From Baby to Badass-How this Momma Does it All

I knew from the start I wanted to showcase Kristine Runfola and all of her accomplishments, it was a complete no brainer for me. I watched her progress through her pregnancy with mindfulness, grace, and determination so it was no surprise that after she had Takoda she continued her health journey shedding the baby weight and staying 100% committed to her health journey. She is an inspiration to me every day and should be to all of our members, both at Revel Strength and Fitness and Revel Fit Co. Did I mention we are in the middle of a pandemic and she did this all at home! Read on to learn about Kristine, her journey raising two boys and her commitment to her health, not only for herself but her family as well. 

“I strive to be a positive role model for my boys and for my clients. If I'm not healthy and taking care of myself, there's absolutely no way I can take care of my boys or be a sound therapist to my clients.

“I strive to be a positive role model for my boys and for my clients. If I'm not healthy and taking care of myself, there's absolutely no way I can take care of my boys or be a sound therapist to my clients.

1. So tell us a little bit about whats going on in your life! New job, new baby, new home?

My name is Kristine Runfola! I am a children's mental health therapist with Creoks and I absolutely love the work I do with my little's. Restoring families and giving children hope is what I am most passionate about. I have two children, Lil man (Vint) who is 8 and Takoda who is 6 months. This past January big brother and I welcomed our little guy into the world and we are so in love! Beginning of July we moved into our first home WOOHOO!!

2. What is it like trying to navigate having a new baby in the midst of a global pandemic?

I'm an anxious person at heart lol so COVID has sent my anxieties into overdrive. The boys and I have basically been in quarantine since January of this year and the only people I allow around them are family members. I definitely DO NOT live in fear, I just wouldn't be able to live with myself if either of them contracted this disease. 

3. Getting to the gym during COVID has been tough, have you been working out at home mostly? 

Yes, at home workouts are the best fit for myself and my family at this time. I was having to coordinate with my mom to be able to go into the gym so at home just fits better at this time.

4: What has been a surprisingly good part about that?

Deciding to workout from home was not an easy decision but in doing so my oldest has started working out with me which has been a parenting win for sure!

5. What has been the hard part about that?

I am social butterfly and I love interacting with others, especially my gym family. Going to a class was the number one thing that I looked forward to. This has been hard for sure.

6. You’ve transformed your body after having Takoda? Tell us about that?

I was very fortunate during Takoda's pregnancy. I only gained about 30 lbs, which this was a HUGE milestone for me. With Vint I gained about 75 lbs. I was very mindful about my diet and exercise and made sure to maintain those healthy habits so it wasn't a struggle to get the pregnancy weight off this time around. I for sure waited the recommended 6 weeks before getting back at it but health and wellness is something that is important to me so once I was able I hit the ground running. Takoda has FOMO for sure, sigh, so he's not a sleeper unless we're driving or in the stroller. So to make the most out of my time, I would put on a 14 lb weighted vest and we would just take off walking. I would say we probably walked on average 4-8 miles every day. And in doing so I am addicted to utilizing the vest in my training. That vest has helped me so much in coming back from this pregnancy!

7. What has been the hardest thing about coming back after having a baby?

Postpartum depression is a legitimate mental health problem. I didn't experience that with Vint but this time around I did and it hit me hard. I attempted to nurse but was not successful and we went through about 3 different formulas trying to figure that out for him, which made me feel like I was not a good mom because I didn't know how to help him. I am so blessed and grateful for the awesome supports that I do have in place. SO to anyone reading this, please remember to take care of us momma's, not just baby, during the first couple months. We need you too!

8: What inspires you to stay motivated during this time?

I strive to be a positive role model for my boys and for my clients. If I'm not healthy and taking care of myself, there's absolutely no way I can take care of my boys or be a sound therapist to my clients. And honestly, everyone at Revel inspires me to be a better person and athlete. I really can not see myself working out anywhere else, even if its virtually. 

9. Is it hard to workout when you have two growing boys at home?

Self care is such an important aspect of my daily life so for me it wasn't necessarily working out that was difficult but being willing to change the style of my workout. I am competitive, and if you know my mom you know why lol, and I love weightlifting. Bar work is my thing but I dont have a coach at my home so I had to come to terms that for now being safer and sticking with dumbbells is wiser.

10. How do you make time for you?

If this year has taught me anything its that change is ok! Things don't have to stay the same for your life to be fulfilling. I love people and it was definitely hard to not be around my source of joy but the quarantine isolation was so healing and rewarding. I've learned so much about myself these past 6 months and I feel so at peace with life. No one knows what the next couple years is gong to look like and I have had to learn to live for today and not tomorrow.