We had a very fun time with Olympian Carrie Tollefson filming an episode for her website, www.CTolleRun.com
Check this out, and share with your friends!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luzfU1DpYXg
Showing posts with label publicity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label publicity. Show all posts
Thursday, April 19, 2012
C Moms Run
We had a very fun time with Olympian Carrie Tollefson filming an episode for her website, www.CTolleRun.com
Check this out, and share with your friends!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luzfU1DpYXg
Monday, February 6, 2012
Running Strong in a Tough Economy
With the kickoff of spring registration, we wanted to take some time
today to clarify some details on the new MOTR program improvements and structural changes that you will see this year, as well as provide info on obtaining financial aid.
At Moms On The Run, we have been busier than usual in this off-season
getting ready for a fabulous 2012. We have taken your 2011 survey
feedback very seriously in deciding what things to keep the same and
where we need to make program improvements. We know there have been growing pains with the fast expansion in the past couple years, and we now have year-round customer service and administrative help to meet the needs of our valued customers. In addition, corporate MOTR will not be personally operating and managing new locations. Instead we are transitioning to franchise ownership over the next few years and will even begin to transfer ownership of some of our existing locations.
This will be a process, but by reducing administrative burden and
costs we will not need to raise program prices as much each year and
we will be able to have a higher level of service and personal
attention available to each of our valued customers.
We are excited about the changes coming in 2012, including extra
training for our coaches and instructors, a FREE 10k training program,
an additional optional run each week focused on distance, a new
“instructor meet and greet” before the class start date to minimize
the first class paperwork process, and more incentives to keep you
motivated.
We are able to offer a higher level of customer service and these
various program improvements while increasing the price only 5-10% of
our previous 2x/week pricing. There is one major change that is making
this possible, and that is that we will be moving to a single MOTR
membership price that includes up to three classes per week!
The class structure will be very similar to last year two of the days,
and a volunteer coach will facilitate a third workout which focuses on
adding distance for those who are looking for that. We encourage even
the women in the learn to run program, or those who aren’t interested
in distance, to still come that night and workout at their own
preferred level and distance.
This decision to transition to an unlimited class pricing structure
has been made primarily due to the following reasons:
~Our participants who are enrolled twice a week have a much higher
satisfaction level and have significantly better success in the
program. Every mom has her things that will come up such as weekends
away, kids’ sports activities and vacations, but we want a structure
in place that encourages all of our women to get to class as often as
they can.
~We are offering 3 runs per week next year, so that the majority of
our members will be able to make at least two of these workouts. We
certainly don’t expect anyone to regularly commit to 3 meetings with
us. We all know that a minimum of 2 workouts per week are essential
for success anyway (ideally 3), and we also know that it is a lot
easier to get these in with the motivation of meeting up with your
team!
We are enthusiastic about the new membership structure we are
introducing this spring. In each location, we will have an
“all-season” pass that includes not only the 3 workouts a week in your
own city, but members will also have the ability to make up a class at
any of our locations at any time! This includes weather cancellations,
holidays, and your personal schedule conflicts.
We know that there are women in our program that may only be able to
commit regularly to once a week, but we are confident they will find
their membership and the opportunities it affords to be an increased
value this year. For women that are only able to attend once a week,
they will find the price to still be very competitive with other
private fitness programs.
At the same time, we realize that any price increase is difficult in
this economy, and we want to stress that scholarships and financial
aid will continue to be available! Our aid application for 2012 is
available on our website, as well as various discounts that you may
qualify for. This information is all found on our more details and FAQ pages. We do not want finances to be a prohibiting factor for anyone who wishes to participate. Please contact us if you need assistance and we will be happy to work something out.
Thank you! Looking forward to a great spring!
today to clarify some details on the new MOTR program improvements and structural changes that you will see this year, as well as provide info on obtaining financial aid.
At Moms On The Run, we have been busier than usual in this off-season
getting ready for a fabulous 2012. We have taken your 2011 survey
feedback very seriously in deciding what things to keep the same and
where we need to make program improvements. We know there have been growing pains with the fast expansion in the past couple years, and we now have year-round customer service and administrative help to meet the needs of our valued customers. In addition, corporate MOTR will not be personally operating and managing new locations. Instead we are transitioning to franchise ownership over the next few years and will even begin to transfer ownership of some of our existing locations.
This will be a process, but by reducing administrative burden and
costs we will not need to raise program prices as much each year and
we will be able to have a higher level of service and personal
attention available to each of our valued customers.
