doctor's office for awhile - their phone is always busy when I call, some of the doc's bedside manner is less than optimal, and long waits in the waiting room with lots of other sick children, etc, etc. But wanting to avoid controversy (there's that woman's tendancy again!), I never complained nor switched practices. Well, after this visit, I could not take it anymore. I immediately called other doc's offices and found one that I LOVED! I will be transferring my kids' medical records and am looking forward to a new practice! What I promise to do is find a way to voice my complaints with the current practice so they know why I left. I can only hope that they will take my complaints and work to make changes in their own practice.

As a business owner (Stroller Strides), I really want to avoid any situations like this. I want my clients to feel that I provide the best possible customer service to both moms and children, but also if there is a problem/issue/comment, I want them to be able to give their feedback and feel like their concerns have been heard. My goal is that when a client leaves Stroller Strides, they are 100% happy and will recommend our program to their friends.

As a parent, I will now follow my intuition and take my children out of any situation I am not 100% comfortable with. I will also let that business know why I have left in hopes they will change their practices to keep it from happening again!

Now, I just have to work on my daughter's fear of the doctor!

Organizing Your Life...

2008-08-13T06:26:00.002-04:00

If you know me, you know that my life depends on a little bit of chaos. I thrive on it. So by chaos, I mean a little bit of uncertainty. For example, in 4 years, I have never taught the same Stroller Strides class. I am known for planning out a class and then NEVER following it. I like to 'play it by ear' and I do that in a lot of aspects of my life.

Sometimes it doesn't always work to my benefit. Take my office - I like piles. I could find anything in my piles, well most of the time. But I realized my piles were causing my to feel anxious everytime I sat down to work.

Another example, my closet. This serves as my clothes closet and my Stroller Strides stuff closet. Everytime I picked out clothes or needed some tubing, I felt anxious. So I decided to change that!!

My FAB husband knew I was stressed. So he actually took both girls and left for the weekend. Leaving me in the house all alone. Now he thought I needed the weekend to relax and sleep, but in actuality I need the weekend to organize. So I didn't do a lot of lounging around. I did a lot of organzing!!

I purged all unnecessary papers, boxes, clothes, anything I could find! I took 2 full trashbags to Goodwill and broke down 15! cardboard boxes. Not only did my office and closet look better, but I began to FEEL better. Yes, this clutter and chaos was affecting my physical well-being. That is not good. Time for a change!!

Now, in the 36 hours they were gone, I only organized my office and my closet. But those were the major hot spots. I will now focus on the smaller areas of my house - the girls rooms, the den, the kitchen. I will pick one room per week and organize that. I also hope to build a strategy to keep everything organized. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know!! I surely don't need that extra stress in my life!!

Now when I walk into my office or my closet, things FEEL good. I love seeing everything nice and neat. I am proud of myself for doing this and promise to take this little bit of chaos out of my life. I can't promise the same for Stroller Strides classes :)

Save the Ta-Ta's! What I can do NOW to help PREVENT getting breast cancer!

2008-08-06T21:24:00.003-04:00

OK, I must admit that I consider myself a healthy person. I eat healthy, stay away from lots processed foods, exercise on a regular basis, see my OB for annual exams, and preach to others the importance of all of this. I also believed I would follow doctor's recommendations and begin checking my breast health with annual mammograms when I turned 40. Right? There is nothing I need to worry about until I turn 40? Right? Breast cancer is very rare in younger women. Right? Even though I heard horror stories about the pain of mammograms, they are the only way to detect breast cancer. Right?

I was WRONG, WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!

There is something I can do NOW and women of ALL ages should be doing it also! Its called Breast Thermography. It is a NON-INVASIVE (read - no painful compression) and NON-RADIOACTIVE (read - no harmful radiation) procedure that can detect breast cancer up to 6 YEARS before a traditional mammogram can.

WHAT, you say??!!? Why didn't I know about this before? My personal opinion is that doctor's are not very willing to admit that their current technology doesn't work. But there is a rise in women wanting to be educated on different ways to protect their health and this procedure is one of them!

The procedure takes only a few minutes and is simply snapping some photos of you with a special 'camera'. The images are uploaded into the computer where they are analyzed by specially trained professionals who then produce the results to you.

Images are used to produce a plan of action on how you can make simple lifestyle changes (ie eating healthier, keeping hormones in balance, exercising more, etc) to help prevent breast cancer. Then subsequent scans are analyzed to see changes over the months/years.

Now, when should you begin imaging? NOW!! If this scan can detect abnormal cells in your breast 6 years before a mammogram, why wait? Also, did you know one of the reasons why doctors want you to wait until you are 40 for a mammogram? Not because women don't get breast cancer until then, but because a mammogram can't detect tumors in young, dense breasts!! They produce a lot of false negatives if done before a woman hits menopause (read - painful, non-necessary biopsies).

Not even considering the fact that having your boob squeezed into a tiny pancake and then radiated (which ironically causes cancer) does NOT sound like fun!!

So here is more information to read. Visit www.FightBC.com and www.therapeuticmassageandwellness.com. There is a monthly informational session, monthly screenings, and follow-up consultations being performed right here in Richmond. I am going to schedue my first imaging session soon and hope many of you join me!!

Look for a Stroller Strides Mom's Night Out in September where we will learn more about this process.

Save the Ta-Ta's and save your life!!

A Child's Birthday...

2008-08-01T06:43:00.002-04:00

As a mom, I never knew how emotional another person's birthday can be. Today my beautiful daughter turns 4, and throughout the day I constantly think about my pregnancy, labor, and birth. I am excited for her to celebrate (of course) but I am also proud of myself. I took good care of myself during my pregnancy, delivered her all-natural, and have helped her grow into the well-adjusted preschooler she is today.

I will never forget those few hours after her birth when I was holding her, nursing her, getting to know this new person who would forever call me mom. Little did I know that being a mom is the hardest yet most rewarding job ever created. I decided at that point, my only goal in life is to do whatever I can to provide my children with all the love, support, and encouragement they need to be the best they can possibly be.

Happy Birthday, Mo!

Smoothies and Pizza....

