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9 Kids… Charlie, Mary Kate, Thomas, Peter, Annie, Grace, John, C.C., and Sam. I’m Whitney Hetzel, their mom. Over the years, as I had babies, chased toddlers, navigated the teenage years, sent kids off to college, and watched them begin careers and families of their own, a few things have remained constant in my life: my faith, my family, and health and fitness.

Like all moms, I’m busy and my life can be stressful.  It moves fast.  It is filled with much joy, and many challenges, as well.   To live my life to its fullest – as a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter and a friend – I try to keep two things front and center: I try to keep focused on my faith and to stay physically fit. I have to pray. 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.  While I try to get these things right, it doesn’t always happen!  And that is also just as much a part of life.

Since 9 Kid Fitness is about how to stay fit as a busy mom, I’ll tell you a bit about my fitness background.  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, I swam, played tennis and ran.  I ran through my college years to stay fit.  During my twenties I got more serious about running.  I am still quite proud of my sub-40 minute 10k time as a mom of two. 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 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.  I ran a couple of marathons.  Didn’t break any records but was happy with solid efforts (3:20 PR).

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 evolved from my primary form of exercise to my primary form of social exercise.  I ran with a few running buddies. I signed up and ran a few more marathons (I’ve run five). I now run with my husband, James.  And sometimes with my kids, who are all faster than me.  We’ve cheered on two of our sons in Ironmans (one qualified for Worlds) and recently watched another son run a 2:36 Boston Marathon (via video highlights from his wife).

Running is still my favorite form of exercise, and it is still my go-to for a little peace and serenity. But now I do more strength training.  I also love barre classes.  I try to eat well (sometimes it works).  I stretch (a little more than I used to) and I’m trying to work on my posture and on my balance.

Over the years I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t work for me regarding my fitness level.  I’ve learned about the things that everyone talks about – cardio, strength, flexibility.  I’ve also learned about the things few people like 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 even a certified personal trainer.  What I am is a mother of 9 kids (one is still at home – a senior in highschool!) and now a grandmother who has figured out how to make fitness a priority in a busy life.  Through all the craziness, fitness has been my friend, my ally and my secret weapon.  I continue to make it a priority (it helps that I love it).

I love learning from others and sharing our journeys.  Hope you’ll find some good information here at 9kidfitness.  Please share about your own journey in the comment section!