December Member of the Month

Meet Holly 

I’m originally from Augusta, Georgia but I have called Savannah my home for the past 10 years. My husband and I met in college at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA. We still have fun going to all of the home football games every fall.  We have a little girl, Mary who is 4 years old. When I was pregnant with Mary I felt sick all the time in the first 2 trimesters. The only thing that would make me feel better was to take a nap. Aside from going to work I never exercised when I was pregnant. I was afraid I would hurt her in some way. I gained 30 pounds during my pregnancy and I assumed the pounds would disappear after having her. Boy was I wrong. I think it was the accumulation of crazy hormones, not sleeping well and turning 30 that the pounds did not melt away as I envisioned. I joined a gym but made excuses about it because the nursery was stinky. After that I tried workout videos in my house but I felt silly doing them by myself. A year later I joined another gym but I quit going because the trainers got on my nerves and when I didn’t know how to use the machines they made me feel really dumb.

More than anything I enjoyed being outside running but I would not stick with it. I scheduled a couple of 5K’s throughout the year in hopes that I would get motivated. It worked for a little while but I would try to “train” and run a couple of weeks before the 5k in hopes that I would magically run faster in the race.

Last January I ran a trail run where I worked and lived at the time. It was an all boys Boarding school located in Savannah. My husband and I were house parents there and took care of 8-12 teenage boys throughout the week. They had a fundraiser one weekend which was a 5K trail run and since the starting line was in my back yard I felt that was a sign I needed to run. I remember it being one of the worst runs ever. I could barely run half a mile without stopping. I could hardly catch my breath. I walked and ran as fast as I could and I told myself that would be my last “bad” run. I felt too young to feel that bad. At the finish line of 43 minutes I almost passed out. Earlier that week, when I was running at Forsyth Park I prayed that God would lead me to a workout partner that would encourage me and teach me the right way to work out, I knew I could no longer do it on my own.

I am so thankful that God answered that prayer because within the next couple of days I found an announcement on Facebook about Stroller Strong Moms. They met at Forsyth Park on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:30. Perfect because Mary goes to school 2 blocks from there and school started at 9! I emailed Alexa and told her I did have a little one but the days she was in school but I would bring my empty stroller some of the days. She said great! No problem! (Little did I know her son was in Mary’s class!!)

My first week was so hard. I felt like I would pass out every time. That day we started the Get Fit Challenge and I could barely do 1 push up and could barely do a plank for 10 seconds. I felt so dumb. None of the girls laughed and they were all so encouraging. I remember the first 3 months I was sore everyday but so proud of my progress. My poor husband had to hear about SSM everyday because I was so excited. At the end of the get Fit Challenge I was awarded most improved. I owe it all to the inspirational ladies in the group.

 My friend Mandy (another SSM) signed up for a 5K in early February. That day it was cold and raining and she and her hubby came with their double stroller and I couldn’t believe how dedicated they were. I ran the entire way only stopping once to tie my shoe. I ran the 5K in a little over 29 minutes. I could not believe it. It was all because of SSM and the amazing trainers.  A month later was the Shamrock 5K Run. We all made green tutus and dressed in our best green. Even some of our husbands came out to support us. The Girls on the Run 5K was in May, such fun! Also in May was the Savannah Mile. We decided it would be fun for it to be a family affair. Jason rode his bike and Mary and I ran together. My sweet little girl’s legs ran the entire way! We finished in less than 17 minutes! Not bad for a 4 year old!

 Around July the girls started talking about the Savannah Rock and Roll Half Marathon. I encouraged them to do it but never even considered doing this. The more they chatted about it I thought more about it. Lindsay Von told me that there was no reason I shouldn’t do it. If I trained properly it was possible for me to do it. Davida also encouraged me and would even text me at 5:30AM on Saturdays to make sure I was awake to train! It was like a light bulb went off in my head, if these girls who inspired me every day could do it, I did not want to let them down! I continued coming to SSM and also joined another running group in September so I could get my long runs in. I am so thankful and proud to say that on November 7^th I ran my first HALF MARATHON!!! I will say it was one of the most difficult things I have ever done but also one of the most rewarding. To see my husband, my mom and my little girl at the finish line was so amazing. For the past 3 years I have run the Savannah Bridge Run in December. It is extremely difficult with a 5.5 incline but once you reach the top it is indescribable. I could barely breathe and made it to the finish line in 44 minutes. This year I really wanted to do better. During the Half Marathon I injured my foot so I wasn’t able to work out and come to SSM as much as I wanted to and tried resting it and running when I could. I prayed that I would do better and to my amazement I finished 14 minutes faster than last year.

