The only two reasons I will continue to exercise the rest of my life.

There are a thousand good, solid reasons for working toward increasing fitness. Maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity is undeniably beneficial to anyone's overall physical and mental wellness. There is a ton of research documenting this. 

As women, I believe there are some additional benefits to maintaining regular exercise and KNOWING that you are fit, and breaking free of the ridiculous images we are bombarded with daily in so many ads and tv shows. As a mom, there is a deep satisfaction in knowing that you *will* catch up with that toddler when he starts to run; or knowing that yes, you *can* pick up your big kid when they still need those mommy snuggles after a rough time at school.

There are people who workout because they just love it. There are people who have been runners their whole lives, and people for whom exercise is as natural as breathing. I am not any of those people. The journey into fitness as a lifestyle is a recent one for me - it started 2 short years ago. Compared to the me of 2 years ago, I just feel better. I have more energy, a better outlook, more acceptance of myself and others, and more patience to handle the demands of motherhood. All of these benefits of regular exercise are fantastic, they really are. And now, 2 years later, I can't imagine ever NOT exercising several times each week.

But there are only 2 reasons why I exercise. One of them is sleeping in his crib right now after a bath with blueberry-scented shampoo, and the other one is sleeping in her big girl bed zipped up in a pink cocoon of a sleeping bag because she would rather have that than a blanket. 

And that is all. 

This struck me last night as I was driving home from a late-night Body Back session, thinking about how much I loved what I do, how lucky I am to spend time with other moms passionate about modeling positive behavior for their families. 

I have no idea what paths my kids will take. No idea what kind of adults they will grow into - what careers they will pursue, if they will choose to raise families, if they will be as lucky as me and find their partner in life. But here is one thing I do know: They will have parents who have remained active. They will have parents who lift weights so that they can also lift their grandchildren. They will have parents who have loved them so much that they have taken care of THEMSELVES. 

I workout for the love of these two people. Because I want them to be as strong and active as their bodies will allow, and to love themselves.  I want to be around for as long as I can be - and while there are always unknowns and surprises in life, I am going to maximize every opportunity to keep myself healthy and strong. 

Easiest Christmas Tree Ever: Paint it!

A friend of mine had a fabulous idea this week that I immediately borrowed (Thanks, Teri!): Paint a Christmas tree on a sliding glass door! 

We are going to be celebrating Christmas while visiting relatives this year, so had not planned on putting up a tree. The expense and hassle of rearranging the living room, getting a tree, and pulling out all the ornaments did not seem worth the short amount of time we would be able to leave up a tree, but I was feeling blue about not having something for the kids (and for me - I love to decorate trees). The perfect solution: tempura paint.

My 5-yr-old and 2-yr-old helped me paint 2 trees on our back door this morning. This was one project where they really did HELP - not the kind of help that makes what you are doing take 3x as long - and we all had a blast. The base coat is drying now, and when they are done napping we will paint on some decorations. I tried to paint some decorations on as we went, but the colors mix when they are wet. We also spent another couple hours this morning drawing, coloring and cutting out paper decorations to tape on the tree.

Here is the work in progress: 

See the newspapers on the floor? Use lots and lots of newspapers or other drop cloth - the younger your helpers the more you will probably need :-) Also it is good to have either a roll of paper towels or a pile of wipes or moistened cloths in reach just in case. Tempura washes out of cloth, but is a little bit of a hassle to remove from carpet.

We used tempura paints, regular paint brushes and a wide sponge "brush" for our little guy... his fancy work is on the lower right corner of the tall tree. The smaller tree is entirely my 5-yr-old's creation.

If you have older kids, or babies too young to participate and want to take on the project just for your own amusement, you can also use acrylic paints. Check out some information from a professional window decorator for some more tips HERE.

Happy Tree Making! 

Our finished product, with paper snowflakes and ornaments: 

Holiday Gift Idea #2: Time for some Pampering, and I don't mean diapers!

One of the themes of Stroller Strides is the importance of moms remembering to take care of themselves first. Remembering the "me" in mommy is a challenge with all of the tasks on our plates taking care of our families, but a burnt out mama isn't going to be a help to anyone! 