2008-07-28T12:55:00.003-04:00

What do these have in common? Well over the past few weeks, my 4-year-old and I have been cooking together and creating some fun new recipes! There are so many amazing lessons to be taught just by cooking together. Here are some:

Creativity - I let her create the smoothie flavors, and she has come up with some amazing ideas. I will be honest, I never thought they would come out good, but they were surprisingly delicious. Some of the creative ones we have made are...Watermelon; Watermelon/Strawberry; Blackberry; Blackberry/Blueberry. I love all the combinations she comes up with!
Healthiness - she knows (from Stroller Strides and me preaching it to her over and over again) the 3 things that make people healthy - exercise, eating healthy foods, and rest. So she is so proud of herself when she cooks a healthy meal herself. Now, I do supervise all meals to make sure they are even more healthy than she knows. For example, I will add organic yogurt, flax seed oil to all smoothies and sometimes silken tofu.
Financial Values - am not really sure how to phrase this value, but she is dead set on opening a smoothie and pizza joint when she gets older. Everytime she creates a new flavor smoothie or version of pizza (today we made Fairy Pizza - little pizzas on organic wheat crackers), she adds it to our menu. Finally, every penny she gets she puts it in a bank for 'her restaurant'

I absolultely love cooking with her. For months, I have been running around at lunchtime trying to throw food on the table for everyone. Lately, I have been sitting back and letting her create the dishes and then enjoying the time it takes to cook it. What precious time we get to spend together! Now if only I could get her to serve me....

Don't think you can do it? Think again!!!

2008-07-27T12:27:00.002-04:00

I have owned my Stroller Strides business for almost 4 years now. I have had over 400 local moms attend at least one class. Many of these moms come to class for the first time, usually when their baby is a few months old. The majority of the women have only had one child, but many have 2 or 3. And more often than not, they tell me 'I just want to feel good about myself again. I gained too much weight during my pregnancy, and I can't seem to lose the weight'

But their true goals for coming to Stroller Strides are all different. Some just want to begin some sort of exercise program, some are just coming to check out what Stroller Strides is all about, and some just need to get out of the house and talk to another adult! Whatever their goal is, they usually are pretty impressed with the workout they get at Stroller Strides!!

I talk with all the moms after their first class, and almost 100% of the time, I hear "WOW, that was so much fun. It was a great workout, and I feel so GREAT" What comes next is also pretty typical - 'Well, I am pretty out of shape and not sure I can keep up.' That is when I throw a curve ball at them - 'How do you think all those mommies in class got that way?!?' By coming to Stroller Strides!!

The vast majority of Stroller Strides moms use our classes as the only Group Exercise they attend. So here are a few examples of mommies and their progression from 'new mom' to 'fit mom' (names have been removed to protect the FIT):

Mom #1 says to me in her first week of class 'I am not a runner. I don't want to run'. I said NO PROBLEM, there are lots of low-impact options for you. 6 months later, she trained and RAN the Monument Avenue 10k! Stroller Strides was her only source of fitness and training
Mom #2 tells me she has been high-risk for her last pregnancies. She needs to get in shape before she gets pregnant again. She participated in Stroller Strides for over a year before she got pregnant. This pregnancy was her BEST ever. She was never on bedrest, blood pressure was low, weight gain was in check, and baby was born healthy and happy. Participating in Stroller Strides was the ONLY thing she did differently this preganncy.
Mom #3 was diagnosed with post-partum depression. She had an extremely fussy baby and didn't want to leave her at a babysitters. She came to Stroller Strides and was able to exercise again. With professional help and Stroller Strides, she was able to overcome her hardtimes and never have to leave her child behind.
Mom #4 confessed that she never thought she would enjoy exercising with other women. She came to Stroller Strides and told me that she has more fun than she could imagine. Who would have thought you can enjoy having sweat drip in your eyes, feeling muscles burn, breathing harder than you ever have before could actually make you smile?!?! When you are sourrounded by fast-friends, amazing instructors, and your precious children, who could not love it!?!

So you see, even if you don't think you can accomplish a goal, you can! These stories are just 4 of HUNDREDS that are created everyday when you come to Stroller Strides.

Do you have a personal story of how Stroller Strides has helped you? Share it here!!

LUNAFEST 2009!

2008-07-22T06:55:00.002-04:00

Can you believe that we are already planning for next year's LUNAFEST! For anyone who did not attend this year's event, LUNAFEST is a traveling women's film festival where all films are by, for, and about women. We incorporate a fundraiser with this event and host a silent auction prior to the films. We raise funds for 2 charities - a local one of our choice and the Breast Cancer Fund whose goal is to advocate for the elimination of environmental toxins that can cause breast cancer.

The 2008 LUNAFEST was held in March. We had a lofty goal of raising $2500, and we killed that and raised a whopping $4500!! Our 2009 goal is $10,000 and we are very confident that we can reach it!

I am happy to say that Stroller Strides Richmond is hosting this event again next year! We have gathered a great volunteer team to help us put the event together. We are always looking for more help so feel free to let me know if you want to join us! It is hard work, but so rewarding to give back to our community!

This event will only keep getting bigger and better each year!! I am so excited to get things moving!

This Time Last Year....

2008-07-18T22:25:00.007-04:00

I was heading to the hospital in full-blown labor. Olivia Tara entered the world at 2:13am on 7/19/07. Wow, how fast a year has flown! I cannot believe my 'baby' is 1-year-old. She is walking, talking, will be facing forward in her car seat :) I look at her and think of her as the innocent little infant. But in reality, she is fiesty, happy, and competitive. I am sad thinking of how much time has passed since her birth, but full of joy that I get to watch her grow, develop, and learn. I am proud to be her mommy. Jack is proud to be her Daddy. I know Morgan is proud to be her sister.

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY OLIVIA!

UNCOMFORTABLE...

2008-07-15T06:50:00.002-04:00

You probably have heard me say this word in Stroller Strides class many times (I stole it from our National Trainer - Farel Hruska). This is a word to live by. Why, you ask?

My question to you is, what are your goals? Is it to lose weight, get stronger, have more energy? Your goals may not even by fitness related - make more friends, stop losing your temper, whatever it is. The first thing to do is write down your goals (something you hope to accomplish in 6 weeks to 6 months).

So, now what? How do you think you will accomplish that goal? I bet there are steps to accomplish that goal which involve doing something you have never done before. That is where the UNCOMFORTABLE word comes into play.

In order to do anything better, bigger, harder than before, you need to push yourself just into that 'uncomfortable' zone. Now, I don't mean throwing all caution to the wind and going full force. I just mean stepping over that threshold where you have been treading and start to take it to the next level. That may mean running just a few blocks more or using a red band instead of the green or speeding up your jumping jacks to get in a few more reps. Whatever it is to push you past what your body is used to.

Now this can also apply outside the world of fitness. Have you been wanting to meet some new mommies? How about joining a new playgroup? You just may need to step out of the comfort zone and walk into a room where you may not know anyone. That is surely uncomfortable, but think of the possible benefits. You may meet the most incredible women ever.

So, write those goals down and put a plan together on how you will accomplish them. I bet you will be feeling a little UNCOMFORTABLE, but I promise, in the end you will accomplish them!!

You Can Be Healthy on Vacation!

2008-07-11T20:54:00.001-04:00

Any time I leave the comforts of my home to travel, I always get nervous about giving into the many temptations on the ‘road’. I am always much more likely to eat poorly, lapse on exercise, and as a result, feel icky. There are many reasons for this…I tend to eat out at restaurants more (which translates into poor food choices) and I also slack on my personal exercise (usually because I am just out of my normal routine).