I cannot tell you how thankful I am for Alexa. Her dedication to SSM is unbelievable. Kelli and Cassie have been awesome as well. I gained many new friends and I am the most fit I have been in years. I pray that other moms take the first step and resolve to be a better you.

Get Fit for 2014

It's that time of year again for another Get Fit Challenge! The following are the details about Get Fit for 2014!!!

Get Fit For 2014 is a 10 week program. In Savannah, it will start January 13^th and 14^th  and it will end on March 24th and 25th. In Columbus, it will start on February 3rd and 4th and will end on April 14th and 15th. 

It will include both a fitness assessment (during class time) and body composition assessment (before or after class) at the start and end of the program. The fitness assessment will include five different exercises that will be counted/timed.  The body composition assessment will use skinfold calipers on three locations on your body to distinguish percentage of body fat.

You will receive points in the following ways:

-Class attendance

-Improvement in fitness assessment

-Improvement in body composition assessment

-Whether you reached the fitness goal you set for yourself at the beginning

This year we will break up participants into two groups based on the initial assessment results. This will make it fair across the board and encourage everyone to compete against others who are at their same fitness level. Points will be tallied throughout the program and participants with the most points from each group at the end of the 10 weeks will receive gift card prizes!!

You will take a before/after picture at class at the start and end of the program so you can see how much the hard work payed off!

There is a $15 registration fee that will go up to $20 one week before the start of GFF2014. Payment can be made on the prices page of the SSM website. You have to be a member of SSM in order to participate in the GFF2013. But don’t worry, it’s easy to become a member! All you need to do is purchase a 1 month unlimited membership, 10 class pass, or 5 class pass. 

'Get Fit for 2014' will happen during regular class days and times. The fitness testing will take place on January 13^th and 14th and March 24th and 25^th during class time. The body composition testing will occur before or after class on those days. More detailed info on the body composition testing is to follow.

The GFF2014 assessment schedule for Columbus, GA is as follows: 

Lakebottom Park- Monday, February 3rd 9:30-10:30AM

Britt David Park- Tuesday, February 4th 9:30-10:30AM 

The GFF2014 assessment schedule for Savannah, GA is as follows:

Savannah (Forsyth Park)- Monday, January 13th 9:30-10:30AM 

Richmond Hill (JF Gregory Park)- Tuesday, January 14th 9:30-10:30AM

Pooler (Tom Triplett Park)- Thursday, January 16th 9:30-10:30AM 

You do not have to participate in the 'Get Fit For 2014' as a member of Stroller Strong Moms. It is your choice. Any questions, concerns, comments can be sent to info@strollerstrongmoms.com

The past two years of the Get Fit Challenge have been a GREAT success!! Moms lost noticeable amounts of body fat and improved tremendously in their fitness assessments. The results were extremely impressive!! The below photos show last year's top finishers in Columbus and Savannah. Moms lost as much as 15 pounds over the 10 weeks and many dropped body fat percentages by over 5% (which is SUPER impressive). 

2013 SSM Savannah Get Fit Challenge Winners 

2013 SSM Columbus Get Fit Challenge Winners

November Member of the Month

November Member of the Month... Bekah Miller!

My journey begins in Michigan; Corunna, Michigan to be exact.  I travelled a decent amount and went to college just south of Chicago at Olivet Nazarene University, but for the most part stayed in Corunna.  I have one brother who is five years younger than me.  He is good at everything…school, athletics, making friends, you name it.  I’ve always struggled with my weight and it never helped that I had a thin, fit brother who could run circles around me.