Focusing on fitness is a GREAT way to increase your happiness, energy and confidence. Imagine what a treat at a spa will do for you!!! This is a very good suggestion to someone looking to buy you a gift - just pick your favorite local spa and ask for a gift certificate, or if you have a particular service you know you love you can ask for that. 

Everyone loves different atmospheres and personalities, so a spa experience can be a pretty personal thing. Here are some recommendations from about town: 

1. An aromatherapy facial from Essential Esthetics by Richelle. If you have not had a chance to check out Richelle's in-home studio yet, you are missing out! She offers facials, waxing and brow/lash tinting. I appreciate the hours available for appointments, accommodating  crazy family and work schedules with evening appointments and highly flexible hours. All of her products are natural, organic and smell sooo good! Richelle is offering us a great special, too - mention Stroller Strides to receive 50% of a facial when you purchase one at regular price.  Highly recommend this one - great service, quality products AND a chance to support a mom-owned local business! 

2. A massage! There are several holiday specials being offered around town. Two offers have recently caught my eye: First, a discount offer from a one-hour or half-hour massage from the medical professionals at Gray Chiropractic Health Clinic.   Also, a complimentary hot stone add-on ($25 value) to any massage service from Glaze Nail Bar during November and December.   Of course there are DOZENS of other venues offering massage options around town. Several locations also offer a couples massage option - a great gift to BOTH of you! Ask around, and give the Salon a call to ask about any special offers going on, then let your shopping elves know what you want! Don't forget a manicure or pedicure too.

3. Some mental time off! Find a theatrical or musical show coming to town and ask for tickets for yourself - better yet, buy two and take your partner, spouse or friend for a fun grown-up night of culture and mental stimulation. Search the Anchorage Concert Association for ideas, or check out the searchable events database from Anchorage Daily News. Don't forget Cyrano's Off-Center Playhouse downtown! 

4. On a budget? Send your spouse or partner out with the kids (check out indoor play spaces such as Park and Play, safe and easy options for these frigid days!).  Use some hours of kid-free, responsibility-free time all to yourself to take a bubble bath, read a book or some magazines, drink some tea, take a nap, do a crossword puzzle, work on a scrapbook page. No catching up on business projects, errands, or cleaning is  allowed! Use the time to unplug and relax, listen to YOUR music, and do exactly what YOU want to do.

Give some thought to what would help you feel rested, revived and rejuvenated, and ASK FOR IT! Every one I know would love to give the special someone in their life the perfect gift - so let them know what it is! 

Happy Hinting :-)

Feeling Thankful

As I sit in my warm, secure house while the snow comes down and the temperatures hover around zero degrees, I have so much to feel thankful for. After a fantastic, busy weekend spent in the company of friends I am feeling especially thankful to live in Anchorage and to have the opportunity to spend part of each day with so many amazing moms and their kids.

This week my oldest babe turned 5, and it blows my mind to realize my journey into motherhood has now been five years in the making. Having kids changes everything. I feel so thankful that for me, one of the changes was to find a program like Stroller Strides where I can spend time with my beautiful kids AND get into the best shape of my life. I am thankful for legs that have done so many lunges they are strong enough to run with my kids, arms that have done so many curls and extensions that they are strong enough to lift my kids for hugs and snuggles, and a mind so full of songs and games for them that we can entertain each other for hours. 

I am thankful for all the families who have allowed me to share in their journeys, to play with their kids and encourage their moms to give themselves the awesome gift of muscles sore from a great workout, and confidence that comes with increasing strength. So thanks, everyone, for being part of the family. Thanks for committing to being a model of an active and healthy lifestyle for your kids. Thanks for singing silly songs while you do your bicep curls. 

See you soon. :-)

Holiday Gift Idea #1: Give the gift of fitness!!

The Holidays are approaching faster than a speeding sled! All the early snow and cold temperatures have a lot of Anchorage residents in a holiday frame of mind - of course, all the stores have had their Christmas tree displays up since BEFORE HALLOWEEN (am I totally dating myself to say I remember when none of it appeared until after Thanksgiving???? yikes). 

So, here is the first in a series of ideas for all the wonderful moms on your lists! Feel free to print and leave strategically on the counter where your special elves might find it. 

The Gift of Fitness. 

