9 Kids. . . Charlie, Mary Kate, Thomas, Peter, Annie, Grace, John, C.C. and Sam. I’m Whitney Hetzel – their Mom. Over the 21 years that I’ve been having babies, chasing toddlers, worrying about teenagers and missing my college students, one thing has always remained a constant in my life: health and fitness.
Like all moms, my life is stressful. It moves fast. It is filled with much joy, and many challenges, as well. I love my kids. I love my husband. I love my life. To live my life to its fullest – as a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter and a friend – I have to be fit. I have to exercise regularly. I have to get enough rest. I have to eat right. I have to know when to push hard and when to back off. I have to practice moderation and balance. When I get these things right, everything seems to run a little more smoothly. I have more patience and a better outlook on things. When I don’t…well, it isn’t pretty.
I’ve always enjoyed working out. Over the years, how I exercise has evolved, but fitness has always been a part of my life. I grew up in Hinsdale, Illinois. I have two sisters, Elizabeth and Susan (my twin). Growing up, Susan and I swam, played tennis and ran. I ran through my college years to stay fit. During my twenties I got more serious about running. At times I over did things. I got injured. I learned about backing off. I ran before, during and after pregnancies. I did some cycling and competed in a few triathlons. In my thirties I started mixing in more strength training. I kept running before, during and after my pregnancies. I still over did things once and awhile, but less than I did during my twenties. Maturity. I ran a couple of marathons. Not world-class, but OK for a then mother of 6.
As I entered my forties I ran smarter. I still ran before, during and after my last pregnancy at the age of 42. But, running has evolved from my primary form of exercise to my primary form of social exercise. I run with friends. I run with my husband, James. I run with my kids. I don’t run with my dogs. For some reason I can’t stand to. I do more strength training. I do more cross training. I eat better (well, sometimes) I stretch (a little) and I’m trying to work on my posture and on my balance.
I’ve learned a lot over the years. I’ve learned about what works and what doesn’t work. I’ve learned about the things that everyone talks about – cardio, strength, flexibility. I’ve also learned about the things that no one wants to talk about – such as pelvic floor issues like incontinence (the dirty little secret of the mommy world). I’m not an exercise physiologist. I’m not a physical therapist. I’m not an orthopedic surgeon. I’m not even a certified personal trainer. What I am is a mother of 9 kids who has figured out how to make fitness a priority in what is an incredibly busy life. Through all the craziness, fitness has been my friend, my ally and my secret weapon. I continue to make it a priority. I have to.
I want to learn from you. I hope 9 Kid Fitness can develop into a community of people encouraging each other to reach higher levels of fitness. I hope that we can become healthier and happier together.
Let’s begin the journey. Remember, if I can do it, you can do it.
Hi Whitney, I’m a triathlete and Mom to 4. I also ran before, during and after all my pregnancies – fitness is also my sanity. My oldest right now is only 9, but I am 45. I have a husband who also is a triathlete – I stumbled upon your blog and am impressed to say the least. Always looking for creative ways to balance it all – I am a little more competitive than you seem to be, so juggling all this training and not feeling guilty about it is a challenge. I look forward to maybe getting some hints from you! Thanks for sharing!
I know what you mean about the guilt. I have learned what works…but it can be quite the tightrope walk. As much as I can I like to incorporate the kids or try to workout when it is the least intrusive. But sometimes I just have to tell them that a healthy mom is a happier mom! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Whitney, I am also a mommy of nine. Throughout my life I have at times been more physically fit then others. Finished a few triathalons until two years ago when I was in a road bike accident…now 30 lbs heavier and feeling cruddy, I have started eating healthy again and want to get back on my bike. I love biking, enjoy swimming as a form of worship and relaxation ,and I slodge – that’s what I call my running/jogging/walking thing- through the running. My husband is a preacher, and we are missionaries. Our life is way over committed and full but also joyful. I was intrigued by the side bar on facebook, so I thought I would take a look. Maybe this is seed?
Your life sounds very joyful, and I would love to hear more about your missionary lifestyle…what an incredible way to live! Slodge is a great word! Love it! I have definitely slodged before! The fact that you have done triathlons shows that you have athletic drive. It is amazing how there seems to be times when exercise just doesn’t really work in our busy lives…and then other times when we just HAVE to make it work because not making it work doesn’t work for us either! Does that even make sense? Anyway, I hope that you continue to check in at 9 kid fitness…encouraging each other is what it is all about!
