Going the Distance!

CONGRATULATIONS to our Coach's Oats "Go The Distance" participants who completed 50 miles in 60 days!

Angela Bridgford
Heather Carlopio
Allison Clewett
Kelli Clifton
Lisa Estrada
Lisa Friedman
Jennifer Maloof
Jessica Merrell
Allyson Reeds
Andrea Rueter

The entire Stroller Strides family is so very proud of your dedication to fitness. Next stop, 100 miles in 120 days. You can do it...and by you, we mean all of you. Anyone can work toward the 100 mile goal regardless of participation in the first leg of the challenge. Simply log your miles on the Go The Distance calendar your instructor passes out at the start of each month. The deadline for 100 miles is September 16th. If you are a current participant keep adding to your mileage total so far. If you have been recording your mileage but didn't make the 50 miles in 60 days just continue to record and add to that mileage.

To learn more about the "Go The Distance" challenge please visit our website at www.strollerstrides.net/placentia

L.E.A.N. is Back!

I am so excited to be offering the L.E.A.N. program again this month! L.E.A.N. (Learn Eating Awareness and Nutrition) is an 8 week lifestyle weight management program designed to help you achieve a balanced body and a balanced mind. L.E.A.N. is based on a very positive, empowering approach to health. Using behavior and cognitive modification, stress reduction and social support, clients discover how to take the power out of food, and get off the diet cycle for life. This program gives women the tools they need to make healthy, positive changes in their lives.

Angela is a truly incredible L.E.A.N. counselor and I know that so many women will be benefitting from her guidance as they attend her classes on a weekly basis. Below are just a few comments from past participants that make me feel incredibly proud:

‎"I love the L.E.A.N. program. I have tried diets and had some success, but I really feel like this program taught me how to make a lifestyle change, both with the food I eat and the activities I participate in. There are so many greats t...ips that you can pick and choose the ones that work for you. I now feel more confident in making better, healthy choices for myself and my family! During the 8 week program I lost 10.8 pounds and approx 5 inches over all the places measured. It was fun to see the before and after picture of 8 shorts weeks and notice that my shirt was noticeably looser. I look forward to continuing the baby steps involved in creating a healthier me!" -Andrea R.

"L.E.A.N. taught me to WANT to eat healthier. I like the fact that L.E.A.N. doesn't emphasize calories or provide meal plans but teaches us to make better choices instead. As the instructor, Angela is very knowledgeable and motivating. This was my second time doing L.E.A.N. and I've lost a total of 28 lbs." -Lisa F.

This class helped me rethink my eating habits and make some positive changes that I know I can continue in the future. I have found myself using the phrase "make a better choice" quite frequently, and even used it today! Thanks so much for your time, expertise, and assistance throughout this process." -Teresa L.

"The LEAN program was an awesome experience. It not only helped me learn to make healthy choices for myself, but for my kids as well....and it's a positive lifestyle change that I think anyone could manage without feeling like they are dieting. Angela was an amazing instructor. She was so motivational and so helpful in every way possible. I would highly recommend this program." -Jennifer M.
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August Mom of the Month - Lisa Estrada

This month we recognize LISA ESTRADA for her accomplishment and dedication to fitness, motherhood and life! Lisa is one of our fabulous Playgroup Captains who organizes all the fun crafts, field trips and activities our little ones participate in as part of Stroller Strides. Our Brea, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda Stroller Strides Team would like to say THANK YOU LISA for being part of our Stroller Strides family!

1. Who are the members of your family?
My husband, Tom, and I have a 2 1/2 year old son named Ethan. We also have a tabby cat named Bentley.

2. What is or was your career?
Prior to landing my dream job of stay-at-home mom, I taught kindergarten and fifth grade for the Anaheim City School District. I quit my job about a year ago to stay home with Ethan and it was the best decision we ever made!

3. How long have you been a member of Stroller Strides and what has it done for you?
I originally joined Stroller Strides when Ethan was about 8 weeks old. After I went back to work, Stroller Strides provided me with the opportunity to continue as a member and attend class during my vacations and sick days. Between attending Stroller Strides classes and participating in the LEAN program, I was able to lose 11 pounds in the last year! Aside from helping me achieve my weight-loss goals, Stroller Strides introduced me to many amazing moms and wonderful friends! Additionally, I have truly enjoyed my role as playgroup coordinator for Placentia/Yorba Linda...it appeals to the teacher in me! Participating in Stroller Strides has been a life-changing experience for Ethan and me and I recommend the program to every Mom I meet!

4. What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
As a first time Mommy, everything has been new and interesting! I am amazed at how quickly time goes after you have kids. I can't believe that Ethan is already 2 1/2!

5. Favorite website(s)?
Facebook, HGTV.com, KraftFoods.com

6. List three current obsessions.
Coffee, working out/running, and reading

7. What is your child's favorite thing about you or favorite thing that you do?
Ethan loves to be outside with me, so we spend much of our time in the backyard playing trucks, firefighters, and pirates. This summer he has discovered a love for swimming and we spend many afternoons in the pool. We also enjoy our weekly trips to Disneyland.

8. Any tips for other moms out there?
Whenever possible, I prep dinner during nap time. I also take a Saturday or Sunday at the beginning of the month to make and freeze as many meals as I can. It makes for less to do during that 4-7pm witching hour that all kids seem to have.

A Slower Pace

Lately I’ve felt pulled in a thousand different directions. There just doesn’t seem to be enough of me to go around, and the parts that I can pass out seem to fall short of my expectations. I’ve spent many an evening in the rocking chair nursing my baby to sleep wondering where the day went, why I wasn’t able to relax and enjoy the small moments with my kids more, and what was a really accomplishing in the time I could have been. I’m afraid to imagine what my children think of the manic mommy who flies through their world checking things off her to do list? As I take this time to reflect I realize that my children are the ultimate reminders of what truly counts in life. When their opinions, needs, and ideas tug at me as I rush through my day to get more done I should tune in better. For them I must stop and evaluate the significance of my daily accomplishments and actions, not only because increasing my interactions with them is healthier for us all, but also because my actions will have demonstrated that they are my priority. The excerpt below from momscape.com is one that mirrored these feelings, and has inspired me to take the time to really listen to that voice inside that has been telling me to slow down and enjoy each moment, and by doing so help my children learn to do the same. This month I encourage you all to take it a bit slower, find a pace that allows you to be a better mother, friend, and woman.

Maslow For Mamas: Slowing Down and Finding Your Pace
“…I have to ask myself, what am I in such a hurry for? Why are we all rushing so much? Are we rushing because we like it – because we feed on the false drama? Are we rushing so that we can fit in more things or so that we can make more money? Are we rushing to make some form of mark on the world and in the meantime risk missing our own lives?

There are those friends in life (if we make time for them) whose very presence slows us down. Just being with them says, “You can’t get it all done. You are already enough just the way you are, so let us set a pace in this life that we can enjoy.”

In truth, I think that’s what a family is for. At least that’s what I hope my kids will say that their family was for, when they have grown into busy parents and are striving to slow down for themselves.” - http://www.momscape.com/wordpress/2009/07/06/maslow-for-mamas-slowing-down-and-finding-your-pace/