I followed my husband, Ben, to Columbus about 5 years ago.  When we met he was living in Charlotte, NC and I was living in Corunna.  He worked for a pharmaceutical company and was at a conference in Chicago.  My Aunt is a biochemist and was at the same conference, sitting right next to him.  She was forever trying to pawn me off on someone and he was the target that time.  Here we are…married 4 years, have 2 beautiful girls, Chloe and Piper (affectionately known as “The Pipe” because, well, she definitely has pipes), and a wonderful life in Columbus, Georgia.  Ben works for Synovus; he’s an IT Sourcing and Category Manager.  Basically, he negotiates IT contracts for Synovus.  This means we never pay full price for anything but we also have to read all the fine print on EVERYTHING….it’s a blessing and a curse really.  

Believe it or not. I’ve always liked to exercise but then would find reasons to quit.  My grandpa passed away the day after my 22 birthday and he was into bicycling.  My entire family is/was a cycling family and I have vivid memories of riding in a Burley with my snacks and baby doll, Emily.  After Grandpa passed away I got back into cycling as a way to feel close to him.  I lost 40 pounds and felt great!  I continued cycling until I moved to Columbus.  I’m not sure why I stopped…I guess I just did, again, and subsequently put all the weight back on.

I had a rough third trimester with Chloe and had to spend the last 3 months on bed rest because of high blood pressure.  I know that work caused most of this, but so did the extra weight.  In the end Chloe was an emergency C-Section with a very hard recovery, not only physically, but emotionally as well.   

I was introduced to Stroller Strong Moms in May of 2012 when Chloe was 6 months old.  I was so excited and nervous my first class.  Sara (Randolph) told me it was the hardest workout I was ever going to do and she was right.  I was very intimidated but went anyway and after the first class was hooked.  I couldn’t keep up, I looked ridiculous in my workout clothes, my C-Section incision ached, but OH MY WORD I had so much fun!  After a month of SSM we found out we were pregnant again.  I came to class religiously during my pregnancy…every day.  I felt so good through my whole pregnancy and continued to not be able to keep up and look ridiculous in my workout clothes.  But I was there!  With Piper being due April 12 I planned on March being my last month of SSM, but with KimKap working to shake that baby out it was a hard class with Brooke W. that pushed Piper to her limit.  I swear it was all the squats and my pregnant version of sprints that made her come March 29.  Yup…I was in class the day I gave birth, not on purpose though.  I had another emergency C-Section but this time had the easiest recovery imaginable.  I couldn’t wait to get out of bed and walk around the hospital and when we got home, I couldn’t wait to get outside and go for a walk.  We made a few appearances at SSM in April just to get out and get some air (no working out, yet) and finally gave in and started back the beginning of May.  My midwife was supportive even though I was only 4 weeks postpartum and I’ve been coming ever since.  

Admittedly, I haven’t lost the weight I’ve wanted to, or expected to really, but in the end, I don’t think that’s my goal.  My goal is to be the healthiest me I can be and show my daughters that women are supposed to be strong and healthy and that doesn’t always mean skinny with thighs that don’t touch.  I was so excited to run my first race EVER this month as part of a relay team in the Soldier’s Marathon.  Now I’m training to run a half marathon…who would have thought?  I know this is because of SSM and I never would have done anything like this without the support and encouragement from fellow mommies on the same journey.     

October Member of the Month

Meet Kim! 

Hi all, my name is Kim Watson, or KDubs, or Wat Dawg, or my favorite, Liam's mom. It's an honor to be Stroller Strong Moms October member of the month.

I have been an active person my entire life. As a child growing up in Northeastern Ohio, I played numerous sports. I spent my summers being behind a boat on one ski or sometimes barefoot and swimming in anything bigger than a puddle. I continued staying active in high school by playing varsity tennis and snow skiing in the winters. My passion for tennis continued in college and I played Varsity tennis for Ashland University. Even though I was active and athletic I always struggled with my weight and my body image. I was taller than all my friends and just bigger. After college, I focused more on my career as an Interior Designer than I did on my exterior body, but I continued to stay active by walking my dog and practicing yoga.