First of all, let's get rid of the notion that it is in any way rude, or presumptuous, or anything but thoughtful to give someone one of these gifts. Buying someone a gym membership does not mean you think they need to shed some pounds - it just means you love them enough to help smooth the path to increasing their health and wellness. It means you value this person and want to keep them around a good long while, strong and healthy and ready to play with the kids in their life. Here are a few ideas to get you going:

1. STROLLER STRIDES!!! It's me talking, after all, so of course this is at the top of my list. Already a member? Consider a gift for a new or expecting mom in your life! There are two Holiday Specials available this year (contact Chandra at chandrapoe@strollerstrides.net to purchase): 

• A five-class pass for only $25. These are not normally available - usually class passes come in a bunch of 10 and run $110 ($11/class). This is a great way to introduce someone to the program! Passes are available for purchase from now through the end of December.
• Registration and three months of unlimited classes for only $120 ($240 value). Perfect for mothers of infants who are ready to get active again! 

2. Body Back - A fantastic new workout and nutrition plan for Every Mom!  Our first session will be limited to 10 moms and will begin January 4, 2012. Check HERE for more details on this exciting opportunity to make some tangible changes in how you look and feel this year! Contact Chandra at bodybackanchorage@gmail.com to register.

3. Plan a ski or snowshoe date (including childcare)! It would be soooo dreamy to have someone else figure out childcare for a few hours to spend with your spouse, partner or a good friend in the fresh air and fluffy snow! What a great way to burn some calories while having fun with someone you care about. This would be a great gift for YOU to give to your significant other AND YOURSELF.

4. Gift certificate to a yoga studio; check out Inner Dance Yoga Studio's new student special of any 3 classes for only $20.

5. Dance classes!!! This would be so amazing as a gift from a spouse or partner - honey are you listening? - especially if it came with a childcare solution already figured out! Check out the links at Dancing Fools for some ideas of class types and locations, from ballroom to Zumba.

6. Gym membership - at a location close to the office for working moms to get away on their lunch breaks or before/after their day, or a location with childcare options for moms who are with their kids during the day. 

7. Home exercise equipment. Beyond traditional options like stationary bikes or treadmills, there are also some fun electronic options such as a Wii, or X-Box Kinect, that the whole family can enjoy. 

8. Gift certificate to Skinny Raven, Sports Authority, Lucy.com (members don't forget your discount!), or another store or online retailer focusing on fitness gear and apparel. It is so much more fun to workout wearing cute and comfortable gear!! 

Hope this gives you a few ideas, would love to hear some more! Stay tuned for the next installment, focusing on some well-deserved pampering.

Low fat, nutritious and delicious Spiced Pumpkin Molasses Cookies with Raisins

A cookie recipe??? Yes! 

I love pumpkin, and this time of year all the tempting treats led me to search for a pumpkin recipe that I could be happy about giving to the kids, and not feel bad about indulging in one for myself! It took a surprising amount of searching online to find a recipe that is - as cookies go - relatively healthy and totally delicious. This is modified from a couple recipes found online - I had to change the proportion of flour, up the spice content and the amount of pumpkin but in the end these are just right. They are low in fat and sugar, but so yummy!

These are the cookies I had for our Stroller Strides Halloween Class #1 (none of them survived for Class #2). The new snow and low temperatures make perfect baking weather. These cookies fill the house with a lovely smell - and are a perfect treat after playing with the kids outside! Bake a batch and enjoy - these also freeze well to save part of the batch for another snowy day. 

Spiced Pumpkin Molasses Cookies with Raisins

Ingredients (use organic wherever possible!) for 3 dozen cookies:

• 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (or 1/4 c agave)
• 1 cup canned unseasoned pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup dark molasses
• 1 cup raisins, or dried cranberries or a combination

•  (optional extras - skip these to keep calories and fat lower: 1/2 c chocolate chips and/or chopped pecans or walnuts)

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg in a large bowl. 
3. Whisk eggs, brown sugar (or agave), pumpkin, oil and molasses in a second bowl until well combined. (TIP: use the same measuring cup for the canola oil and molasses, doing the oil first. Makes the molasses pour right out of there with no sticky clean up). 
4. Stir the wet ingredients and raisins/cranberries (and optional extras) into the dry ingredients until thoroughly combined.
5. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray, and drop the batter by level tablespoonfuls onto the baking sheet, spacing the cookies 1 1/2 inches apart.
6. Bake the cookies until firm to the touch and lightly golden on top, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Enjoy a delicious winter treat!