So this year, I vowed to STOP these behaviors. Over the last 2 weeks, I have only been home for 3 days. I spent 8 days at the beach with my family and 4 days in Vegas for a convention. I am very proud of the choices I have made on these trips. I not only feel better than I normally do, but I am actually enjoying my new choices.

Drink, Drink, Drink – especially in the heat of the summer, I made a decision to down 64 ounces of water each day and an extra 20 ounces for every hour I exercise. I cannot say how great I feel when I am hydrated. As a self-proclaimed HATER of water, this is not an easy task for me. So how do I do it? Simply surround myself with it. At home, I have a very good system – I have a 32 oz water bottle in my kitchen and another by my bed (I use those GREAT water jugs they give you in the hospital after you have a baby. I love those!). I also take 2 water bottles out to my car each morning so I have something to drink while in the car all day. Now on vacation that gets harder. I try to walk around with water all day long. Again, I place water at my bedside and then I fill up my water bottle every time I walk through the kitchen at the beach house.
Eat Locally – not only is this great for the environment, it ensures you eat healthy! We had a fun time visiting local farmer’s stands at the beach. We were sure to ask which fruits and vegetables were grown locally and if they are grown organically. Then we enjoyed cooking them. Yes, I said cooking on vacation. I don’t get to cook much at home (no time) so I use vacation to enjoy it. We try to select vacation spots that have kitchens so we can cook our own food whenever possible. Not only do you get to ensure your family is eating healthy, you save $$$!! I am proud to say that at our week at the beach, we only ate out 3 meals (2 dinners and 1 lunch).
My final piece of advice is – you guessed it – exercise!! One of my favorite ways to incorporate exercise into your vacation is to make it a FAMILY AFFAIR! My husband and I always bring our running gear on vacation – whether it is one night or 8, we enjoy going for a run together. My favorite ‘exercising together’ story is when we visited Charleston, SC during our dating years. We were training for a half-marathon and needed to do a long run while on vacation. We mapped out a route that had us weaving through downtown Charleston. We went early in the morning (as we always do) and got to see the city sites while it was quiet. We staked out where we would visit later that day. We acted as our own Concierge Service!! For longer vacations, we will also throw our bikes on the car as well. We try to ride everyday. Some days we ride to the ice cream shop – yes, at least you are burning calories J Some days we take the kids on a joy ride (we have a great bike trailer). Finally, we always spend at least one day on a long (at least 2 hour) ride just the 2 of us. Its so much fun! Another thing to do – check out to see if there is a local Stroller Strides class and take it!!

So after all this, remember, you too can make your vacation fun AND healthy!

Vegas Baby!

2008-07-06T14:04:00.003-04:00

I am so excited to be the ONLY franchisee to be representing Stroller Strides at the annual IDEA World Fitness Convention this week. I will be working the booth with Lisa Druxman (CEO and founder), Amy Thompson (COO), Susan Glosby (Franchise Support Director), Farel Hruska (National Fitness Director), and Kim Maske (VP of Franchise Development). I feel so privledged to be invited to work with them.

Personally, I am also super-excited to spend this much time with these amazing women. It will only build my knowledge, and I can't wait to learn this week. I know I will come home with thousands of new ideas!

On the other hand, I will be getting to talk to the thousands of convention attendees about Stroller Strides and hopefully getting them interested in starting a franchise in their hometown. It will be hard work, but I absolutely love telling other people about the amazing opportunities that come with owning a Stroller Strides franchise.

Now, the down side is that I will be away from my husband and girls for 4 days. Can I do it? The real question is...can Jack do it? He is not taking off any time from work. Instead, he is going to work from home while juggling the girls' schedules. He plans to get in all his normal job responsibilities PLUS the house ones as well. Can he do it? Sounds hard, right - WAIT - that is what I do EVERY DAY!!! Working a full-time job while keeping 2 girls at home - I wonder if he will be as exhausted as I get! Consider this a small science experiment :)

Once again, I will miss all my SS mommies! I am teaching class on Monday and then I head out.

When I return...marathon training begins!! Yippee!!

You know what? I deserve it!

2008-06-26T22:11:00.001-04:00

It is not easy admitting that you deserve a vacation. I am down at the beach with my family for a fun, relaxing week. Although, I do have a hard time calling it 'vacation' as I reserve that for a get-away sans kids where I do NOTHING but what I want...this week is family-time. We are getting special family time at the beach.

So why is it so hard to RELAX? Because I am trying to make every second so meaningful for my daughters. My niece is here who we don't get to see very often, and I want the girls to spend tons of quality time together. That means waking up when they do, spending my morning building sand castles (did I mention how much I HATE sand in my bathing suit) and swimming in the pool. The afternoon is back at the beach, preparing dinner, and riding bikes for an ice cream treat. Not much ME time, and I do tend to get stressed.

As Lisa Druxman talks about in the Stroller Strides blog, MOM-ME time is important! So I promise to take some time each day for me. Tomorrow, I am taking a long run with my hubby and brother. Tuesday I am going to meditate on the beach at sunrise, Wednesday I am going for a run by myself (no headphones, just my own thoughts), Thursday I am going to spend some time with friends, and Friday I am going to workout on the beach. I am so excited to make these special moments a priority on this trip!

I miss all my Stroller Strides mommies this week and will see you soon!!

The Olympics are Coming!!!

2008-06-21T20:10:00.002-04:00

This is something I look forward to every 4 years! I absolutely love the Olympics. I am a fan of many of the sports, particularly gymnastics, diving, triathlon, and swimming. I competed in all three of these sports when I was younger. I was never very competitive, but I love watching these young athletes.

This will be the first time that I can watch the Olympics with my almost-4-year-old. She is totally addicted to gymnastics and is learning to swim. I cannot wait to sit down with her to see the competition. There are lots to teach a child through sports. Just to name a few:

respect for health and fitness
how to perform under pressure
the importance of hard-work and dedication
how to overcome disappointment
perserverance

Not that I think my daughters will be world-class athletes, but I do believe that getting them involved in athletics can help in all aspects of life. I am excited to share this year's Olympics with my girls. Go Team USA!

But first to come is the Tour de France starting in July...another sporting event I am totally addicted to!!

If you don't do it for you...do it for your children...

2008-06-16T07:54:00.002-04:00

I have been reading this week's Time Magazine special articles on Childhood Obesity. It is really sad to see how much weight our children are gaining because of poor food choices and lack of exercise.

They are calling our kids - GENERATION O for Obesity. Did you know that our children may be the first generation in history to have a SHORTER life expectancy than their parents. NO, I won't allow it!!