We are excited about the changes coming in 2012, including extra
training for our coaches and instructors, a FREE 10k training program,
an additional optional run each week focused on distance, a new
“instructor meet and greet” before the class start date to minimize
the first class paperwork process, and more incentives to keep you
motivated.
We are able to offer a higher level of customer service and these
various program improvements while increasing the price only 5-10% of
our previous 2x/week pricing. There is one major change that is making
this possible, and that is that we will be moving to a single MOTR
membership price that includes up to three classes per week!
The class structure will be very similar to last year two of the days,
and a volunteer coach will facilitate a third workout which focuses on
adding distance for those who are looking for that. We encourage even
the women in the learn to run program, or those who aren’t interested
in distance, to still come that night and workout at their own
preferred level and distance.
This decision to transition to an unlimited class pricing structure
has been made primarily due to the following reasons:
~Our participants who are enrolled twice a week have a much higher
satisfaction level and have significantly better success in the
program. Every mom has her things that will come up such as weekends
away, kids’ sports activities and vacations, but we want a structure
in place that encourages all of our women to get to class as often as
they can.
~We are offering 3 runs per week next year, so that the majority of
our members will be able to make at least two of these workouts. We
certainly don’t expect anyone to regularly commit to 3 meetings with
us. We all know that a minimum of 2 workouts per week are essential
for success anyway (ideally 3), and we also know that it is a lot
easier to get these in with the motivation of meeting up with your
team!
We are enthusiastic about the new membership structure we are
introducing this spring. In each location, we will have an
“all-season” pass that includes not only the 3 workouts a week in your
own city, but members will also have the ability to make up a class at
any of our locations at any time! This includes weather cancellations,
holidays, and your personal schedule conflicts.
We know that there are women in our program that may only be able to
commit regularly to once a week, but we are confident they will find
their membership and the opportunities it affords to be an increased
value this year. For women that are only able to attend once a week,
they will find the price to still be very competitive with other
private fitness programs.
At the same time, we realize that any price increase is difficult in
this economy, and we want to stress that scholarships and financial
aid will continue to be available! Our aid application for 2012 is
available on our website, as well as various discounts that you may
qualify for. This information is all found on our more details and FAQ pages. We do not want finances to be a prohibiting factor for anyone who wishes to participate. Please contact us if you need assistance and we will be happy to work something out.
Thank you! Looking forward to a great spring!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Black Friday and Small Business Saturday!
We are celebrating the kickoff to the holiday season with gift certificates that offer our loyal customers a discount on pricing for our 2012 program. 2011 prices through Dec 31! For more info on our 2012 program structure please see the post below.
In addition, all gift purchases on Friday or Saturday will come with both a tank and a tee for their 2012 registration.
http://www.momsontherun.com/giftcertificates.html
In addition, all gift purchases on Friday or Saturday will come with both a tank and a tee for their 2012 registration.
http://www.momsontherun.com/giftcertificates.html
Happy Thanksgiving Moms!
We are taking this very special holiday week to thank our customers and to introduce some new MOTR program improvements and structural changes that we have created just for you.
This Thanksgiving we want to thank all our loyal customers for their continued support of our organization and their dedication to their health and fitness. We love when you share your successes with us, let us know where we are doing well, and what we need to work on.
At Moms On The Run, we are busy in this off-season getting ready for a fabulous 2012. We take your 2011 survey feedback very seriously in deciding what things to keep the same and where we need to make program improvements. We know there have been growing pains with the fast expansion in the past couple years, and we now have year-round customer service and administrative help to meet the needs of our valued customers.
We are excited about the changes coming in 2012, including extra training for our coaches and instructors, a FREE 10k training program, an additional run each week focused on distance, a new “instructor meet and greet” before the class start date to minimize the first class paperwork process, and more incentives to keep you motivated.
We are going to be able to offer a higher level of customer service and various program improvements while increasing the price only 5-10% of our previous 2x/week pricing. There is one major change that is making this possible, and that is that we will be moving to a single MOTR membership price that includes up to three classes per week!
This decision has been made primarily due to the following reasons:
~Our participants who are enrolled twice a week have a much higher satisfaction level and have significantly better success in the program. Every mom has her things that will come up such as weekends away, kids’ sports activities and vacations, but we want a structure in place that encourages all of our women to get to class as often as they can.
~We are offering 3 runs per week next year, so that the majority of our members will be able to make at least two of these workouts. We all know that a minimum of 2 workouts per week are essential for success anyway (ideally 3), and we also know that it is a lot easier to get these in with the motivation of meeting up with your team!
