Meet Verity! Originally from the U.K. she grew up in New Zealand, eventually making her way to the eastside. She joined our village in 2019 when her daughter Madeleine was just a bitty baby! Now she and Madeleine enjoy Stroller Strides every week, Verity also joined Run Club and is enjoying the village of mother runners she has met.

Where are you originally from?

I was born in the U.K. but grew up in New Zealand!

When did you join FIT4MOM?

I joined in Fall 2019 when my daughter was around 3-4 months old

What classes do you attend?

Stroller Strides - it’s the big love of my life and one of the staple activities of my week! I’ve also recently started an obsession with Run Club which is full of incredible and inspirational women.

Who is/are your workout buddy(ies) and their age(s)?

My daughter Madeleine who just turned 2

What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM?

I love how welcoming and understanding this community is, I love that I never felt like I had to pretend I had everything together and that I have always felt comfortable sharing my failures alongside my successes. When I wasn’t getting any sleep and my kid was screaming through class I knew I wasn’t alone, we were all doing it together. I always finish class feeling very uplifted.

What is your current job? Or what did you do before staying at home (if you don’t currently work outside the home)?

I’m a SAHM now and before having my daughter I worked insurance for a medical office, going forward I’m hoping to finally use my degree and get into teaching!

Share your thoughts on the concept of “it takes a village” – is it important for moms to join a village?

I do think it takes a village! I also think our modern villages look a lot of different ways. I know people whose villages are very small and those whose villages are vast and I think it’s important for new mums especially to have access to ways to build the village that will best serve them. FIT4MOM is such an important part of my village - it’s the part that keeps me healthy, happy, and sane!

What is your favorite beverage?

Current summer weekend favourite is a Paloma: tequila, lime, agave, and grapefruit - so good!

What is your favorite dessert?

Any and all cheesecake… closely followed by baklava (hmm, baklava cheesecake?)

You are given 4 hours of FREE babysitting. What would you do?

Right now I dream of a night out of the house - dinner, drinks, and a movie sound incredibly exotic

What is your ultimate child-free vacation destination?

Haha at this point in time I would take anywhere outside my house but I’ve also always wanted to go to Greece and nerd out at museums.

How has becoming a mother changed you?

I think motherhood has made me stronger. Physically and mentally kids are hard work and rising to the challenge every day, striving and surviving have given me a new appreciation of my strength.

I am happiest when...

We have a day of fun activities and adventure planned…and I don’t have to cook dinner!