We need to take action and teach our children the importance of healthy foods and WHY you need to select fruits, veggies, whole grains, etc over the processed foods. I find myself daily explaining to my 3.5 year-old what foods are healthy and how they effect her body. We joke around and say that the peas and green beans will make her jump higher (so she eats them, jumps up and down, and we let her know how high she is going!). She loves to point out foods and let us know which are healthy and which aren't.

Being on a budget myself, I know that it is expensive to select the whole grains and fresh fruits and veggies over the other stuff. In the Time magazine article, it states that between 1989 and 2005 the price of fruits and veggies increased 74.6% and the price of fats fell 26.5%. That is so sad!! I personally sacrifice in other areas to compensate for the higher food prices. I also shop around to find good prices, and finally I have become a 'locavore' and buy as much local produce as possible. I shop at local food markets and food stands.

Next comes exercise! Teach your children how much FUN exercise can be! Doing Stroller Strides will instill values in your children forever. They will want to mimic mommy and do exercises where ever they go! My children have done Stroller Strides since they were just a few months old. At 2 my daughter, dropped to the ground in the middle of Costco and started doing push-ups! She leads me in exercises as we play at home. My 11-month old loves to watch me do jumping jacks and laughs everytime she sees me do crunches (I play peek-a-boo when I do them). Instill these values in them from a very early age.

Finally, if you want your children to be healthy you MUST model healthy behaviors. Do it with them! Give them a chance for a long, healthy life! You owe it to them!

Get to Know Your Instructors - Courtney!

2008-06-14T05:35:00.002-04:00

1. My name is Courtney Alison Via
2. I always liked my name, so when I got married, Idropped my maiden name (Parker).
3. My husband also liked my name and chose Alison forour daughter.
4. My son is named Peyton.
5. Although I love everything about football, he is not named after Peyton Manning.
6. Speaking of football, I was always jealous of mybrother playing football.
7. There was something appealing to me about dressing up in protective gear and running into people.
8. I guess that makes me a tomboy. I certainly havethe scarred legs to prove it.
9. After all, I was 'blessed' (or cursed) with the Parker broad shoulders.
10. I mean if you line me up next to my Dad and his brothers, the shoulders are unbelievable.
11. It is a shame that broad shoulders are not too flattering if you are a girl.
12. It is also a shame that clothing designers are just now catching on that girls can be tall too. And by the way, some girls have long arms too.
13. I have an older brother and a younger sister. They are two of the best people I know.
14. Neither one of them has broad shoulders and they are both vertically challenged.
15. I on the other hand am tall for a female. I am 5'8 ¾.
16. I have an inseam of 33 ½. This makes it difficultto buy pants when the average inseam for females is 32.
17. As a result, I love capris.
18. I am not a procrastinator. I plan to plan.
19. I make lists daily to keep myself on track.
20. I am not sure if this is overcompensating forADD or maybe distracted mom syndrome.
21. I don't remember the day that I became taller than my big brother, but I am sure he does.
22. My brother went to UVA.
23. Ironically enough, so did my husband and my bestfriend. (I love all of them despite it.)
24. I, on the other hand, went to Virginia Tech. Go HOKIES!
25. Everything is fairly peaceful in our house, with the exception of the big football game - UVA vs. TECH. It is amazing how powerful the rivalry really is!
26. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.
27. I love Thanksgiving because of the family time and great food.
28. I love to eat. Food is sooooooo good.
29. There is nothing like a great meal with friends and family.
30. I have several friends that I consider a part of our family.
31. I have been called un-American (by my in-laws) because I do not like hotdogs or chocolate.
32. I love a good cookout...but count me out if there is nothing but hotdogs.
33. I love Mexican food...especially the margaritas.
34. I am a very patient person.
35. I met my husband in 1998. We dated for 2 ½ years before we were engaged. We were engaged for 13 months before we FINALLY got married.
36. I was formerly an 8th grade science teacher. I loved the teaching, but not the 'other' stuff.
37. Being a stay at home mom is definitely the hardest, but most rewarding job.
38. I love my kids very much and get great joy out of seeing them grow and change on a daily basis.
39. I am currently a fitness instructor for moms. I love it!
40. I have grown to love exercising and it is now a necessity for my sanity.
41. As a mom, I have realized that I can push myself further and further with exercise and life.
42. I hate running. Since joining Stroller Strides, I have completed 2 5Ks and have set goals to up the distance in the next 18 months.
43. I frequently remind myself, that if I can push out two babies, I can do anything.
44. My badge of motherhood includes giving birth (speaking of pushing) to a 9 lb 13 oz baby boy one week early. Ouch!
45. I am eternally grateful that he was a week early. Although it was an extremely tough delivery, it was the recovery that got me. Wow!
46. With my second pregnancy, I had a 2 vesicleumbilical cord.
47. Apparently, there is a 1% chance of this occurring, but very few people have heard of it.
48. Due to this complication, Alison was supposed to be 'tiny.' She was born 2 weeks early and weighed inat 6 lbs 15 oz. I would say that is closer to average.
49. Apparently, with the cord and my genes for big babies, out she came perfectly average.
50. I'll take that any day over Peyton?s monstroussize.
51. I enjoyed being pregnant (right up until the end).
52. I found it fascinating what the human body can do to accommodate that little baby growing inside.
53. As a result of my first pregnancy, my allergist told me that my body hit its overload.
54. I never suffered from severe allergy symptoms until then. I was diagnosed with chronic sinusitis.
55. When I was given allergy testing, they tested 31 items and I was allergic to 29. They seem to think that 2 negatives were a fluke.
56. After my second pregnancy, the nearsighted vision in my right eye corrected itself.
57. I now only wear one contact.
58. I love to travel and see new places, but have not done nearly enough of it.
59. My husband and I are hoping to travel during retirement years.
60. I do not like anything about hotels.
61. I will not touch my skin with any hotel blanket,comforter, etc. and I wear shower shoes in the shower.
62. I went to Disneyworld on my honeymoon.
63. We went back during each of my pregnancies.
64. We would go to visit 'Mickey's castle' as it is affectionately referred to in my house every year if we could.
65. I am looking forward to going early next year when I am not pregnant.

Meet Your Instructors - Julia!

