Festive Fitness Assessment Final Fridays for the Fistula Foundation

(Say it 5 times fast.) Wow! We had a great turnout for our first Final Friday of 2010. Thanks to everyone who came out to class, 31 moms strong!

Stroller Strides Leeward Oahu is donating $1 for every mom at Final Friday class and the first donation has been made of $31 to the Fistula Foundation, 15% of our year goal of $450.

With so many moms running in the park, we had a few traffic jams, so we'll work to divide the groups differently in February to allow you to move as quickly as possible for the timed mile. That alone should help improve your time! Remember, you are only competing against yourself, and the Fitness Assessments are simply to help you track your increased strength and speed over the year.


A huge Mahalo to Lisa who helped arrange to have the Kapolei Fire Department at Playgroup. The kids were enthralled by all they learned and got to experience. It was a super day and we are so grateful to Captain Faulconer and his wonderful team. They were great with the kids and let them spray the hose, ride in the bucket, and climb through the fire engine. Jessica and Rosy brought snack for the kids and Beth had birthday presents for all the January birthday children. It was a big group effort for Final Friday class and a great day.

Meet the Trainers (Part 4 - Kim M)

re-post, meet Kim!

•••••••

Welcome to one of our newest trainers (but not a new member), Kim! Kim has AFAA Group Excercise, Adult/Child/Infant CPR and First Aid certifications, and writes this message to introduce herself to us:

"My name is Kim, and I am very excited to have the pleasure of joining Stroller Strides as an instructor. As a member of Stroller Strides, I’ve looked forward to each workout and the friendship, camaraderie and support that has strengthened me as a mom and person. Fitness has always been an important of my life, and as a mom, I love that Stroller Strides combines fun and physical activity in a family oriented environment. The gorgeous Hawaiian background is simply the icing on the cake!

Normally, I attend and instruct class with my son, TJ, who is 2 years old. My husband, Brian, and I also have a 5 year old daughter, Abby. I was raised in Steeler Country, aka Pittsburgh, PA, and am a proud engineering graduate of Penn State. I've been employed as a project engineer, worked as a financial liaison for a military support group and taught students at Sylvan Learning Center. Brian has been in the Navy for 14 years and we’ve lived in all four corners of the mainland, including here in Hawaii. I’ve enjoyed our locations near open water, and in addition to teaching and participating in Stroller Strides, I love to hike, bike and take my family to the beach.

I’m eager to see each of you in class, and look forward to many fun times together!"

Thank you Kim for taking the time to tell us a little bit more about yourself!

Kim, TJ & Abby

TJ, Kim, Brian & Abby

Kim & TJ

Workshops with Baby Guru

Baby Guru will be hosting their next Infant Massage Class on Thursdays, February 25th, March 4th and March 11th, from 2-3 pm at The Growing Nest at Ward Warehouse. Massage oil, materials and refreshments included.

A 1-hour Infant/Child CPR & First Aid Review Session will also be held on Thursday, March 18th, from 2-3 pm at The Growing Nest. Only 5 spots are left so sign up today!

For more information about these classes and special pricing for Stroller Striders, contact gwen@babyguruhawaii.com or 808-561-5705.

February Restaurant Club

Check your email and RSVP for February's Restaurant Club at Sam Choy's Restaurant.

Date: Tuesday, February 9
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: 580 N. Nimitz Highway, Honolulu

"Located in Honolulu’s busy industrial district of Iwilei, Sam Choy’s family style, casual restaurant opened in May 1997 featuring huge portions of local favorites for breakfast and lunch. Dinner at Sam Choy’s Breakfast, Lunch, & Crab showcases a variety of fresh crab, lobster and shellfish, steaks, ribs, and chicken."

Come join us for some local flavor!

Meet the Trainers: Jill

AFAA Certified - Group Fitness Instructor
ACE Certified - Personal Trainer
American Red Cross - First Aid, AED, Infant, Child, & Adult CPR

Jill with her daughters, Makaila (left) and Alexis

I am the proud Mom of Makaila (Moo) 6 years old and Alexis (Sweets) almost 4. I am also so proud to say Stroller Strides has been apart of our lives for the past 6 years now. Wow, how time flies! =)

Not knowing many Moms after the birth of our daughter Makaila, I decided to try a SS class when she was four months old. I loved it of course! Buffy's class (for those that didn't know Buffy, she was an amazing instructor along with another that originally brought SS to Hawaii) was the second class I took. For those that knew her, need I say more... I started out as member, became playgroup leader, and then an instructor. I have been teaching now for over 5 years. I have taught SS classes in every location on the island. I sure do love it on the Leeward side. =)

