Motivational Mom of the Month - Margaret Aldrich

Megan Ford

We don't want to brag but we pretty much have the most amazing team of women here at FIT4MOM Richmond. Women who started out as clients, found their community and continue to foster that community through the classes they teach.

Join us in getting to know one of our amazing team members and our April Motivational Mom of the Month, Margaret!

How did you find FIT4MOM Richmond and how long have you been a part of our village?

I found Fit4Mom when I was 6 months pregnant when looking for prenatal exercise options. So I've been a part of our village for about 2 years!

What do you love most about being part of this community?

The community and the ability to make connections with others who understand what I'm going through - the good and the bad without being judged but rather being supported through it all.

Who are you a mom to?

Hayden, 21 months

What is your favorite thing about being a mom?

I love seeing how my heart is able to grow with the life of this amazing human we get to raise. I love seeing Hayden learn, love and develop such a curiosity for the world. I love the cuddles and kisses I receive (in between the hair pulling and hitting).

What two items would you take with you if you were shipwrecked on a deserted island where all your food and water needs were taken care of?

Running shoes and paper & pen (that's gotta count as just one, right?)

If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past?

The future - My past has taught me alot, so I'd like to see how I will apply that in my future.

How do you practice self-care?

Epson Salt baths, working out (currently training for a marathon), and writing my novel.

Where did you grow up and how did you end up in Richmond?

Columbus, Ohio > Went to school in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Both are cold and are lacking sunshine. So I moved to Richmond upon graduation and lived with my sister and BIL (both UR grads) to experience some sunshine and warmth.

How did becoming a mother change you?

I have become far more social being a mom, and I'm learning that I've gotta be okay with change and roll with the punches more.

What is the last great book or television series you've read/watched?

We are big fans of the Netflix Sports docuseries - Full Swing (golf), Drive to Survive (F1), Break Point (Tennis), and Quarterback (NFL)

How did you meet your partner?

I was working full time at SwimRVA as the Aquatic and Camp Coordinator and he was between jobs working as a lifeguard. When I first saw him, I didn't even think he was of 'legal' age (extreme baby face) but my in to talking with him was when he brought a TT (triathlon time trial) bike to the pool because I was training for my first Ironman. Turns out he was 26! The next three months of us dating were spent doing 6 hour long bike rides and long runs together.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A pastry chef, a published author (I'm working on that one), an adventure based therapist (I at least got a degree in Social Work)

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?

This is tough - I listen to a wide variety of music and get addicted to songs on a regular basis but I think I'll go with: "I thank God" by Maverick City Music. My faith is important to me and I try to live it out but I have so much in life to be thankful for. And this song gets you up and moving and grooving, too!

If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would they do first?

It would eat everything that I wasn't allergic to back when I was 5.

Margaret, I love that you are writing a novel! Can I sign up for an ARC!? Between moming, teaching classes AND training for a marathon I don't know how you have time to write!

I love that you came to Richmond in search of sunshine and we're so glad you found Our Village when you were 6 months pregnant. Thank you for being a valuable member to our team!

- megan