Moms are great at multi-tasking. Two years ago, two New York moms conceived an idea proving just that. What could be better than getting back in shape after a baby, meeting other moms, and raising money to fight cancer—all at once?
For 25 years, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has sponsored Team In Training, endurance sports training programs that raise money through pledges to fund blood cancer research.
A great way to get fit and help fight cancer, Team In Training participants train together for marathons, half marathons, triathlons, and hiking adventures, while raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).
Kristen Hill and Helena Scott took the idea and ran with it (pun intended). With the same mission as Team In Training, they adapted the concept to start Moms In Training, which offers the flexibility needed by busy, juggling moms. They soon realized it was also a great way to meet other moms (and help lose baby weight too!).
What started with just 30 local women, has grown to almost 400 in NYC, as well as groups in 35 other cities across the country. Moms In Training is a 10-week workout program for moms with kids of all ages, including stroller workouts for new moms. Coaches help prepare teams for 10K walks and runs, and other endurance sport events. They also offer nutritional and strength training, and wellness clinics.
“We are a group of people empowered and passionate about a cause that affects so many children,” says co-founder Hill. With blood cancers like leukemia the number one killer of children, last season Moms In Training specifically dedicated their fundraising dollars to children’s cancer medical research. “Our participation numbers keep getting higher, with so many women becoming involved in this cause. Its an inspiring growth story.”
With nine teams in all five boroughs, Moms In Training NYC continues to grow. “The main goal is raising awareness,” adds Hill. The training season starts with a kick-off event on April 5, and team practices begin April 12. Practices are Saturday mornings at 9am, leading up to the event day. Gearing up for the first race on June 14 (the Oakley New York 10K walk/run in Central Park), “our big push now is recruitment, to get moms on teams,” Hill explains.
With their energy and enthusiasm, and the desire to do more to give back more, there is no stopping these moms.
Editor’s Note:
Program partner Kids at Work children’s activity center is donating 10% of all proceeds from drop-in classes and camp enrollments at its Chelsea location during the week of April 28 to May 2 to Moms in Training and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For a full schedule of available classes and camp opportunities, visit www.kidsatworknyc.com/WinterSpringSchedule.html.