Halloween Candy: to cave, or not to cave?

I love Halloween. And I also can't stand it. 

Here is what I LOVE: carving jack-o-lanterns and roasting the seeds; babies crawling around in adorable fuzzy costumes; reading Halloween books with my kids; the boundless creativity in costumes for young and old; the pumpkins and bats and friendly ghosts - all the "G" rated versions of the Halloween decor make me smile. 

Here is what do not love, and this year in particular am struggling with: THE CANDY. I clearly remember, as an elementary school aged kid, hoofing it far and wide with a group of friends with our pillowcases for collecting candy. The Reese's peanut butter cups and Smarties were top of the pile and first to go; Dum-Dum lollipops and bubblegum were the last. And in between, every imaginable type of processed, conventional candy. The same stuff I won't let my kids eat. 

So here is the thing - I am very, very aware of what I will give my children to put into their growing bodies to build their bones, muscles and minds. Do I let them have treats? Absolutely - this weekend they had pumpkin cookies with chocolate chips and raisins, and they regularly enjoy things like Clif Z-bars and fruit ropes, Luna minis, and plenty of other processed yummies that don't contain artificial dyes or many artificial ingredients.

Recently, however, I have become more aware of the artificial dyes used in foods - particularly those marketed to our children - and I have not liked what I have learned. We are now trying very hard to limit our consumption of these dyes, particularly Yellow 5 and Red 40. Both of these have been found to cause behavioral changes and aggression in kids, and both of them are EVERYWHERE. (Did you ever notice that even white marshmallows have dye in them? Blue 1 is the final ingredient in the store-brand marshmallows in my pantry). 

At our first Halloween Class for Stroller Strides yesterday, there was not a single piece of candy in site and the kids had a blast. Now, these are all very young kids of course, or they wouldn't be at a Stroller Strides class. They are kids who still think that a sticker is amazing, kids who are excited about a stamp on their hand for hours afterward, kids who enjoy coloring OR chewing on mini coloring books. The oldest child attending was my own daughter, who will be 5 in just a couple weeks. 

Her age is the reason this year has been a struggle for me. She is old enough to see and want all the brightly colored candy instead of the alternatives I would have for her. The mini tubs of play-doh that were a successful substitute last year are just not cutting it anymore. The good news: We took her to a trick-or-treating event at UAA this weekend, and  discovered that she is not only old enough to want those brilliantly packaged and dyes candies, she is also old enough to understand why we pulled them out of her jack-o-lantern bucket and tossed them. (She got to keep most of the chocolate-based treats which I think made her feel better.)

Last night at the grocery store, my husband and I debated whether to buy a bag of candy to have on hand in case we get any older kids trick-or-treating at our house, kids who are past the age of stickers and play-doh. We had not planned to be home for the evening but now we will, so we did not plan ahead and stock up on any alternative treats or treasures. In the end, a bag of mini candy bars is on our counter now, staring at me. I will feel a guilty twinge when I put them in the hands of other people's kids... And the mini play-doh buckets are going to be on the top of the basket. At least the older kids will have to dig for their sugar.

Body Back - a new program for EVERY MOM.

I am SO very excited for the first formal session of Body Back to start in January. A group of five amazing women are making the journey alongside me right now through my first ever trial session so I could be absolutely certain to have everything ready for the first formal round. I have not been so in love with a fitness program since Stroller Strides. 

Let me be clear: Stroller Strides works. It is not only an effective and challenging workout but also provides so many social connections and so much support for moms with young children. Stroller Strides is the single reason that I am in better shape now than ever before in my life, it is the reason I keep having to buy new pants as the old ones just keep getting too loose. I continue to think of Stroller Strides as my first exercise love, and always will. 

Click here to visit the official Body Back website

Body Back fills another need, for moms with kids of any age - MOMS ONLY, taking care of themselves,  reclaiming or completely re-creating their bodies and recharging their spirits. It's kind of like having two mandatory Moms Night Out dates per week - you just sweat a lot more than you usually might :-)

Body Back is an eight-week program of group workouts featuring high intensity interval training, paired with the support and enthusiasm of 10 moms dedicated to making real changes in their fitness, strength, confidence and appearance. It works. 