In 2008 I met a tall, handsome man who has changed my life. On our third date my now husband, Chris, informed me that at the "young" age of 36 he decided to join the Army. Growing up I never met anyone in the military and had no idea about military life. I did know that this was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. So I packed up my fabric samples, color chips, married this man and moved to our first duty station Ft Stewart, Ga. Chris deployed within a month of us moving, getting married and me packing up my passion of interior design. I spent the first month of this year apart never leaving the house. Some days I didn't get off the sofa. One day it occurred to be that not only was I depressed, but I was also fat and lazy and it was time to do something about it. I started walking my dog, joined a gym, fell in love with Spinning, got back to yoga and running. By the time Chris came home for R&R 9 months later I lost 30 lbs and felt great. I kept the weight off an stayed active and healthy, and became a certified Spinning Instructor. When Chris came home from his first deployment we ran the Savannah River Bridge Run together and continued to be a healthy active couple. Chris was home a few months before he was recruited by the 160th. We had to move from Ft Stewart to Ft Bragg for a year of school. Once we were settled in I was hired to teach Spin on post. Two weeks into teaching Spin I found out that I was going to finally be a mom. I was a high risk pregnancy because I was 39. But the doctors weren't worried because I was healthy and fit. I loved teaching and think that is why Liam loves loud music now. 

On January 9th, 2012 I was on my way to teach Spin when my doctor called to tell me that I was having a baby boy with Trisomy 21. Needless to say I did not teach that class. But I was back in front of the class and on my bike the next day. I made a commitment to my unborn baby that day. That I would NEVER give up on him or myself. I WOULD live a healthy life and be a positive role model. The end of my pregnancy was difficult I developed pre-eclampsia and I made the Good Year Blimp look like a bath toy. I had to stop teaching Spin and I was so swollen I couldn't walk and was on bed rest. I was MISERABLE!

After 31 1/2 hours of labor Liam was born via C-section on June 8th, 2012. I started walking that day. Two laps around the nurses station. The day I had my staples removed I was excited to get on the scale. I just had an almost 9 lb baby. I couldn't wait to see the scale move at least 20 lbs (in my mind). I got on that scale and.......WTH I gained 5 more lbs? Who has a 9lbs baby and gained weight? This girl! But I didn't pout too long. I looked at that beautiful baby and remembered that promise. I ate healthy, I walked everywhere I could as often as I could in that hospital. Once we were all released I continued walking everyday at home. Everyday a little farther. My first recorded walk after I had Liam was June 26; I went 2.05 miles and my pace was 19:49/ mile. I was slow but I was going. Liam did have some complications at first. We were busy with lots of doctors appointments and adapting to being new parents. But I never made an excuse I walked everyday. I went back to yoga four weeks after Liam was born. I was losing some weight but it was slow and I was getting frustrated. Chris graduated from school and we were moving back "home" to Savannah. My friend Jill McCabe told me about an exercise group that was just starting that I would love. It was called Stroller Strong Moms.

Once we moved back I wasn't even unpacked and I had my baby in the BOB and was at Forsyth. I thought how hard can this be. Ummmmm HARD! But the people were so nice and helped me. The first person I remember meeting was this sweet, kinda shy girl named Kelli. She had a rockin bod and her baby was only a month older than Liam. So I thought this class must work. I joined right away. I noticed some weight loss and my fitness level improving. But it was still slow. I was going to yoga on Mondays and Stroller Strong on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I thought that was enough. WRONG!! So I bumped it up to Stroller Strong everyday but Mondays and Thursdays Things started changing a little faster. But then I heard about the Get Fit Challenge. That's when things really started changing.


