Think battling for dominance on the soccer field or roller derby rink is tough? Try following up two hours of heart-racing competition with a load of laundry, a stack of bills and two little ones needing baths. 

I talked with a couple of incredible athletes – who are also incredible moms – to get their tips on balancing family, career and sports, as well as suggestions on how moms can get back in the exercise game. First up in the series is Cari Wohlrabe of the Arch Rival Roller Girls.

Wohlrabe was a financial professional and mother of two boys, Evan, age 6, and Joseph, age 3, when she joined the Arch Rival Roller Girls derby league in November 2009. After being drafted to the Smashinistas in March, Wohlrabe, aka The Forecloser, now handles work, family and the Arch Rivals’ evening practices and weekend matches.

How do you balance work, Arch Rivals and family?

I have an extremely supportive family from my husband and kids to my parents.  I do not know how I would do anything without them. My husband and I equally share family responsibilities from getting the kids to where they need to be, making dinner, taking out the trash, etc., and my mom watches my youngest every day and picks up my oldest from school in the afternoon. Practices are late enough at night so I do not miss a lot of mom/kid time and they are over early enough that I am able to hang out with my husband afterward and maybe even watch a movie.

What are your suggestions for getting up and moving?

The key to finding time to work out, for me, is the kid's bedtime. My kids are in bed every night at 8 p.m. There is no reason to not take 30 minutes to an hour every night or every other night to take a little time for yourself. Exercise gives you more energy, so if you are feeling tired at the end of the day, jump on the treadmill or go for a walk with your favorite music on your iPod. You will feel much better, trust me. I am no expert, but I always feel better after a great workout.

How does roller derby have a positive impact on women?

Roller derby allows women to get together and support one another in an all-female sport. Everyone is very supportive and they give great feedback with regard to how you are doing and what you might need to keep working on to improve.  And, as a mom and wife, roller derby helped me remember “me,” and I think maintaining a sense of self in your life is important because if you are not happy and healthy, you are probably not giving your best in other areas of your life. I would say girls/women should get involved in roller derby or any physical activity/sport because it builds confidence and that confidence spills over into every aspect of your life. 

Thanks to Wohlrabe's suggestions, even my lazy rear is motivated to turn off The Office and head to the bike trail for some exercise and quality me-time. I mean, that’s why God invented the DVR, right?

Be sure to stay tuned to meet the next amazing mom!

By Nicole Plegge, Lifestyle Blogger for SmartParenting