We are only halfway through our trial session and are already seeing dramatic changes. There are plenty of online before/after photos on the official site; it is entirely different to see it happen firsthand and I will thrilled to take our own "after" photos later this month and share them. 

THE DETAILS:

Each session is limited to 10 moms. We will begin with an orientation and timed mile on January 4, and will meet every Monday and Wednesday from January 9 - February 29 from 8-9pm. 

Cost for the 8-week session (Jan 9 - Feb 29): 

• $250 for Stroller Strides moms
  
• $275 for non-Stroller Strides moms
• $200 for active military moms

This includes:

• Two group workouts per week
• Mama Wants her Body Back meal plan and food journal
• Before and After fitness assessments and measurements
  
• Online coaching and support 
  
• Workout DVDs
• Resistance band

Questions? Email BodyBackAnchorage@gmail.com

10,000 Strides Challenge, Nov-Dec 2011

CHANGE OF RULES: Non-Stroller Strides members who do not want to compete for the t-shirt DO NOT PAY the $15 registration fee. If all you want is motivation and bragging rights (the shirts, while lovely, are not very manly after all) just sign up for a team! SS mamas you can still register absolutely free and compete for the shirts. LET'S STRIDE!!!!

GOAL:  To walk 10,000 steps per day for one month.

PRIZE:  Everyone wins by ramping up their physical activity just as holiday temptations appear everywhere!  Extra bonus: Long-Sleeve thermal SS tees for the winning team!  

o   Join a team! Teams of 3 will select a team captain and team name.

o   Have a spouse, partner or other friend who is not in Stroller Strides who would like to join the challenge? Know someone who walks a lot who your really want on your team? Non-SS members are welcome to join the challenge for $15. OR join for free if not interested in winning a t-shirt as a prize - still get great bragging rights!

o   Wearing a pedometer*, you will track how many steps you take each day.

o   Team captain emails the total steps walked by the team each week to Chandra.

Think 10,000 steps sounds like a lot?  You may be surprised to learn how many steps you walk each day already.  You will wear the pedometer from the time you get up in the morning, until you go to bed at night- including Stroller Strides class! This competition is about TOTAL STEPS taken each day.

*Pedometers can be purchased at many local stores for under $20; pedometer apps for smart phones can be used for this activity as well. Please read the directions and calibrate to your stride for accuracy!

The Challenge will begin on Monday, Nov. 7th and end on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Getting started:

• Complete a 10,000 Strides Challenge registration form and return to Chandra no later than Friday, Nov. 4th. Forms will be available in class or via email at your request.
• Select your team- if you need help finding a team, just let me know! 
• Get to know your team mates and select a team captain and team name
• Email Team Name and Team Members to chandrapoe@strollerstrides.net by Friday, Nov. 4th
• Talk with your team mates and exchange phone numbers, plan some group walks, and be prepared to encourage each other along the way!   

Get a team together or we will match you up with others who want to participate, and let's get Striding!!! 
 

Holiday Weight Maintenance Challenge 2011!!!

Goal:  To NOT gain any weight over the holiday season, from before Thanksgiving through the end of January.

Rules:

1) Give us a $50 check made out to Alaska Mighty Moms LLC

2) Weigh-in on or before November 21st

3) Weigh-out before the end of January (last weigh out has to be done by 1/31/12)

If you do not gain weight over the holiday season, we will return your uncashed $50 check. We will allow a +/-1 lb. range this year.

If you do gain weight (more than 1 lb.), we will deposit your $50 check and it will be donated to a local charity selected by the group.

This is more fun with a big group!  Please invite spouses, friends, co-workers and family - feel free to ask people to do it with you!  Our goal is to NOT DEPOSIT any of these checks at the end of January.

Fine Print: 

• Must be over 18 and not currently pregnant to participate.  
• If you become pregnant during the challenge, we will return your check. 
• Other than pregnancy, there are NO exceptions (e.g. injury, illness, laziness, forgetfulness, fractions of a pound, bloating, etc.) 
• It is your responsibility to make it to weigh-out, so plan ahead and weigh-out early.  If you forfeit weigh-out, we will cash your check.
• First and Final weigh-in must be done at the same time of day (morning or evening)
• We are allowing for a 1 lb. weight gain ONLY.  Not 1.25 or 1.5 pounds and NOT your home scale reading.
• We will keep your weight completely private, but you must weigh in/out on the official Stroller Strides scale. 
• We will be bringing the scale to every class the week of November 14-19 so you can weigh-in either before or after Stroller Strides classes.  You can also make an appointment if you would prefer to come by Chandra's house at another time.
• We will begin weigh-outs in early January.  You can check-in anytime you like during the month of January.  Once you hit your goal, we will return your check.  It's okay to weigh-out as many times as you need to during the month of January.  Please don't wait until the last day - our scale may read different than your home scale!!
• This is not a weight loss challenge, just a fun way to keep ourselves on-track over the holiday season!  No bonus points for losing weight! 