2008-06-11T04:50:00.001-04:00

My name is Julia.
You may see it as “rossicize” on the chat board.
I got that nickname from a client; well actually a family; that I trained several years ago.
I worked as a full time personal trainer in NYC for 5 years, as well as teach Pilates mat classes.
Yes, I trained a few “stars” (made it on Page Six of the NY Post---for those of you who are familiar).
I started with my first client at 6AM! What a great preparation for those early morning feedings of a newborn!
Back to Page Six, it served as light reading (along with the headlines) between clients with breakfast.
The best meal…from the deli…was what (we- the trainers) named “the grease sandwich”. Scrambled eggs with cheese and turkey on a toasted sesame bagel with butter and a coffee.
And yes, I think the best coffee comes from the dirtiest looking deli.
Besides my passion for fitness; which I’ve loved to be able to work with fellow moms since moving to Richmond 2 years ago; I also was a professional modern dancer.
I “retired” after my last performance while 5 ½ months pregnant with Benjamin.
Some highlights of dancing in NYC- being named in the NY Times, having a cartoon drawn of our company in the New Yorker Magazine, dancing in the windows of Grand Central Station (which by the way, my husband happened to see as he was passing through going about life several years before we actually met!!)…
And some lowlights would definitely be the lack of pay- mere pennies per hour of rehearsals, traveling, performing, etc.
However, just like I feel about motherhood (and being a “stay at home mom”)- the job is priceless and when you really love something/ someone; pay is irrelevant.
I enjoy listening to others and sharing stories. (So, if you want any star gossip—just ask).
But, seriously, I am interested in everyone’s unique path in life.
I read a quote many years ago that I often think of: “everyone in life knows something that you don’t know, but need to know, so learn from them.”
My path continues as we prepare for the Rossi girl’s arrival.
“Rossicize” evolves as change is a constant.

Meet Your Instructors - Tonia!

2008-06-10T06:42:00.002-04:00

See Tonia's entire list at http://racingwithbabes.blogspot.com/2008/03/100-things-about-me.html

1. My name is Tonia (Toe-Knee-Ahh).
2. I have always had a bit of distain for my name, as I have rarely met a person who could pronounce it correctly without hearing it first.
3. Because my name is unique, I wanted somewhat unique names for my children. My plan kind of backfired. My older daughter's name, while unique for a girl was the fifth most popular name for a boy the year she was born and my youngest daughter's name was the 22nd most popular in the year I bestowed it on her.
4. My sisters do not have unique names. My parents chose Angela and Gina for them. So not fair!
5. I always wanted two children, preferably a boy and a girl, even more preferably born in a bubble. Neither of those things happened.
6. I am thankful that they didn’t.
7. When I met my husband, I thought he had a huge gap between his front teeth. He doesn’t.
8. Both of my children do.
9. I got married in the Bahamas.
10. It was one of the best days of my life.
11. One of the most memorable things that happened that day had nothing to do with me. My little sister fainted during the photos. Scary then. Funny now.
12. I don’t like waiting … for anything.
13. I am a quick decision maker. I bought a house, got married and was pregnant with my first child in a matter of four months.
14. I had my first child young … I was 23.
15. It was the best decision I ever made.
16. Two of my biggest accomplishments are graduating from an Ivy League university and finishing a marathon.
17. My other two biggest accomplishments are my daughters.
18. Proof of the first two is hanging on my wall. I would hang my children on the wall too, but I think that is frowned upon.
19. I finished college in three years.
20. I did it because I was sick and tired of both school and accruing student loans.
21. I have never had a real job (i.e. one I could support myself with).
22. However, being a stay-at-home mom is more job than I could have ever wanted.
23. I currently work part-time as a fitness director.
24. It is my passion.
25. I used to hate running and would avoid it at all costs.
26. I still hate running, but I run at least four days a week and am mildly addicted.
27. I used to be overweight.
28. That is no longer the case and on more than one occasion have been told that I need to eat something.
29. When I was 12 I broke my pelvis and dislocated my hip.
30. I was on bed-rest for two and a half months.
31. Although my doctors were sure that I would never return to sports I did, and I competed through college.
32. The only lasting effect of the injury is that my right leg is an inch and a half longer than my left.
33. I am a two-time NJ State Champion in the shot put.
34. I still hold numerous county and school records in both the shot put and the discus.
35. I have two tattoos, one is a discus thrower.
36. The other is Chinese symbols.
37. I want a third – a shamrock and my children’s initials.
38. At one point in my life, I had 12 ear piercings, in addition to a belly ring, an eyebrow ring, and a tongue ring.
39. I still have the belly ring.
40. I started dating my husband while on a trip to England.
41. We dated for 10 months before becoming engaged.
42. We didn’t live in the same state until a month before our wedding.
43. If given three wishes, I would wish for wealth for my family, health for my family, and for my father to be able to meet my husband and children.
44. If I was only given one wish, I would wish for my father to meet my husband and children.
45. My father passed away when I was 20.
46. It was the worst moment of my life.
47. It was also one of the best moments of my life. It completely changed my perspective on life and how I approach things. It made me into the person that I have become and that is a person that I am 100 percent happy with, both inside and out.
48. I miss him everyday.
49. I have known my best friend for 23 years.
50. I am only 26 years old.
51. I was the first of my friends to get married and have children.
52. This makes me feel much older than I am.
53. But it will also make for an early empty nest.
54. I watch too much TV.
55. My favorites are teenage dramas and reality shows.
56. I could live off hamburgers and ice cream, but I would have to workout far more than I do now.
57. I have taken a vow to not buy any clothes this year.
58. Or toys for my children.
59. We have enough of both.
60. I write lists for everything, including other lists.

Get to Know Your Instructors - Allison!

2008-06-09T10:17:00.002-04:00

My name Allison Padow.
I have 4 boys whose names all start with the letter C. Carson, Chase, Cade & Cole.
They are all different in their own little ways. Carson is my helper, cuddler, and sweetheart. Chase is my wild and crazy boy, who can have fun doing anything. Cade is my quiet boy who takes everything in. He has a huge imagination. Cole is a little bit of everyone. He is really smart and learns how to do things the first time. He is a helper, extremely athletic, but also very sneaky!
I had all of my kids before I was 28. I am very happy about that and hope to see them as well as their children grow up!
I have a brother Andy who is 18 months younger and a sister Tricia who is 3 years younger. We are all very very close. I even danced to a special song with them at my wedding.
I always wanted twins but I never thought it would happen to me!
I am thankful for my boys and love watching them grow and learn new things everyday!
I have been married for 5 years and been with Lance for 8 years.
We got married on the same exact day we met, June 22nd. Funny thing is he knew that, I didn’t!
I use to be a preschool teacher. It is amazing that sometimes being a teacher was easier than being a mom. They listened to me and my kids don’tJ
I feel so lucky to stay at home with my boys. It is such a huge blessing!1
My favorite color has always been green!
Family is the most important thing in my life.
My mom is my hero and my best friend.
I love sports and played soccer all the way through school and was the only girl on my travel soccer team for 10 years.
In high school I played Basketball, Volleyball, and Softball. We won the state championship twice, my sophomore and senior year.
My coaches still can put the fear of god in me, but they taught me so much about teamwork, patience, dedication, and leadership.
I still play Volleyball once a week at RVC.
I don’t have any tattoos but would get one and plan to get 2. My brother and sister planned to all get matching ones and now my mom and dad want to go with us.
The other will be of 4 daisies that stand for my boys.
I have been doing Stroller Strides since the very first day 3 years ago. I have been teaching for 2 years.
I like to run and wish I had more time to run.
I have always been a runner and ran my first 5K when I was in 3rd grade. I was the youngest runner in the race and came in first place for my age division, which was 14 and under. I was also the first Powhatan female runner to come across the finish line. I was featured in the Powhatan Today, which to me was a big deal.
I am very competitive!
I have not eaten chocolate in a year and a half and decide to give up potatoes this year.
I don’t drink soda. I have never liked it!
I am very organized, but I guess you have to be with 4 children. Sometimes I drive myself crazy with it.
I love being outside and can’t wait to start taking the boys camping. When I say the boys, I mean Lance too. He has only slept in a tent once.
I grew up playing in creeks, getting muddy, playing hide and seek in the dark, climbing trees, catching fireflies, chasing cows and riding horses. I miss that and wish my children could grow up like that.
My favorite food is Mexican. I could eat it everyday!
I wish I liked or knew how to cook. We eat out way more than we should.
I wish I could spend more time with my children one on one. It makes me so happy to do things with them by themselves.
Once I took Chase to the bookstore and to Starbucks and afterwards he told me “Mommy this was the best day ever!”
I cried!
Mostly I just hope they all know how much they mean to me!
My hobbies are scrapbooking, volleyball, and reading.
I try to read at least one book a month.
My favorite book this year has been The Book of Great IdeasStroller Strides has been the best thing I ever did for myself! I feel good, I am with my kids, and I have made some of my very best friends!