During the Get Fit challenge, I put 100% into it. I would look at Liam when a run hurt, and I would run harder. I know he is going to have challenges in his life. I will not allow one of the challenges being teased for having a fat mom. I would think about this and run faster, do one more push up. I ended up coming in 2nd in the challenge. I was proud of all I accomplished but my journey wasn't over. I overheard Alexa talking about a Triathlon. I have a close friend that competes in many and I thought she was crazy. My idea of a triathlon was running on Friday, swimming on Saturday, and going to a bike ride Sunday. But I just kept thinking about it being a good challenge. I trained for over 2 months. I would go to Stroller Strong 5 days a week and swim 2-3 and bike 2 and run 2. With the support of my girls Alexa, Cassie and Elyce we rocked that triathlon. 

Before and After 100 pound weight loss! 

And my journey is still not complete. Stroller Strong Moms has changed my life completely. I've lost 100 lbs since the day I had Liam. I can't go a day with out working out and not feel guilty. I think about everything that goes in my mouth and if its worth it. The instructors and other Moms at Stroller Strong are such a support network and I wouldn't have made it where I am without them!
Thanks for S.L.A.M.ing with me!

Stroller Strong Moms Celebrates SLAMiversaries!

The month of September was a VERY EXCITING month for SSM. We had two HUGE parties! Columbus celebrated its TWO year SLAMiversary  and Savannah celebrated its ONE year SLAMiversary!

SSM Columbus 
Columbus celebrated two years with a Carnival Class! Mom's rotated through six carnival themed stations including corn hole, obstacle course, dice, bocce, gravitron and three-legged and wheelbarrow races! As moms shuffled through stations they collected tickets to be used at the raffle at the end of class! Kids enjoyed everything carnival, from water balloons to parachutes to cotton candy to popcorn and more!!! There were over 50 SSMs who celebrated two years of SLAMing with us! We recognized two SSMs who have been with us since day one on September 12th, 2011....can you guess who they are? Diane Molstad and Ashley Necessary! There were tons of prizes at the end of class including Big Dog Gift Cards, headbands, D'Allens Hair Salon vouchers, Sweet Frog coupons and more!

SSM Savannah 

Savannah celebrated one year with a Field Day Class! Mom's came dressed in a shirt from their 'glory days' whether it was a treasured t-shirt or uniform from sports, band or cheer, math camp or Pac 12 Champ, they were sporting it! Moms split into three teams and rotated through six fun field day stations including bean bags, long jump, obstacle course, sponge relay, three-legged races and chariot races. After class, moms and kids enjoyed a fabulous potluck and popcorn! There were tons of prizes including a gift card from Fleet Feet and a 'surpise and delight' from Lululemon Athletica Savannah Showroom of 5 headbands and an awesome yoga mat!

 

Looking back on the past two years, I am so proud of what SSM has become. I am grateful for the wonderful SSM team in Columbus who have kept my vision alive and taken it far beyond where it was when I left. Both the instructor team and the members in Columbus continue to amaze me on a daily basis with their drive, enthusiasm, motivation, teamwork, loyalty, and desire to be fit and healthy mamas. Savannah mamas and instructors can be described in the same exact words and I am so proud to be able to see ridiculous amounts of fitness improvements and growth over the past several months. There is no doubt that SSM changes lives and allows moms to develop lasting friendships with other women who share a common goal: to become fit, healthy and happy moms who set an example for their children on a daily basis. Go mamas! I LOVE SSM!!! Keep SLAMing!!!! 

June Member of the Month

Meet Val 

 Aloha Everyone!

My name is Val Logan and I have been a member of this amazing group of Stroller Strong Moms of Columbus, GA since February 2012.

I'm from American Samoa but I grew up in Hawaii for the most part. Growing up with 12 siblings in the family was a huge challenge for me especially when it comes to being the youngest child. It wasn't long for me to figure out that I had a passion in volleyball but then again that was the only sport that my siblings and I would play all day long. Sometimes our parents would yell at us about not finishing up our chores because we were always on the court playing. My senior year in High School I received a full ride to a Military College in Roswell, NM for volleyball. At first I kinda hesitated because of the location but then at the same time I wanted to leave the Island and explore new places so I accepted it. My family warned me about how hard it was going to be since it's a military school, but I never gave it any thought.  The only thing I was focused on was that I was finally getting off this rock. Well little did I know they were right. There was more to this school other then the academic side of it. It wasn't a regular college, we wake up at 0530 just to get ready for PT before we start school at 0800. I thought to myself what did I just get myself into. But the thought of my parents not being able to afford my education and the thought of not wanting to go back and get stuck on that rock again kept me going and pushing me forward. Things started to settle down and I was getting the hang of the military way of living. I decided to checkout the ROTC department. I was in the best shape ever and got recruited in a female team to compete in the Bataan Death March. This was my first full marathon ever.  The pain was excruciating, but worth every step I took because it was in honor of the service members that sacrificed their freedom and lives to defend the Philippine Islands during World War II. 

