Go the Distance with Stroller Strides and Coach's Oats

Here at Stroller Strides we are always trying to find new ways to motivate, inspire, and move mothers towards a healthy lifestyle. This passion for health and fitness is one shared by our friends at Coach's Oats. This May Stroller Strides and Coach’s Oats are teaming up to put a spring in your step(s) and compel you to literally “Go the Distance!”

Through a collaborative incentive program all Stroller Strides members will be challenged to walk or jog in order to “Go the Distance.” Members will receive prizes based on their mileage.

50 miles in 60 days:
-“Go the Distance” 50 miles t-shirt
- Free 48 oz. bag of Coach’s Oats
- Name and/or photo recognition on the Coach’s Oats Facebook page

Similar prizes will be awarded for members who are able to cover 100 miles in 120 days and 200 miles in 240 days.

The incentive program is FREE, it simply requires you be diligent about getting the mileage done. Imagine the incredible benefits your body and your spirit will receive while working towards these goals! Many of you are already well on your way to that first 50 mile mark simply because you attend Stroller Strides classes on a regular basis.

Throughout the month of April your instructors will be sharing class mileage averages as well as ideas for obtaining additional mileage outside of Stroller Strides class. We hope that this program truly gets each of you moving!

Coach's Oats is “Oatmeal Reinvented.” 100% whole grain oatmeal with a hearty steel cut texture that cooks in minutes without getting soggy. I personally have enjoyed Coach’s Oats for a number of years and am pleased to share this product with all of you. For more information on Coach’s Oats as well as some delicious recipes ideas please visit their website at http://www.coachsoats.com.

April Mom of the Month - Rachel Shaw

Mom of the Month - Rachel Shaw!

1. Who are the members of your family?
My family consist of my husband, Ken, Cooper (he will be 3 in May) and baby (thing #2-as we refer to it) is due in May. We also have 2 dogs. Buddha is a 10 ½ year old Pit-bull boxer mix and Koa is a 10 year old German Sheppard mix. We got tem very soon after we were married. They were our first run at kids.

2. What is or was your career?
The last 2 years I worked as a classroom aid with special ed kids. I totally loved it.

3. How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides and what has it done for you?
I started when Cooper was just 3 months old. It is weird to think it has been 2 ½ years. I love Striding. The women are so awesome! I truly believe my mothering skills would be completely different if I didn’t have SS in my life. Being able to have a multiday vent session every week with ladies who are in the same stages of mothering as I am is such a blessing. I know my husband certainly appreciates the benefits of SS as well. My body hasn’t looked this good in years. After we got married 10 years ago, exercise sort of went out the window as a major priority. My exercise routine has inspired him to workout in the mornings before he goes to work so we both get benefit from SS.

4. What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
What a mental struggle it is. I knew I would be tired and it would be a struggle sometimes but Cooper is truly a handful. That boy keeps me on my toes almost all day (and sometimes not in a good way). I love him to death and couldn’t imagine life without him but he truly does try me sometimes.

5. Favorite website(s)?
I just get in and get out on the computer. I don’t take the time to linger so I don’t think I have a favorite.

6. List three current obsessions.
Chocolate will always be #1, getting ready for Thing #2 and trying to get/stay organized.

7. What is your child's favorite thing about you or favorite thing that you do?
I would say Cooper likes it best when I just play with him. It doesn’t matter if I just sit under a sheet tent or make play dough balls with him, he just wants my full attention.

8. Any tips for other moms out there?
Being a mom is not always easy, no matter what you may have been lead to believe. Struggles and challenges are bond to come up. It is the way you react to those challenges that matters. Giving in to your child is not the way to go even if it is the easier route. Being consistent in your parenting style is hard sometimes but it really is the best way to go. And always remember…these little guys/gals just want to be loved. Stop and laugh with them. It just might be the best thing you did all day!