Meet your Stroller Strides Instructors!

2008-06-07T16:36:00.002-04:00

The next couple of blogs will be submissions from your Stroller Strides instructors so you can get to know them a little better. I recommending doing this (it can be very therapeutic) and sending it to me, I will be happy to post some from our Striders themselves!!

The first one is from ME!

My name is Rachel Pustilnik
I have 2 girls – Morgan is almost 4 and Olivia is almost 1
Being a mom is the hardest and most rewarding job I have ever had.
I have never second-guessed myself so much until I had kids.
Now I do it every couple of hours of every day!
I grew up in Richmond and live now about 3 miles from the house I lived in my entire life until I went to college.
If we stay in the same house we are in now, my girls will go to the same middle school my husband and I went to.
I did spend about 10 years away from Richmond – 4 at Virginia Tech, 4 in Atlanta, and 2 in Charleston, SC.
I love Charleston…living at the beach is so much fun!
Atlanta was a lot of fun for me too but it was just too big of a city.
It was the perfect place for me to live immediately after college – it is the best place for a single professional to be!
I have a BS in Biological Systems Engineering which is basically Environmental Engineering.
I have never used my degree one day in my life except having an engineering background is how I got my first job out of college.
That job taught me everything I know now about running a business and managing other people.
In the 3 years I worked there, I managed several million-dollar projects and 10 employees.
I also had to fire 3 people. That was not fun and I never want to do that again.
I quit that job because it was not emotionally satisfying for me. They offered me a $25,000 raise to stay, and I turned it down.
I needed to do something that made a difference in other peoples lives…so I tried Grad School
I went to Graduate School at the College of Charleston to get my masters in Marine Biology.
I thought I could save the planet.
I couldn’t.
I didn’t like the program there – it wasn’t for me so I quit before I finished.
It’s the only thing I have ever quit in my entire life. I will always regret that.
I have known my husband since I was 5 years old.
He has been my brother’s best friend since they were in 5th grade together. He was my favorite of all my brother’s friends (and the cutest)!
We dated for 2 months in 1997 before I graduated from college but it was like dating my brother – yeck!
We waited 4 more years to start dating again and this time we knew it was the final time.
I regret not being with him during those years.
We started dating for the second (and final time) when we both decided to train for the Atlanta half-marathon together.
That is such a special thing to do with someone you love and I am excited to do it again this year for the Richmond Marathon.
He proposed over a sushi dinner. When I told my mom, the first thing she asked was ‘Are your nails painted?’
Of course they weren’t. She knows me too well.
My mom and I have been close my entire life. We don’t go much more than 24 hours without talking or seeing each other.
I called her from college (300 miles away) to ask where my sweaters were.
She would know exactly what dresser drawer they were in.
I am very spoiled.
We have 2 dogs – Stoli is an 8-year-old Weimareiner and Cooper is a 7 year-old mutt.
I have had Stoli longer than I have been with Jack.
I got Stoli as a running partner. That backfired – the more you exercise a dog, the more energy they have.
She sleeps on our bed – in between us, with her body under the blankets and her head on the pillow. I spoon my dog more than I spoon my husband.
I have 3 tattoos…the first is a gecko in the middle of my low back (aka tramp stamp).
The second is an infinity symbol on my inner ankle in memory of my best friend, Brandon Wilburn, who tragically lost his life in 2000.
The third is a design of my girls’ initials on the outside of my ankle. I just got this one in February and I love it!
I want 1 more – on the inside of my wrist
In high school, I was a cheerleader and on the gymnastics team, and I also danced for The Concert Ballet of Virginia.
I learned a lot about the real world in ballet but also made lifelong friends.
I graduated 9th in my high school class.
I love triathlons, but I haven’t done one since before I got pregnant with Olivia.
I miss the rush of racing.
My life goal is to complete an Ironman and I will begin training for one in 2010 when Olivia begins preschool 5-days per week.
My husband and my girls are the best things in my life.
It physically hurts when I cannot be around them.
I never knew love could feel like this.

I am NO meteorologist!!!

2008-06-05T10:54:00.002-04:00

I absolutely love everything about owning my own Stroller Strides business!! I do, really! Not many people can say that about their jobs. I don't even consider what I do a job because it is so fun helping new moms accomplish healthy lifestyle goals!! I enjoy every class I teach, every email I send, and every mom I talk to. It really is a passion!

OK, so I lied just a little bit! There is one teeny-tiny thing I don't enjoy about my business - predicting the weather! Between April through November, our classes are held outside. We are outside assuming its not raining, too hot, or too cold. When anyone of these weather conditions exist, we move classes to our indoor locations.

As a woman who LIVES by her schedule, I understand what it can do to a mom to change things around on her last minute. Life with a baby is unpredictable enough, no one wants an excuse to not make it to exercise class!! I mean making a class 30 minutes earlier or changing a location just 5 miles difference can blow an entire day!! Unfortunately, one of our indoor locations (VA Center Commons Mall) requires that our classes end at 10am so we have to start at 9am where most of our outside classes begin at 9:30 or 10am.