We are enthusiastic about the new membership structure we are introducing this spring. In each location, we will have an “all-season” pass that includes not only the 3 workouts a week in your own city, but members will also have the ability to make up a class at any of our locations at any time! This includes weather cancellations, holidays, and your personal schedule conflicts.
We know that there are women in our program that may only be able to commit regularly to once a week, but we are confident they will find their membership and the opportunities it affords to be an increased value next year.
At the same time, we realize that any price increase is difficult in this economy, and we want to stress that scholarships and financial aid will continue to be available! Our aid application for 2012 will be online soon.
Why are we telling you all this now? Because, by request, we are offering gift certificates this week beginning with Black Friday. And yes, you can get a gift for yourself! All gift certificates bought before Dec 31 will be available at 2011 prices! In addition, to celebrate Small Business Saturday, we are offering all Black Friday and Small Biz Saturday purchasers both a tank and a tee with their class registration!
Please see http://momsontherun.com/giftcertificates.html for more info and a flyer you can print out and share with your personal Santa! Let him know what you really want for Christmas: better health, more energy, time with your girlfriends… Moms On The Run!
We want to wish all of our customers a joyous Thanksgiving celebrating with family and friends. We are thankful for you!
This Thanksgiving we want to thank all our loyal customers for their continued support of our organization and their dedication to their health and fitness. We love when you share your successes with us, let us know where we are doing well, and what we need to work on.
At Moms On The Run, we are busy in this off-season getting ready for a fabulous 2012. We take your 2011 survey feedback very seriously in deciding what things to keep the same and where we need to make program improvements. We know there have been growing pains with the fast expansion in the past couple years, and we now have year-round customer service and administrative help to meet the needs of our valued customers.
We are excited about the changes coming in 2012, including extra training for our coaches and instructors, a FREE 10k training program, an additional run each week focused on distance, a new “instructor meet and greet” before the class start date to minimize the first class paperwork process, and more incentives to keep you motivated.
We are going to be able to offer a higher level of customer service and various program improvements while increasing the price only 5-10% of our previous 2x/week pricing. There is one major change that is making this possible, and that is that we will be moving to a single MOTR membership price that includes up to three classes per week!
This decision has been made primarily due to the following reasons:
~Our participants who are enrolled twice a week have a much higher satisfaction level and have significantly better success in the program. Every mom has her things that will come up such as weekends away, kids’ sports activities and vacations, but we want a structure in place that encourages all of our women to get to class as often as they can.
~We are offering 3 runs per week next year, so that the majority of our members will be able to make at least two of these workouts. We all know that a minimum of 2 workouts per week are essential for success anyway (ideally 3), and we also know that it is a lot easier to get these in with the motivation of meeting up with your team!
We are enthusiastic about the new membership structure we are introducing this spring. In each location, we will have an “all-season” pass that includes not only the 3 workouts a week in your own city, but members will also have the ability to make up a class at any of our locations at any time! This includes weather cancellations, holidays, and your personal schedule conflicts.
We know that there are women in our program that may only be able to commit regularly to once a week, but we are confident they will find their membership and the opportunities it affords to be an increased value next year.
At the same time, we realize that any price increase is difficult in this economy, and we want to stress that scholarships and financial aid will continue to be available! Our aid application for 2012 will be online soon.
Why are we telling you all this now? Because, by request, we are offering gift certificates this week beginning with Black Friday. And yes, you can get a gift for yourself! All gift certificates bought before Dec 31 will be available at 2011 prices! In addition, to celebrate Small Business Saturday, we are offering all Black Friday and Small Biz Saturday purchasers both a tank and a tee with their class registration!
Please see http://momsontherun.com/giftcertificates.html for more info and a flyer you can print out and share with your personal Santa! Let him know what you really want for Christmas: better health, more energy, time with your girlfriends… Moms On The Run!
We want to wish all of our customers a joyous Thanksgiving celebrating with family and friends. We are thankful for you!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Changing Lives, Stride by Stride
This article was published in the "Great People, Great Places" edition of the NE metro Press newspapers this week.
When people ask me about the phenomenal growth we are experiencing, I can’t explain it well. What I do know is that women’s lives are changing. More than running, we promote nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices. “Moms” are getting in shape again and accomplishing athletic goals. “Moms” are making new friends. “Moms” are getting the social outlet they need and having FUN breaking a sweat.
To hear the testimonies of lifestyle change resulting from our program has been a complete blessing. I am inspired by the cancer survivors pursuing new healthy habits in their recovery programs. I am moved watching women from the deaf community embrace an opportunity that has no communication barriers, running alongside new friends. I am motivated by the stay-at-home moms who begin to realize the need to take time for themselves. I am encouraged by the working women who are finding healthy ways to burn off stress.