If you have any questions email Chandra at chandrapoe@strollerstrides.net or leave me a message at 1.888.605.7860

Walking the walk: Putting the ME back in mommy.

Today I accomplished an amazing feat: I left the house BY MYSELF, to go and do shopping FOR MYSELF.  That's right, an entire trip to the mall without a single purchase for either kid. Five years ago, I could never have imagined how rare this would become. Prior to Stroller Strides and the gradual process of reclaiming my own identity in the midst of the new mom whirlwind, it only happened once in a blue moon, despite the encouragement of my husband.

What I love about what I do, is that it is not just a physical fitness program. There are Stroller Strides t-shirts that say "Fit for Motherhood" across the back. I have always liked this, it is a clever play on the exercise component and yet there are so many deeper meanings.  Regular workouts that include cardio and strength training are critical for improving stamina and energy, and giving moms the muscle strength to carry their kids/carseats/baby luggage everywhere they go, to walk the halls with a sleepless infant or lift a toddler safely out of their crib. Improving sprint speed to catch up with a running kid hell-bent on a parking lot or a lake is no joke!  But the benefits are so much beyond physical.

Exercise gives us more patience to weather the trials of motherhood. Countless times in the last month I have found myself in a grocery store or other setting, while my kids are pushing all my buttons, doing "Three big breaths, and our final and most important stretch of the day: A SMILE" in my head, forcing myself to relax and breath deep, find a smile and be the best mom I can be.  I say this phrase to classes of moms every single day, and I love that it helps me live and love the rest of my day.

Another aspect of Stroller Strides that has also been life-changing for me - aside from being in better shape now than ever - is the absolute certainty that one day each month, I have a date with some of the most inspiring moms I know. Moms Night Out. These are magical words! Whether we are grabbing a bite to eat, heading for a hike or going to a yoga class, and even if we spend a good deal of the time talking about our kids - these are some fabulous opportunities to build a supportive community of moms. Getting to know each other outside of class is awesome. When we go out and everyone shows up in not-workout clothes with their hair done, we may hardly recognize each other. These events are a chance to reclaim a little of ourselves outside of our kids, to go by our own first name instead of "Baby's Mom".

So today, when I left the house BY MYSELF, I went shopping. I got some great deals (surprise sales at the mall, gotta love that!) on some very cute new shirts that I bought because I know I have some hot dates with some hot moms in the next few weeks. Tomorrow, I will get up early and leave again BY MYSELF to do a run with a friend who is also going to run BY HERSELF with me.

It's okay to give yourself permission to experience a little of your own company in the absence of your little ones. Going to the office doesn't  count, working moms! Make a date with a friend, come to a Moms Night Out (we will meet this Monday 9/12 at Organic Oasis at 7pm!) or just head out for a walk or run on your own - NO STROLLER - and don't forget to keep sight of the ME in mommy.

A very eventful weekend!

Whew. 

It has been an amazing week for me. After an outstanding, inspiring and ENERGIZING weekend of insane workouts with insanely wonderful women, my muscles are finally less sore and my brain can finally form some whole thoughts. 

Over Labor Day weekend I took a break from teaching classes to become the student, learning from the incomparable Farel Hruska, an amazing woman and mother of three who is also the National Fitness Director for Stroller Strides, Fit4Baby and Body Back. Have you ever met someone who just lights you up? Taking a class from Farel is like plugging directly into the sun.

Friday night I hopped on an evening flight from Anchorage to Seattle - wow, it is sooooo easy to fly without the kids - and was picked up by a fellow franchise owner from Maple Valley, WA. (You should really check her out, by the way - Kristy Fassio has such an inspiring story and is on her way to great things.) Kristy took me home to stay with her family and then drove in with me to Enhanced Instructor Training on Saturday. 