Just a few facts about me... I have been living in Hawaii for 20 years now. After high school, I went away to college on the mainland & then transferred back to school in Hawaii. After school I worked for American Cancer Society for 2 years, and then for United Airlines as a flight attendant for 6 years. In 2001, 6 months after we met, my husband Bryant whisked me away to New Zealand to watch him do his 1st Ironman Triathlon. Off the subject, that is where he proposed. =) How inspiring to see an Ironman Race! Wow! Ever since then I have been doing triathlons right along with him. I have competed in many Sprint & Olympic distance triathlons, and done 3 Half Ironman Triathlons on the Big Island. The one year I was signed up to do Ironman New Zealand, I got pregnant with Makaila. Our suprise angel! I have done many running races, to include 4 half marathons, and 2 whole marathons. We still try and get our races in throughout the year, but not nearly as many we were doing before our girls. That is still a goal of mine, to complete an Ironman Triathlon! =)

I am truly blessed to be apart of Stroller Strides. Fitness is my passion! As long as I can continue to show others that they can reach their true potential in whatever their fitness goals may be, I will be out there saying, "abs tight, only one more set, push it ladies!" What amazing women and children I have met over the years. I am so thankful for all that Stroller Strides has brought into our lives.

Alexis and Makaila

Swap-A-Thon

SWAP-A-THON

A Baby Hui Fundraiser

Saturday, January 30th 8-11 am

2 CrAzY hOuRs
of Deals & Steals

What: The Baby Hui SWAP-A-THON
Where: New Hope Diamond Head Resource Center in Kahala Mall (above CPK)
When: January 30th from 8 - 11 am (Drop off at 8am, Swap starts at 9am - 11am)
Why: To get the deal of your life, reduce waste by recycling gently used keiki stuff, and to support The Baby Hui programs.

Find fabulous deals as you treasure hunt through new or gently used keiki clothes, toys, infant gear, accessories, shoes, maternity clothes, and tons of kid's stuff all for only $20! Come early to visit our "Re-Gifting" table for the best steals and enjoy some pastries while you meet fellow bargain hunters.

How Does it Work?
For each item you bring, you will get you a coupon to swap for something else. Bring as much as you want! $4 per item if you find more items to take, than the number you bring.

We will accept items at 8 am...you can go for coffee &
the return at 9 am to join in the fun!

Donation: $20* donation at the door - $15* if you order before January 22, 2010
($40 for entry with no swappable items, in exchange for 10 coupons.)
* Includes the Swap-a-thon, Pastries, and Prize Drawing.

Items accepted for keiki ages 0 months -18 years old
Re-gift items should be new in box or VERY gently used & packaged
Early drop off locations in Kahala (255-6121) and Kapolei (554-0457) are available.
We will gratefully accept any donations of items and hangers even if you are unable to attend the SWAP-a-THON - call or email for pickup.
All "unswapped" items will be donated to local families in need.
For tickets or more information, call 728-3247 or email swap@thebabyhui.org

MORE:
The Baby Hui is a 501(c) 3 corporations that is celebrating 27 years of providing peer parenting support groups to families in Hawai'i. This fundraising endeavor will help fund future hui groups, teen support hui and our community outreach program. Everyone is welcome to attend...bring a friend or 10!

Help spread the word. Please forward this email on to any families,
friends or neighbors that may be interested in being part of the fun!
Join Our Mailing List!


The Baby Hui
P.O. Box 10826
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
Phone: 808-735-2484
www.thebabyhui.org

January Restaurant Club

Clockwise, from left:

Tania, Margene, Susan,
Kim,
Michaela,
Shelley, Jessica,
Alison, Heather,
Liz,
Lauren,
Stacy,
Teresa





This month's Restaurant Club was held at Indigo in Chinatown. There's no better way to spend a Tuesday evening than skipping the kids' bedtime and unwinding with friends over drinks, dinner, and the wildly popular "Chocolate Cloud" dessert that most of us ordered. Our waitress looked ready to hit the beach or sand volleyball court at a moment's notice and brought us all individual checks -- reason enough to give Indigo "5 Stars"!

Thank you to Margene and Liz, our Restaurant Club organizers, who hunt down restaurants that will accomodate a group of our size and find fun places for us to try throughout the area. I can't wait to see where we go next month!

Meet the Trainers (Part 2 - Buffy)

We are re-posting our "Meet the Trainers" series so that our new member can learn a little more about our fabulous, amazing trainers! Look for a new post each Friday.

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Our second "Meet the Trainers" post highlights everyone's favorite "kick your booty" trainer, Buffy!

Buffy is originally from San Diego, California and has lived in Hawaii for 14 years. She moved to Hawaii a few years after graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in Elementary Education. She also received her California Teaching Credential from National University in San Diego.

Buffy is a group fitness instructor through AFAA, Aerobics & Fitness Association of America, and is also trained in First Aid, AED and Adult/Child/Infant CPR.

Buffy writes:

"I met my husband, Pete, here in Hawaii through a local running group. Pete and I both ran competitively for Team Nike Town in Honolulu for a number of years. I resigned from the team when I found out I was due with my second child. I taught with the Department of Education for 7 years before I had my first child, Malia Estella, now 6. It was then that I decided to bring Stroller Strides to Hawaii as a co-owner along with my good friend, Katy Mobley. Here I was able to integrate teaching, fitness and my child into 1 fun program. I was co-owner of Stroller Strides for over 2 years, and have taught classes for over 5 years. I have since had 2 more children, Murphy John, 4 and McCully Regis, 2.

