Citizen Responder

Last weekend I spent all day mouth to mouth with a dummy.

Too much information? While Cole and I may or may not have had a crazy make out session, I was actually getting my First Aid and CPR certification from the American Red Cross.

I would like to introduce my training partner, Mildred. 

7 hours, 4,500 chest compressions and 300 rescue breaths later, I joined the ranks as a Citizen Responder! I drove home just looking for an emergency situation for which I could assist. (Not really, but kind of...)

I've never been required to be CPR qualified in the past, but after completing the class, I feel empowered. I absolutely recommend it to any of you with little ones especially. It's just a little peace of mind and one more tool in your arsenal should something go wrong. I hope I never have to spring into action, but knowing that these skills could save a life is a pretty great feeling.

Interesting tidbit: Do you know what it's called if someone is choking and you grab them from behind and whack their back and then give abdominal thrusts? The Heimlich maneuver, right? Wrong! (Sort of!) The Heimlich maneuver was named after Dr. Henry Heimlich, for his role in the development of the procedure. Apparently, after his death, his children approached the American Red Cross and requested royalties for using the name "Heimlich maneuver" in their classes. Red cross said, "uh, no thanks," and started calling it abdominal thrusts. 

True story. Everything else I tell you, I make up. 

Getting my CPR certification is the first step in completing my goal of becoming a Group Exercise Instructor through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). If everything goes as planned, and I don't fail my exam one month from TODAY, I will be one step closer to becoming an instructor with Stroller Strides of Fayetteville. Push it!!!!

Grace and I first started Stroller Strides last January when she was just 2 months old. I was already starting to feel cabin fever staying at home every day, we didn't know anyone, and my husband was preparing to deploy. From huffing and puffing through our first class (me- Grace slept), to today, Stroller Strides has given Grace and I a group of friends, daily motivation and a reason to get out the door in the morning. I was able to get back into shape and train for and complete a number of running races last year, including the Maryland Half Marathon. We've gone on play dates, Mom's Night Outs and met up for weekend runs. I can't say enough how happy I am to be a part of this group of mamas. Thank you! I am so excited for this next step!

Grace is an SS baby for life!

Training buddies!