Goodbye from Maria...

What many of you might not know about me is that I battled post partum depression after the birth of my son, Emanuel in 2009. My husband deployed while I was 6 months pregnant and did not return until E was 7 months old. I thought things would get better once he got back, but the reintegration period was very difficult and I struggled with motherhood and being an Army wife.

Then one day I stumbled upon an online ad for Stroller Strides. I submitted my registration form online and immediately Joni responded with an email. They were starting a new class on Schofield Barracks and I attended my first class there in April of 2010.

I was the last runner and huffed and puffed my way through those first classes. I was in awe of these women flying by me with their double strollers. They were all very inspiring and I decided then and there that I would make a change in my life. That summer I was encouraged by Michaela (an instructor) to run a 5K. Two years later, I have run 26 races in Hawaii from 5K to full marathon and everything in between. So suffice to say, finding SS completely changed my Hawaii experience for the better.

Living on Oahu has been such a unique opportunity for me as a military spouse. I have been able to meet so many other wives from different branches and have learned so much from all of you. I have seen the support you give each other whether your spouses are gone for one week or one year and shared in the joy of welcoming them home. I consider myself lucky to have been given an opportunity to work with all of you. Day after day, week after week, pregnant, spouse deployed, getting ready to PCS or sometimes all three- you guys are out there and you are giving 100% despite the extreme stress that I know you are under. I am so proud of each and every one of you and have seen you change right before my eyes from your first class. Emanuel will miss everyone very much and are both thankful for the friendships we have made here. Aloha and Mahalo for everything that you and Stroller Strides has given us.

Member Monday

Aloha!  My name is Tracey and I am very excited to become part of the Stroller Strides 'ohana. Everyone has been super friendly and welcoming and I love that the workouts are challenging.  

I used to exercise more before baby came and I really missed it because it is such a good de-stressor.  My family and I live in Mililani so I have been enjoying the workouts at CORP since it is close to home.

I was born and raised in Australia then moved to the US after being sent to Portsmith, New Hampshire for business.  I moved to Hawaii in 2005 and love the people and warm weather.

My husband and I both enjoy the beach, BBQ's with family and watching MMA.  We have another son Daniel who is 10 years old and he had his first season of football last year which also keeps us busy.

I'm so happy to have found an activity where my son and I can exercise, socialize and be  outdoors and I look forward to meeting you all!

Stroller Strides On the News...

Stacey, Olena

 Last Friday, I was joined by fellow franchisees, Becky (of Kailua) and Michelle (of Honolulu), and instructor (for all three franchisees), Stacey on our local morning news. It was such a fun opportunity and a great way for people in Hawaii to see all the wonderful benefits of Stroller Strides.

If you missed the segment on TV or forgot to DVR it (like me, doh!)... you can see it HERE!! 

Mahalo to Stacey, Becky and Michelle for being a part of the fun! 

Goodbye from Rayna...

The time has come for me to say "Good-bye" to my Stroller Strides ohana. I will miss everyone dearly and I am so torn up about leaving my "home". I have been here 8 years and it has been the longest I have ever stayed in one spot! Alas, I fell in love here and married my Coastie husband and although I love Hawaii, I love him more so off I go to Stuttgart, Germany! What an adventure it will be!
I am sad to leave but am grateful to have the opportunity to experience love, kids, and all of you amazing women doing amazing, inspirational things. I have never had such a big group of women support and compete with each other in such healthy ways. This is the group of women I had always wanted to surround myself with and to leave you all breaks my heart.
If I could just give one piece of advice about Hawaii it is to enjoy every minute here on Oahu and grab every opportunity to explore the other islands to see what beauty that nature is capable of. Try something new at least 3 times a year such as paddle boarding, whale watching, surfing, hiking a bigger mountain or longer distance, a road or trail race, or even zip lining! You only get this one opportunity of a lifetime so embrace it and respect it.
And also thank you all for advice or answers to questions I had about motherhood. I don't know what kind of mom I would have been without Stroller Strides. I will miss you all so dearly!
I'm on facebook so don't be afraid to stalk me to see what I have been up to! I hope to keep my feet wet in the fitness world over there with my personal training. Wish me luck!!

