Haley Scott DeMaria

This month I am beginning a new feature, the Amazing Active Mommy of the Month.  I am starting with one of the most inspirational women I know, Haley Scott DeMaria.  I had the pleasure of meeting Haley last fall when she came to speak to my swimming team in Phoenix.  Haley was on her book tour for her new book, What Though the Odds – Haley Scotts’ Journey of Faith and Triumph.  (http://www.haleybook.com)

In 1992, Haley Scott DeMaria was a freshman and a member of the Notre Dame women’s swim team when the bus carrying the team home from a meet overturned in a snow storm. The fatal accident left Haley paralyzed from the waist down. After two emergency surgeries, Haley was told she would never walk again. That was not acceptable to this swimmer. Days later, drawing on the strength and training she learned as a swimmer, Haley began to wiggle her toes, and then slowly unlock her body. Over the next several months, Haley endured hours of exhausting physical therapy, painful setbacks, and three additional life-threatening surgeries. Throughout her physical and emotional trials, her family, her teammates, Notre Dame and the swimming community were invaluable assets to her healing. In October 1993, Haley returned to Notre Dame’s swim team, competing again for the Fighting Irish and winning the first heat of her comeback race.

Haley Scott DeMaria graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelors degree in History, and returned to Xavier College Preparatory, her high school alma mater in Phoenix, Arizona, to teach and coach swimming. She has received several national awards as a result of her inspiring recovery; including the inaugural Gene Autry Courage in Sport Award (1994), Women of Distinction (1994) National Institute for Sport Fellow (1995), and the Honda Award for Inspiration (1995). In June 2008, Haley published What Though the Odds – Haley Scott’s Journey of Faith and Triumph, to chronicle her journey of swimming back from paralysis.

How do you handle the stress of a book tour while raising your children?

I have a great husband who is supportive of my work and mission. But he travels for his job as well – so I have great friends who help us out and watch the kids when we are both gone. I used to worry that they would miss me, but I am learning that it has made them (two boys, ages 5 and 7) more independent and has also shown them that their parents are serving others, which I think is a great life lesson for them to witness.

How do you live a fit life?

I make it a top priority. Again, I think it is essential for my children to see that being healthy is a priority. Working out keeps both my body and my mind in shape. I need exercise as much physically as I do emotionally. With that said, time is often not on my side! I have a core set of exercises that I do at least 5 days a week – that I can do anywhere: sit-ups (three sets of 20), push ups (three sets of 12-15 reps), lunges (three sets of 40 – 20 on each leg). Just doing that each day will change your core and muscle tone – and it doesn’t take long, nor require equipment, just a commitment.

What is your favorite form of exercise and why?

I have two: swimming and walking. I love to swim because it is second nature to me. But I also love the companionship of walking. Some of my closest friends have been women I have walked with. I also love being outside – even in 20 degree snowy weather, as long as it is not raining.

How do you motivate yourself?

I know I am a happier person, a better mom and a nicer wife on the days I get a workout in. I also enjoy my days off (at least one a week). And I can enjoy those “off” workout days without feeling guilty, since I know it is best to give myself and my body a break.

How do you encourage your children to be active? What activities do you do as a family to stay fit?

This is a tough one, because being an active family is not always the easy way to go. Thankfully, my boys love sports – and we do a lot together outside: playing football, baseball, taking nature walks. When I found my 5 year old on our elliptical machine I thought, “Okay, maybe I have gone too far!” I just want them to enjoy healthy activities. And the only way they are going to enjoy them, is for us to do them together and for them to see it as a family priority. That is very important to me.

What advice do you have for other busy moms on staying fit and active?

Make and take time for yourself. That is easier said than done; I am not always good at this! Most of my free time comes late at night, which isn’t always the best time – since I need more sleep than I usually get. The bottom line is it just needs to be a priority. Our emotional and physical health is essential to all that we do – and all that we are as mothers.  I also think good nutrition is essential. There are so many fast foods – both in and out of the house – that can create such poor life long habits. All children will eat good, healthy and fresh food – you just have to give it to them.

Thanks to Haley for giving such a great interview and inspiring all of us!  You can learn more about Haley’s book at: http://www.haleybook.com