HI, I’m a homeschool mom of 3 kids. About 5+ years ago I decided I needed to get real about my health. I changed the way I eat & I started a new addiction – exercise. I have been wanting to share my love with others & try every chance I can get. I have been thinking about becoming certified as a personal trainer (my husband would say I’m just certified
). I keep feeling like people won’t listen to me unless I have something to back up what I’m telling them.
I’m glad I came across your facebook page! I look forward to following you. Pamela
Pamela…I hope you are still considering the personal training thing. I think most people are more interested in personal experience and not credentials…Go for it!
Hi! I just found your site tonight, while I was doing a search about CHondroitin and runners.
I am a marathon mom of 5. 
I love running and all kinds of physically activities. Actually, I am off to the gym now. I look forward to reading your articles and your posts. Very nice to meet you. Jessica, missionary to 5, living in Peru
I did not make exercise a priority for many years. I had 4 children rather close together. Did not workout before children. Even had a few years in my twenties as a smoker.
I developed breast cancer at 36 with very small children and slowly realized I had to take better care of myself for the years ahead. Went to a gym, then a personal trainer for 3 years. Now it’s a part of my being, that needs to be redefined again and again to stay motivated. I love running!! Need I say more. Have done one marathon. Not so good. Looking forward now to the next one. Doing a fun 10K with my girlfriends in a week. That’s what its all about!!
Kimmi,
I hope you enjoyed the 10K with your friends. Yes, that’s what it is all about. I hope that you continue to feel well and …Keep running!
Thanks for stopping by my page! I only have Carolinian’s period that I fallow right, so I’m glad to find another. 9 kids, wow! I work part time at the Run For Your Life in Dilworth.
Hi Alecia,
I will stop by some time and say hello. I am in the Run For Your Life at Piper Glen a lot since my cross country team practices at the trail there. Thanks for commenting!
HI, I’m a homeschool mom of 3 kids. About 5+ years ago I decided I needed to get real about my health. I changed the way I eat & I started a new addiction – exercise. I have been wanting to share my love with others & try every chance I can get. I have been thinking about becoming certified as a personal trainer (my husband would say I’m just certified ). I keep feeling like people won’t listen to me unless I have something to back up what I’m telling them.
I’m glad I came across your facebook page! I look forward to following you. Pamela
+1
I really need to start a fitness program. I have never liked exercise or physical activity except swimming, which I can’t afford. Many years ago I did start walking at the YMCA and fell in love with the indoor track. Two years ago I was forced to change to a low-fat diet due to a digestive condition, but have really been eating more fatty foods lately, and can sure tell the difference
I’d love to find a group or buddy that I can walk with, but am not sure how. Do you know of a site for walkers? Should I join a gym or go back to the Y? Btw, one of my uncles is a runner, and now his daughter and grandson run with him!!!
Hi Mary Beth. It is hard to start something when you haven’t enjoyed doing it in the past. I would definately recommend trying to find a group of exercisers who are also beginning an exercise program because support is so important. Most YMCA’s have beginning walking programs and if they fit into your schedule, that is what I would recommend you start with. Since you will already be seeking out something at the Y, that would be a great time to see what other group exercise classes they offer that you might try. Even if you don’t like physical activity, when you do an exercise class, like a cycle or strength conditioning class, being with other people makes it an entirely different experience. Classes are good because you don’t have to be in great shape to start. Even cycle classes that cater to those who have done them before are just fine for beginners because you can go at your pace. Everybody has to begin somewhere and the YMCA is a great place to start because most everyone has been at that “starting” point before and are very willing to help. I will look into the website aspect, but in the meantime, I say…Begin! Good luck! P.S. Physical activity almost always makes you feel better, and it becomes a very motivating thing even in terms of the other things like eating better, etc. Its amazing how the ripple effect is seen with fitness and healthy eating!
Hi Whitney! Ashley Gallagher told me to check out your blog because I have been getting really into distance running since my first baby was born, and I hope to be able to run through my next pregnancy!
I am so excited to have found this blog… I know it will help motivate me w my fitness goals! Like you, my own mom set a steady example of fitness w a large family; I hope to do the same.
I love when you talk about running w your kids!!
I’m new to the blogging world – my own blog is http://beingopentolife.blogspot.com
Keep up the good work!