In 2007, I was quite content with my part-time personal training business that allowed me to stay home with my 3 kids. The only problem was I no longer had time to exercise! It was at this point my career path changed when I truly understood the "no time" excuse I heard over the years from my "mom" clients.
That next spring, Moms On The Run kicked off its very first 18 week training program with 26 women in Forest Lake. It was designed for all fitness levels, but it was especially created to move even the most inactive woman towards lifestyle change and the ability to complete a 5k race. When women drove from up to an hour away to join us, I realized there was a need beyond my own community, but I never imagined what would become of this excited group of ladies!
In 2011, we had 453 women (not just moms) in 10 cities around the metro. We have beginning runners, intermediates and even walkers in some locations. I receive emails from around the country from women who are looking for a program like Moms On The Run, so I know we aren’t done growing yet. At this time, I don't have the capacity to open additional locations, but we are working on establishing a national franchise structure.
Moms On The Run is committed to changing the lives of more than just the women in our programs, believing it is our responsibility to share our success with the greater global community. As long as there are children in this world with greater needs than my own, I will continue to give at least 10% of our proceeds to Feed My Starving Children (www.fmsc.org).
Although our main program is our spring and summer 5k training, we offer opportunities in the off-season as well. Check out our website today and stay updated by signing up for our mailing list on the homepage: www.MomsOnTheRun.com. Join us on facebook as well! Facebook.com/MomsAreOnTheRun
Moms love to say they put their families first… but forget that they are part of the family! Feel better. Do better. Your kids are watching you and the example you are setting for a lifestyle of health and fitness. If you are a woman who is too busy, too stressed, too tired…join us next spring. You’ll find a supportive community of women eager to encourage you toward your health and fitness goals.
When people ask me about the phenomenal growth we are experiencing, I can’t explain it well. What I do know is that women’s lives are changing. More than running, we promote nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices. “Moms” are getting in shape again and accomplishing athletic goals. “Moms” are making new friends. “Moms” are getting the social outlet they need and having FUN breaking a sweat.
To hear the testimonies of lifestyle change resulting from our program has been a complete blessing. I am inspired by the cancer survivors pursuing new healthy habits in their recovery programs. I am moved watching women from the deaf community embrace an opportunity that has no communication barriers, running alongside new friends. I am motivated by the stay-at-home moms who begin to realize the need to take time for themselves. I am encouraged by the working women who are finding healthy ways to burn off stress.
In 2007, I was quite content with my part-time personal training business that allowed me to stay home with my 3 kids. The only problem was I no longer had time to exercise! It was at this point my career path changed when I truly understood the "no time" excuse I heard over the years from my "mom" clients.
That next spring, Moms On The Run kicked off its very first 18 week training program with 26 women in Forest Lake. It was designed for all fitness levels, but it was especially created to move even the most inactive woman towards lifestyle change and the ability to complete a 5k race. When women drove from up to an hour away to join us, I realized there was a need beyond my own community, but I never imagined what would become of this excited group of ladies!
In 2011, we had 453 women (not just moms) in 10 cities around the metro. We have beginning runners, intermediates and even walkers in some locations. I receive emails from around the country from women who are looking for a program like Moms On The Run, so I know we aren’t done growing yet. At this time, I don't have the capacity to open additional locations, but we are working on establishing a national franchise structure.
Moms On The Run is committed to changing the lives of more than just the women in our programs, believing it is our responsibility to share our success with the greater global community. As long as there are children in this world with greater needs than my own, I will continue to give at least 10% of our proceeds to Feed My Starving Children (www.fmsc.org).
Although our main program is our spring and summer 5k training, we offer opportunities in the off-season as well. Check out our website today and stay updated by signing up for our mailing list on the homepage: www.MomsOnTheRun.com. Join us on facebook as well! Facebook.com/MomsAreOnTheRun
Moms love to say they put their families first… but forget that they are part of the family! Feel better. Do better. Your kids are watching you and the example you are setting for a lifestyle of health and fitness. If you are a woman who is too busy, too stressed, too tired…join us next spring. You’ll find a supportive community of women eager to encourage you toward your health and fitness goals.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
End of Season Address at the Celebration & Awards Dinner
Welcome! Thank you so much for making it out on the night before your big race. I’m going to get my little speech out of the way right away, and then we can get to the carbs! This is so exciting tonight. It’s always fun for me to have you all together. A night like this in celebration of a 4th season certainly wasn’t in my imagination 3 years ago when a group of us gathered at Mansetti’s in Forest Lake the night before our race in 2008. Some of you are here tonight.