This training is for current Stroller Strides instructors, and it was a tremendous recharge of great energy, inspiration, new exercise moves and enthusiasm for this awesome program. We started off the morning with a Stroller Strides class. It was such a blast to be the student, to focus on the moves and soak in all the experience and enthusiasm of this group of women. We had so much fun that we added an extra half hour to class. There is no better way to start off a day! 

Our day continued with some business-oriented lectures and information sharing, fantastic sessions of indoor cardio moves and partner exercises, and demonstrating favorite exercise sequences to each other. If you have been to a Stroller Strides class you can begin to imagine that at this point I was just a tad bit sore... an hour and a half class (with nobody needing a snack, song, or potty break) followed by two more intense workouts a la Farel is nothing to sneeze at.

After a very deep sleep, I woke up Sunday to head back for Body Back training. Kristy, who is already a Body Back instructor and did not go to Sunday's training, drove me to an Office Depot parking lot to meet Codi Howell, another amazing franchise owner attending the training at 34 weeks pregnant with her third child, two days after her husband's return from Afghanistan. Did I mention that these women are an awe-inspiring group? 

And then - Body Back. 

Stroller Strides is a fantastic, challenging workout and it has been the key to my personal fitness. It is the only reason I am in better shape now than I have been ever before in my life, and the connections I have made to other women have changed my life. After completing 4 Body Back workouts in one day, I also know that there is no limit to increasing my fitness and I will continue challenging myself the rest of my life. I have never, ever been so sore; I have never felt so proud of accomplishing so much physical work in a single day. 

Just wow. The workouts are incredible, but it is so much more. The personal experiences shared by several of the moms in our group who have been through the program and are training to become instructors brought me to tears. I can hardly wait to bring this life-changing program to Anchorage. 

For me, the realization of exactly how much can be accomplished in an hour is a direct result of a couple of years working out AND entertaining the kids, taking breaks to offer snacks or play games, singing nursery songs while doing bicep curls. I love every minute of my Stroller Strides classes and cannot imagine a day without seeing these beautiful families. Exercising with the kids is FUN and makes the time fly by before you even realize just how many squats you have accomplished. Taking the kids out of the picture turns up the intensity of the exercise, and really allows deep concentration on finding your inner voice, the voice that knows you CAN do it.

Sunday evening, totally exhausted, I stayed with a dear friend from high school and slept until 10am. That's right, I SLEPT UNTIL 10AM. I haven't slept like that in about 5 years, and it was amazing. We spent the day with no agenda, no one to look after but the two of us, and it was the most relaxing day I have had in years. 

What amazes me is that even with so many wonderful parts of the weekend, the best was Tuesday morning, waking up after my late night arrival in my own bed, to the snuggles of our daughter sneaking into our room to curl up next to me. 

Possibly the most eventful single weekend in my life since the birth of my son two years ago, definitely the most sore I have been... ever. I returned home delighted to see my family, charged up for my Stroller Strides classes and excited to bring Body Back to Anchorage. Stay tuned, you won't want to miss this amazing program.

Sisterhood in Motherhood

The phrase “Sisterhood in Motherhood” is one of the slogans of the program, featured on my favorite Stroller Strides t-shirt. Talking with some of the moms at class tonight got me thinking about why Stroller Strides makes such a difference in the lives of so many moms with young children. There are so many parts of the program that make it much more than a way to reclaim (or surpass) a pre-baby body. 

This is the key: I was talking with other moms. Because that is what we have the opportunity to do at every class: talk, sweat, laugh and share with other women. I have found some of my best friends in Stroller Strides classes, and simply can’t imagine my life without it. Can’t say that I have ever felt that way about a gym.

There are clearly other options for getting in a workout, even as a new mom, but I don’t know of any other place where you will be sweating with a bunch of other women who GET IT. Every one of us has been sleep deprived, every one of us has felt unsure of what to do with a whole life we are suddenly in charge of. We have dealt with our babies’ poop, puke, spit, snot, and pee. We have had our clothes redecorated for us by any or all of the above, and witnessed spectacular food art created as our little bundles of joy fling their food every which way. We have felt the frustrations – and we have felt the joy. We have watched our little ones sleeping and had our hearts melt. We have marveled at their soft skin, little fingers, and that amazing and indefinable baby smell.  We have been filled with more love than we ever thought possible.