Goodbye from Tarah....

I can't believe my time with you wonderful women is coming to an end. It has been such a privilege working out alongside you over the last two years.  You motivate me
daily and push me to be better physically.  I've lost 40 pounds since joining Stroller Strides in February 2010.  Commit yourself to the SS program, to each other and you WILL see the results you're striving for. Work hard when you're at class, stay focused, and consistent. Your bodies will respond. Push each other. Team up with a couple girls and hold each other accountable nutritionally and at class. What we have is so special, use it for all its worth! Not only will you achieve your fitness goals but lifelong relationships will result too! What an amazing example we are setting for our children. Kids that see their parents' active and health minded will have a higher likelihood of being healthy adults. I know ALL of us desire this! As for me, I will think of you often. My husband is getting out of the Army so I'm not sure where we are headed just yet. But do know, I'll be cheering you on via FB and I know you will continue to inspire me on my lifelong quest to be healthy and fit! Love to you all. We ARE fit mamas and we DO rock!

 

Goodbye from Lauren...

I can't believe it's time for me to say goodbye!  I still remember the first day I first joined Stroller Strides. It was right around Halloween of 2009.  I was driving by Kapolei Park and saw a group of women, all in costumes, running around the park with their jogging strollers.  I immediately went home and googled "Kapolei and strollers" and the first thing that popped up was "Stroller Strides".  I joined that very day, and am so happy that I did!

Stroller Strides has been so much more than a fitness class for me.  It has become a new way of life.  I can look back on my life so far and see that fitness has always been a part of it, but I never would have seen the value of bringing my children to an exercise class with me if it wasn't for Stroller Strides.  I may have just joined a gym and dropped my kids off at daycare, but then they would miss out on so much.  They would miss out on that early life lesson of how important healthy eating and staying fit really is.  I love that my daughter will ask me if I'm going to exercise every time we go to a new park or playground.  It's as if that is normal behavior, that every mom exercises at the playground...and I think that's great!

I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment I've spent both instructing and taking classes with Stroller Strides.  I have met the most incredible and inspiring women, and have made some great friends who I will truly miss.  I have seen women totally transform their bodies and others reach goals that they never thought possible.  I've watched your babies grow alongside mine, and watched them become friends as we've become friends.  My fondest memories of Hawaii will surely be Stroller Strides and the women who are part of it. 

You are all amazing!  Fit Moms Rock!  

Aloha

Jamba 5k

Pre-race: Andrea, Ashley, Liz, Stacey, Trish, Lindsey, Laura, Mara

Today at Ala Moana Beach Park, Stroller Strides was WELL represented at the Jamba Juice Banana Man 5k race.

This also marked the first race for a few, and the race that Saturday morning running group trained for.  Running group met every Saturday morning for the last several weeks.

Running group consisted of: Laura H, Jamie S, Tamika P, Liz E, Lindsey R, Stacey P (who all raced today) as well as Erika M, Jenn N, Kathy S, and Keara C (who were unable to attend today).

Extra kudos to our pregnant mommies Andrea (who is 36 weeks!!) and Mara, who were also out there!

I also saw one of our SS instructors, Debbie (flying past me) in the race!

 Well done today to everyone who participated! 

*I apologize if there is anyone not pictured, or mentioned. 

Liz, Stacey, Trish

Laura, Trish, Jamie, Tamika 

 

Stoller Strides Is Going To Be On The Local News! 

Such an exciting opportunity for us to get the Stroller Strides name out in to the community.

We will be appearing on the Wake Up 2Day Morning Show on the KHON2 News next Friday, May 11 at 6:15am. 

I will be joined by fellow franchisees Michelle (Honolulu) and Becky (Kailua). Stacey (who instructs for three different franchisees) will also be joining us.

Set your DVRs, wake up early, and tell your friends!

** Jill (Ewa Beach franchisee) is unable to attend. We will give OP/WP a shout-out, for sure!