I live in Makakilo with my family and mini schnauzer, Mocha, and keep myself busy with teaching Stroller Strides classes, training for marathons (Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in June '08 and the Boston Marathon in April '09). I recently mentored a group of runners with Team in Training, which is part of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, for the Honolulu Marathon '08, and volunteer at my children's school.

I love Hawaii, the people, the culture and being able to teach quality work out classes outdoors year round. Despite both being from the mainland, Pete is from Boston, we have chosen to make this beautiful island our home. Stroller Strides has been such a bonus in my life and meeting so many women from different backgrounds is fun."

Buffy and McCully

Malia, Pete, McCully and Murphy

Buffy and Pete

Thanks Buffy for letting us all get to know you a little better!

All you other Stroller Strides moms, don't forget to send me a photo(s) and a bio for our mom spotlight posts!

January Newsletter

In case you missed the email, click here for the January newsletter!

Baby Guru Sign Language Workshop

Babies are able to express their wants, needs, observations and feelings by using basic American Sign Language with their parents and caregivers. By using signs, parents spend less time guessing what their child wants and more time fulfilling their needs.

The Sign, Say & Play ™ Workshop is a 6-week series of play classes for parents and their babies in 45-minute sessions. In this interactive class, parents and their children will learn the gestures and motions that represent the most useful baby signs. Additionally, we will teach strategies on how best to use these signs with your baby to utilize the full potential of this ability, resulting in advanced verbal skills. This workshop covers the following:

~Highlights signs that are most important in the lives of babies
~Covers signs from the following every day themes: Mealtime, Bedtime, Bathtime, Pets, At the Park and Getting Dressed
~Teaches signing through fun games with BeeBo™ the Baby Signs® Bear
~Provides signing practice through delightful Baby Signs® songs
~Introduces play activities that reinforce important language, cognitive and social-emotional skills
~Brings families together to share their signing experiences

This class is designed for parents and children ages 6 months to 2 ½ years.

$99 per couple

Contact (808) 561-5705 or gwen@babyguruhawaii.com to sign up.

Start Time:	Friday, February 12, 2010 at 11:15am
End Time:	Friday, March 19, 2010 at 12:00pm
Location:	Pigtails & Crewcuts, Moanalua Shopping Center
Street:	930 Valkenburgh St, Ste 106
City/Town:	Honolulu, HI

Does the Ning Confuse You?

What's 'The Ning' and why do I have an invitation to this?

Is this you? I understand! And if you are a member but aren't quite sure what to do with the Ning, this post is for you.

Think of the Ning as a private photo directory. In fact, there is a handy link to the right of this post that will take you directly to the Ning. At the Ning, you'll be able to see the photograph and name of everyone in the program who accepted their invitation. (You did accept your invite and post a photo, right?:)

For the past few months, I have been the gatekeeper of all information: email addresses, names, phone numbers, and the woman who can answer your question, "Who's that mom with the red double BOB and brown hair?"

I don't know if the Photo Directory will be able to answer that final question for you, but for everything else, the Ning will get you started. By scrolling through the list of members, you'll be able to locate one another and then get in touch through your Page on the site. Anything posted on your Page will be forwarded to your (non-public) email address, and if you are Friends with another member, you will be able to email them privately.

There's no need to check in at the Ning regularly. It's not meant to be a huge black hole of your time like Facebook. But if you want to find someone and get in touch, you ought to be able to get started with the Photo Directory.

Elliptical for Sale!

Gia is selling her Elliptical machine. If interested, please email her at: giabaker@yahoo.com

•••••••••••••••••••••••

NordicTrack AudioStrider 600 Elliptical

~Original price was $630.00 including warranty* (1 year left on it),

asking price is $425.00

Features:

~Elliptical has a couple scuff marks from recent move, but works just fine! Never used iFit Workout Card to track your progress during workouts.

~Water bottle Holder

~Heart rate monitor

~Cooling facial fan (battery operated)

~Space saver fold in design

Stride Length: 18"

Resistance Type: Magnetic

Resistance Levels: 10

Built In Workout Programs: 6 including 4 personal trainer workouts

Upper Body Arms: Yes

Heart Rate Monitor: Pulse Grip

User Weight Capacity: 275 pounds

*Warranty: Lifetime on Frame, 1 year left on purchased extended warranty.

Still have User Manual, receipts from purchase and Pamphlet from Protection plan & unused packaged iFit Workout card.

Great Aloha Run Training Program

Buffy will be hosting a 6-week training program for the Great Aloha Run, held Monday, February 15 (President's Day).

The training program begins on Thursday, January 7. Classes will meet on Thursdays from 5 - 6 PM at Central Oahu Regional Park and on Sunday mornings at 6:45 in Kapolei.


Thursday classes will focus on speed work and tempo training, and Sunday will be a long run.

You can register for the entire session of 12 classes here.