So during the months we are outside, I have to play the role of meteorologist, and this I really DO NOT ENJOY! I wake up (usually at 4:30am) and the first thing I do is turn on the weather channel. I watch 3 different channels all morning long - The Weather Channel, NBC12, and CBS 6. I feel like I know the local meteorolgists personally! I know what channel has what temperatures predicted for what day of the week. Its a little crazy!! Andrew Frieden on NBC always gives a great report which usually includes 'if you are going to be outside this morning,....' That is so nice!! So after hours of watching the news in the morning, I finally make a decision by 8am where class will be held.

Most of the time, its a no-brainer. Either full sun or pouring rain. That is simple. It was days like yesterday (WEDNESDAY) that threw me for a loop. It had rained a little bit overnight and was still a bit cloudy. But here is the clincher - there was a TORNADO warning in effect until 10am. No way did I want classes to be held outside in fear of a tornado. Not a good idea with babies :) So I moved classes inside. Now, those of you who do Stroller Strides know that once I make a decision on where classes will be held, I stick with it! Too many people rely on my toll-free number announcement or my Yahoo Chat Room post. The last thing I want is for someone to show up to an outdoor class and not have an instructor there!

So at 7am, I decided to move classes inside bc of the Tornado warning. Then at 8:30am, they lifted the warning, why? Because it was BRIGHT AND SUNNY! There was no rain and no wind. UUGH! So needless to say, I had to stick with my decision to have classes inside. So, unfortunately, classes were held inside the mall while the sun was shining outside. That is the part of this business I do not enjoy!! I am sorry if this may have caused any problems for anyone!!

Many days I do get my weather predictions correct, but there will be those days when I totally botch it! Just roll with the punches and ALWAYS call the toll-free number after 8am to hear where class will be held!!

Are you worried about your expenses with this troubled economy? Stroller Strides is the solution!!

2008-05-28T15:13:00.002-04:00

We are all tightening our belts...no we haven't lost weight :) we are limiting our spending. So many people feel that they aren't able to spend money on extra activities these days. Gas is high and the economy is in the pits. We are VERY particular about where we are spending our money.

As moms (and usually the budget-masters of the house), we are not only looking for a GOOD DEAL (aka cheap) but also a HIGH QUALITY program. So that is where Stroller Strides comes into play - you can get EVERYTHING you need at our high-quality program for a great deal!

#1 - Your total fitness program. We offer at least 15 classes per week with several classes per day. Skip the gym and join Stroller Strides where our instructors are nationally certified with extra training on pre-/post-natal fitness. I have stressed before, you cannot find more qualified instructors anywhere in Richmond who can better help moms get their bodies back!! A Stroller Strides membership is $54/month which is very comparable to local gyms (keep reading to see where you will SAVING MONEY by participating in Stroller Strides!)

#2 - Your Child's Playgroup/Activities - all Stroller Strides classes end at a playgroup/playarea so your child is rewarded for their great behavior during class. They get a chance to get exercise, socialize with other children, and even have special activities JUST for them. Our LUNA Moms Club weekly playgroups focus on the kids - whether its bubbles and chalk, an obstacle course, crafts, or a talk on water safety, we help our children to grow and develop at Stroller Strides! Check out our monthly playgroups. Not only that, but moms have created their own playgroups outside of Stroller Strides by chatting on our Yahoo Chat Room. What is the cost to you - NOTHING!! C'mon, admit it, we all like something for free!

SAVE at least $50/month on other programs just for kids.

#3 - Your Mom's Club - by participating in Stroller Strides, you will create an instant family of friends who will be there for you all the time! We have monthly Mom's Night Out events that include things like mani/pedis, Comedy Night, and movie nights. Its always a blast to get out of the house and be with friends!! More than that, we are always providing meals for moms who just had a baby, we have a babysitting co-op, and we also help arrange for summer babysitters! YES, all this from Stroller Strides!!

Save about $20/year on Mom's Club membership dues

#4 - Your Family Time - one extra event we have each month is a Family Event. Bring your husbands to Stroller Strides class and stay for a cookout, head to the zoo, join us at the Farmer's Market. Get those dads out of the house also! Many husbands have met lifelong friends doing these events just like we have!!

Making your husband happy is PRICELESS!

So doing Stroller Strides saves you more than $620/year!! That is a BARGAIN you can't pass up!!

See you in class!!

One Poopie Diaper from the EDGE!!!

2008-05-27T14:29:00.002-04:00

That is how I describe my life...I run my life (and my family's life) right to the edge. That means there is not much wiggle room - one unexpected poopie diaper and it seems like life is over!!

That just means I have a full plate. I often say it is like my glass is entirely full. Remember learning about the miniscus in science class - that little rounded shape that forms on top of a glass of water when it is completely full (due to hydrogen bonding - yes, I LOVE chemistry!!). That is my life - if you add one single drop (like an unexpected diaper change), the whole glass overflows. When this happens, all heck can break lose! I may end up being late for a meeting, not return a phone call, or have to cancel a meeting. It just won't happen when its supposed to.

Now, you may say, that sounds like too much stress for me, but honestly, that is what drives me to achieve so much! If I slack off - nothing gets done. I have to be going full-steam-ahead or nothing-at-all. I describe myself like the Energizer Bunny - I keep going and going and going and going...until all of a sudden my batteries burn out and I stop - needing a major nap!

Do I have a lot on my plate? Yes, here is my life - just to name a few things - I own a very successful Stroller Strides franchise with over 100 active clients, 6 instructors, one fitness director, one office manager, and one playgroup captain. We have 15 classes per week. I also am the co-chair of the Stroller Strides Franchisee Advisory Council, a Franchise Representative (meaning I sell franchises for Stroller Strides), I teach a bootcamp class in my neighborhood 2 mornings per week, have started a networking group for local businesses, take care of my girls, and try to take care of my husband.

So what does a 'typical' day look like? There is no such thing as typical, but here is an attempt at a normal day:
4:30-6am - answer emails or teach bootcamp class
6-8am - get the kids ready, feed breakfast
8-8:20am - answer last minute emails
8:20-9:15am - get ready for Stroller Strides class
9:15-11am - teach Stroller Strides
11am-2pm - lunch time/play time
2pm-4pm - naptime/quiettime for the girls; phone calls and emails for me
4-5pm - playtime
5-6pm - my exercise time (yes, I need time for myself too!)
6-8pm - dinner, family time, bed time for the girls
8-10pm - more emails and phone calls
10pm - bedtime!

Now at any particular time, I can get one of these 'poopie diaper' moments that throws the whole schedule for a loop. That is where patience, prioritization, and time management comes into play. Not every day is ideal - far from it - but I try to make it all work and just hang on to this wild ride I am on! I love every second of it!

CONGRATULATIONS MOMS! Lisa Druxman is coming for a visit!

2008-05-20T09:29:00.002-04:00

Stroller Strides Richmond WON the LEAN Mommy Contest!! That means Lisa Druxman will come to Richmond for a book signing and demo class!