It wasn't long after I graduated in May 2004 I decided to move with a very good friend of mine to his home town Tifton, GA. I thought about continuing my education by attending Valdosta State University but then was put on hold when I found out I was pregnant with my first child. I thought my fairytale had come true when I had my son in August of 2005. Even though I was beyond happy with God blessing me with the most amazing and handsome little angel. My heart was shattered into pieces by the betrayal of love.  After that I thought well maybe the New 2006 will give me a new head start. Sadly my mom passed away in February of 2006 so it didn't take me long to decide that it was time for me to move back home, start fresh and raise my son near family. Plus I was missing the rock that I was so desperately wanting to leave after all.  After being home for a couple months I landed a job with AAFES and 1 year later I met my husband at the bowling alley through some good friends of mine. It wasn't long until I found my way to love and happiness again. After 1 year of dating we decided to tie the knot in October 30, 2008. In 2011, we received our orders to move to Fort Benning, GA. During that time we also found out that I was pregnant with my second child. I was 7 months pregnant when we arrived to Columbus, GA. As big as I was at the time, mixed together with the GA heat, it was clear to me that I didn't even want to step foot outside of the apartment. In January of 2012, we were blessed with the arrival of our son Derrick.

After the delivery, things were going through my head on how I'm going to lose weight and start getting back into shape. Now that we're so far away from family I don't have anyone to watch the kids just so I can work out at the gym. I was only 5 weeks postpartum when I saw Stroller Strong Moms on the WRBL news. It caught my attention and as soon as the news lady said to check them out on strollerstrongmoms.com I jumped right on it. It didn't take me long to contact Alexa on Facebook asking how much it cost. It was funny how one night I was telling my husband that I gained so much weight and wanted to change my lifestyle around to telling him that I found someone to help me get there. He liked the idea and decided to go with me and check it out. I didn't know what to expect, all I was thinking about was I needed help with losing the weight and this might just be the right place for me to be. At first I got intimidated because when I got there I didn't see any other big person there beside myself. I had this idea in my head that all these skinny ladies in class are probably stuck up, rude and are gonna make fun of how out of shape I am and then I'm not gonna come back, after all this was a free class anyway. Boy was I wrong...Alexa had this big smile on her face when she greeted me, she was so friendly and nice. At the time I didn't know anybody but day by day I started to make new friends. It wasn't only the friendship that I was developing but I was also starting to notice the difference with my body. Every muscle in my body was hurting and I could barely walk the next day. I was always the last person to come in but it didn't stop me from going...I was always telling myself that someday I will be able to run like the others. I will become a runner but today I will gladly bring up the rear on the walkers side. After 5 weeks in, I signed up for my very first 5k run/walk with my family. I was hooked after that. 

Val's Transformation in 1 year 

I started making goals for myself, pushing myself further, running on my own on the weekends when there were no classes at the time. Slowly but surely I was getting there. I went from not being able to run a mile to totally running a 5k without stopping.  Since I've been with SSM for a year and half now I've participated in many 5K's, 10K's, 2 Half Marathons and Run Across Georgia. This class helped train and prepare me for many of my own personal goals as well as many other challenges.  My fellow SSM's gave me the motivation, inspiration, and confidence to do things that I never thought possible for me to do. I never in my life thought I would be doing all these amazing things and I owe it all to the Stroller Strong Moms. 

Val (second from right) poses with the Get Fit For 2013 winners (Val won the Get Fit Challenge!!!)