The value in working out together, putting yourself out there and making the effort to increase your fitness and set a shining example for your babies – TOGETHER – can’t really be overstated. Knowing that you are going to get great exercise and the camaraderie of other moms with shared goals is an amazing motivator.  It becomes more than a workout, as you start building a strong support network. Coming for your workout is also coming to see friends. One thing I have learned for certain: women who sweat together, stay together. That is a sisterhood I love to be part of.

Doing the parental time warp, don’t forget your own progress.

One thing that every parent I know can agree on is how time moves differently once you have a child. I’ve been thinking a lot about time lately.  Every parent has experienced at least one night that seems to last for an eternity, with a sick kid or a newborn baby waking every hour. It is mind-boggling how all the moments that seem they will never end suddenly turn into the first year of a baby’s life passed by in a wink. 

This week I turned 36  years old, which means I have now known my husband for as many years as I have not known my husband. My birthday got me thinking about the last couple years and how dramatically different those birthdays have been. On my 34^th birthday, I was hugely pregnant with our second child and wishing for an earlier-than-due-date delivery; wouldn’t it be cool to share a birthday I kept thinking at him, urging him to make a move before my August 26 due date (he was born September 4). 

On my 35^th birthday, I ran a half marathon.

People who have met me within the last year may not realize how strange that sentence is, so I’m going to repeat it.

I ran a half marathon. Me.

That’s 13.1 miles.

The 34-year-old version of me didn’t run. I mean, if there was some super motivating scary creature chasing me I probably would have run. If there had been a time when it would have meant getting to my daughter faster if she needed me, I would have run.  But lacing up running shoes on purpose, going out and running for FUN???  Those people were crazy.

Okay, so those people really are crazy, but now I am one of them and I never, ever would have gotten there if I had not become a mom. My kids were my main motivation to start running, with a Stroller Strides running club in spring of 2010.   While I still love to hear their little voices calling “run mama run!” from the stroller, I don’t run for them now – I run for myself, because it calms me and makes me a better person.

Which brings me to my conclusion, from all of this thinking about time and how it changes once a person becomes a parent. What I have realized is that as diligently as we track our babies' milestones, we should also be tracking our own. What are your own personal goals and achievements? What fitness accomplishment will you make this year? The time to start tracking it, the time to start DOING it, is now – because as we have seen, another year will be gone before you know it.  Make today the first day of your personal fitness journey, you will be amazed at what you can make happen.

Leading by example: How an active mom benefits the entire family.

As moms, we are faced with many challenges including how to be a great role model for these new little lives we are responsible for. When you exercise with your baby, you are helping steer those little feet onto a path toward a healthy, active lifestyle.

Any doubts of the truth of this are removed when your toddlers start doing their own workout routines at home, doing little toddler squats and taking their dolls for walks in the toy stroller, lunging along the way. This morning, my soon-to-be-2-year-old son proudly called out to me "look at me, I shuffling!" as he ran sideways across the living room. My 4-year old daughter creates new song and exercise routines for me regularly; some of them are even good enough to use in class! 

My personal journey toward a more fit and healthy lifestyle would never have been the same without Stroller Strides. I would never, ever have thought it possible to run a half marathon, not even if I was being chased by a bear, but I did it (the half marathon part, not the being chased by a bear part, thankfully). I would never have thought that my husband and I would choose to spend our precious time together when the kids are sleeping doing an hour-long workout routine, but that is what we do. 

I am proud of what my body can do, proud of the work I have put in to get to where I am and proud to realize that my journey is just beginning! I am in better shape now than ever before, and my two kids have been with me every step of the way. Could I have gotten here without Stroller Strides? No. For me, the social support and motivation of being with other moms and getting out with my kids in such a positive setting was the key that kept me going. 


Whether you choose to exercise with a group or on your own, including your kids in the routine gives great rewards. With children leading increasingly sedentary lifestyles and childhood obesity on the rise, there is no more important time to get up and get moving. Is your infant going to crawl sooner if you exercise in front of her? No. Is your toddler going to velcro on his first pair of sneakers and go for a run? No. Is your kid going to think of exercise as a fun, regular part of the family routine? Yes! And that is a great first step.