Her book, LEAN Mommy, is changing moms' lives all over the country! If you haven't gotten yours yet, let me know. I still have some for sale.

I will keep you posted on the details, but I am working on getting her to come in September to combine it with our Fall into Fitness event.

Thanks for the support! I am so excited for you all to meet Lisa. She is such an inspiration to me!

Couples who exercise together, Stay together!!

2008-05-19T06:43:00.002-04:00

I am a firm believer that when you exercise with your partner/spouse, it not only makes you stronger physically, but it makes your relationship stronger! Exercising together is like a FREE therapy session for you!

My husband and I started dating while training for a half-marathon together. One of the things I loved about this was that we created a healthy habit very early in our relationship. Running was something that we always did together. For example, when we went on vacation, the first thing we did was put on our running shoes and jog around the city to check it out. Plus this year, we are planning on doing the Richmond marathon together, and we have committed to doing our training runs together. I am so excited about these long runs with just him!!

Now don't use the excuse that having kids makes it too difficult - just purchase a jogging stroller and you are good to go!!

So you may ask, why does exercising with my partner make our relationship stronger? Well, there are things that you face as you exercise that are HARD - maybe its running farther than you have before, doing 10 more push-ups than you thought you could, stepping it up a level. When you do this, you are exposing a side of you that your partner may have never seen before. That makes you vulnerable, and sometimes its hard for a loved one to see you like that. But that is a great chance to encourage, love, praise, and support your partner. I promise, doing this a few times together will show you a side of your loved one that you may not have ever seen. But it also will help connect you together.

Also those who exercise together typically will want to lead a healthy lifestyle in other aspects of their lives as well. Plus what good role models you are for your kids - they see you exercising, having fun, and doing it together!

That is one of the reason that I allow spouses to come to Stroller Strides classes for FREE!! Not only do they get a 2-for-1 deal on exercise classes, but they get to do it with someone they love!

Calling all Preggos! Keep Exercising!!

2008-05-14T08:24:00.003-04:00

Here are some interesting facts about exercising during your pregnancy. Some you may know, some startled even me!

ALWAYS get your doctor's permission before starting an exercise program during your pregnancy
Even if you did not exercise before you are pregnant, you CAN begin to exericse! Begin walking or simple exercises. Its not too late to start getting fit - for you and your baby!
Your goal - maintain, not train! Your pregnancy is NOT a time to reach for higher goals - don't train for a marathon now! Use this time to keep your fitness level the same - don't overdue it.
Listen to your body - the OLD ACOG guidelines recommended women not allow their heartrates to increase over 140bpm but that is OLD NEWS! The new recommendations tell women to listen to their bodies. On a scale of 1-10, you should be working at a 5-7 and no higher.
Remember, some days are better than others. Sometimes a workout may seem effortless, but other days the same workout will feel tough. Listen to your body and do what feels right.
Don't Stop Exercising!! Research has shown that women who exercise throughout their pregnancy and STOP at 36 weeks gain more weight than those who never exercised at all!! So even in that dreaded last month, keep moving. Walking, swimming, elliptical - are all great!!
Just some of the benefits of exercising during pregnancy to mom - lower chance of gestational diabetes, less discomfort, easier labor, faster weight loss after the baby is born, less depression, and much more!

So all you Pregnant Women out there - keep exercising. Your baby will thank you for it!!

What Mother's Day Means to Me...

2008-05-09T07:16:00.002-04:00

I absolutely love the idea of having a holiday made just for MOMS! Every year, I dream of just one day where I can do whatever I want, go where ever I want, and feel responsibility-free for just one day.

But instead what ends up happening is we plan a full family day starting with brunch and then head to a special event where we spend the day together. I don't get the chance to be alone much, inevitable there is someone pitching a temper tantrum, and at least one person ends up in tears.

So instead of setting high expectations for the most perfect day ever, I try to use this holiday as a day to re-charge my spirit. I re-focus my energies to what is really important in my life - my family. I will spend a whole day with my husband and children and try to make every second the best it can possibly be. Who cares if Morgan drips jelly on her shirt? What is the big deal if Olivia crawls through the dirt? The joy of this day is that I have a healthy and happy family and that is what makes being a mom so special.

And what about my ideal about doing whatever I want, going where ever I want, and feeling responsibility-free? Well, once everyone is in bed, I will take a hot bath, close my eyes, and take that dream vacation in my head...even if it is for just 15 minutes.

Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

PLEASE VOTE for Stroller Strides - TODAY ONLY!

2008-05-06T10:53:00.000-04:00

Dear Family and Friends,
Lisa Druxman - Stroller Strides founder and CEO - is up for America's Favorite Mom. All of you know how much Stroller Strides has given me, my family, and other moms in my community. It is becuase of the hard work and dedication of Lisa Druxman that I have been able to do this.

Please show your support for me and take one minute to vote!TODAY IS THE ONLY DAY YOU CAN VOTE FOR HER!

See the video and vote at http://www.nbc.com/Americas_Favorite_Mom/vote/.

Please tell your family and friends to vote also!

In good strides,
Rachel

America's Favorite Mom!

2008-05-01T19:50:00.002-04:00

OK, its not me, but I am excited to say that Lisa Druxman, the CFM (Chief Founding Mom) and owner of Stroller Strides is a finalist for this prize!

I don't thinks there is anyone in the country more deserving of this award. Not only has she started an amazing company, has 2 kids of her own, and is an inspiration to anyone who crosses her path, BUT she has allowed this business to grow nationwide.

What amazes me is to think about the sheer number of women's lives Lisa has touched. The vast majority of them probably don't even know who she is, but anyone who has taken a Stroller Strides class has been touched by Lisa's magic. Whether you have taken one class or a zillion, I will bet your life has been changed by this program. If you have made a friend, adapted a healthier lifestyle, gotten advice from another mom in class, smiled, laughed, or simply watched your children grow during a Stroller Strides class, you have been touched by Lisa.

So just think of it this way, there are currently 245 franchises nationwide holding a total of over 700 classes in 45 states. Here in Richmond, in just over 3 years, we have had over 400 women try Stroller Strides (even if it was just one class). If you have JUST one new mom per franchise per week (I am giving a low estimate here) trying Stroller Strides for the first time, that is 12,740 women per year being touched by this program.

THAT IS HUGE! The impact that Lisa has on the moms in America is immeasurable. Helping women to adjust to the challenges of being a mom, finding new friends, losing weight, meeting physical goals they never thought possible, and being better moms...these are just some of the things you get from Stroller Strides and Lisa's vision.

I personally thank her for giving me the opportunity to start this business, be home with my girls, and meet some amazing women.

So I beg you, watch the Today Show on Tuesday May 6 (in the 9am hour), and watch Lisa's story. Then vote for her! You can read more about it at http://www.americasfavoritemom.com/mothers-day-2008/static/semiFinalists