Carol Wallace knows what it takes to run a family. She knows how to run successful relationships. And Wallace also knows what it takes to run both her professional life along with running her personal life.

Wallace's way, simply... is to RUN.

This month's Mom of the Month is Carol Wallace of Denver. Wallace is the mother of four children: Paul, 22; John, 20; Leah, 17, and Ken, 13. She and her husband, Mike, have been married 23 years.

Running has always been an activity the Wallace family could enjoy together. The kids have participated in track- and-field and cross country in school.

Family members have done three- to seven-mile races, including the Ephrata Firecracker Run. The Wallaces have hiked and run during vacations in Maine and at Yellowstone, Adirondacks and Grand Teton national parks.

Wallace one day hopes to complete the Garden Spot Half Marathon.

Recently Wallace kicked it up a notch by competing in the York YMCA Women's Triathlon with daughter Leah.

Wallace enjoyed the time training and competing with her daughter. She liked the variety of activities: running, swimming and biking.

And as with all her races, during the triathlon Wallace didn't worry about her time. "I'm just out having a good time," she said. Wallace also said that's probably why she has never been injured during any of her training or competitions.

So how did mother and daughter compare in the triathlon results? "She KILLED me," said Wallace, who admits that she has trouble keeping up with her children during a race. But she wants her children to beat her to the finish line.

And while they are waiting, she said, "I'm out there having a great time."

Professionally, Wallace is an occupational therapist for Eastern Lancaster County School District, where she helps children with special needs. "It's very rewarding ... I love it!"

She says the children she works with are "inspirational," and she just loves to see the progress they make. Wallace especially enjoys working closely with the children's families. As is true with any mother who works full time outside the home, it can be stressful for Wallace.

But she's been able to strike a balance between her career and her family life and cannot imagine giving up either. Working for a school district enables Wallace to have summers off and that is her time to "catch my breath." Wallace also credits her supportive husband. "I've been very fortunate," she says."

If Wallace does ever get overwhelmed, she has her way of coping. "I have a sense of humor," she says. "I try to be upbeat and if I ever do have a bad day, I apologize."
Wallace adds, "I'm not perfect. Perfect would be boring!"

Wallace is just like any other mom in having to drive her children to different activities. The Wallace kids participate in sports, and are also musical so there is always a practice or a lesson to get to.

But Wallace has always been grateful for the running ... grateful for the extended family time the activity has given her.

Every once in a while Wallace thinks about signing up for class or getting more alone time with her husband, but she looks at her growing family and says, "It goes by so fast."

Her two oldest boys are already out of the house and her youngest, Ken is 13. "I just enjoy being with my family. In four to five years they'll all be gone!"

Right now, she is happy to have her family waiting for her at the finish line.

More about the Mom of the Month

Wallace was born and raised in Pittsburgh. Naturally, her family members are big Steelers fans. "I LOVE football. I was raised on football."

Wallace met her husband, Mike, in high school. The two attended Eastern Michigan University, where she received her degree in occupational therapy. Mike's career brought her to Denver.

Wallace is very involved with the Denver Swim Team as an officer and a parent volunteer.
One way she relaxes is by watching The Weather channel.

Wallace loves to bake, "especially cookies." She tries very hard to cook healthy meals for her family. "I live for my crockpot," she says. Her favorites are soups and stews.

Wallace also volunteers at St. John's United Church of Christ as a Sunday school Teacher and in other volunteer roles.

The Wallace family loves cereal. "There are never less than 10 different boxes of cereal in our cabinet or we panic."

All members of the Wallace family are early risers. They start their day with coffee, cereal and the newspaper.

By Maureen Leader, Special Features writer