It was your excitement and dedication that inspired me to pursue the thought of bringing this chance at fitness to women all around the Twin Cities area. At the time I was building a pretty nice personal training business, but isn’t it funny how God seems to have this way of laughing at our plans, and turning them upside down… to make something even better!
The funnest part of my job this summer was getting out to the classes to meet you all. I don’t get RoxAnn and Rodell mixed up any more, the sisters from White Bear Lake…and I no longer call Melissa from Blaine Kristen! I regret that I was NOT able to learn everyone’s name this year, but I guess I have to be okay with that. I loved being anonymous and surprising people who had no idea who I was by being this over-friendly stranger introducing myself to everyone on the trail. I was asked often if I was visiting from another class. I got a good laugh at myself too, because in my personal life I am quite the opposite – the shy one who never says a word in a group setting.
I especially loved running an entire class anonymously even in my home location of Forest Lake…When noting how many friends I had in the class, someone asked me about my spotty attendance record and said she hadn’t seen me in a couple months.
I love to hear the stories about your kids and their encouragement for your running, or their excitement when they see another Mom in a pink shirt. Some of them are starting to figure out that Mom is happier when she runs. I enjoyed running into Christy once from White Bear to learn how her daughter Ella has been training like mad in a local park for the Daisy Dash tomorrow. I love the comedy of a 9 year old boy who asked why our logo is a stick woman, to which his mom Melinda replied “Because we all want to be skinny.”
I’m questioning now if we need a new logo – a strong mom with a baby on her hip, a smart phone in her hand, her to-do list spiraling out of her head, and her running shoes ON.
Thank you for working hard this season. For not giving up when it was 100 degrees. For running in rain, and hanging out in shelters waiting for lightening to pass. You inspire me every day. I love to get your encouraging emails and your fun notes about your excitement in the mail when I get your checks.
You keep me going on the hard days. There have been a lot of growing pains this season. Next year I will not be opening any new locations myself, but focusing on creating a better experience for our participants in our existing location. A franchise opportunity has been created to help women start their own program and in certain cities we have a customer base ready to go when the right person comes along. I have hired more help for all of this, just yesterday in fact. Angela, will you please stand. As a team, the three of us, Melinda, Angela and I will be able to better meet the needs of our growing group of women.
I know that those of you who are here tonight are some of the most enthusiastic in the bunch. I thank you for your support of this program, and your contagious excitement that helps it to flourish. Tomorrow many of you will be accomplishing new goals and breaking old records. Many of you will be running a 5k race for the first time. If tomorrow will be your first race, or you experienced your first race during this season of Moms On The Run, will you please stand? {We had DOZENS of women standing!!} Yes, they definitely deserve that round of applause.
With that, we have a race to get ready for, so let’s get to those carbs!
It was your excitement and dedication that inspired me to pursue the thought of bringing this chance at fitness to women all around the Twin Cities area. At the time I was building a pretty nice personal training business, but isn’t it funny how God seems to have this way of laughing at our plans, and turning them upside down… to make something even better!
The funnest part of my job this summer was getting out to the classes to meet you all. I don’t get RoxAnn and Rodell mixed up any more, the sisters from White Bear Lake…and I no longer call Melissa from Blaine Kristen! I regret that I was NOT able to learn everyone’s name this year, but I guess I have to be okay with that. I loved being anonymous and surprising people who had no idea who I was by being this over-friendly stranger introducing myself to everyone on the trail. I was asked often if I was visiting from another class. I got a good laugh at myself too, because in my personal life I am quite the opposite – the shy one who never says a word in a group setting.
I especially loved running an entire class anonymously even in my home location of Forest Lake…When noting how many friends I had in the class, someone asked me about my spotty attendance record and said she hadn’t seen me in a couple months.
I love to hear the stories about your kids and their encouragement for your running, or their excitement when they see another Mom in a pink shirt. Some of them are starting to figure out that Mom is happier when she runs. I enjoyed running into Christy once from White Bear to learn how her daughter Ella has been training like mad in a local park for the Daisy Dash tomorrow. I love the comedy of a 9 year old boy who asked why our logo is a stick woman, to which his mom Melinda replied “Because we all want to be skinny.”
I’m questioning now if we need a new logo – a strong mom with a baby on her hip, a smart phone in her hand, her to-do list spiraling out of her head, and her running shoes ON.
Thank you for working hard this season. For not giving up when it was 100 degrees. For running in rain, and hanging out in shelters waiting for lightening to pass. You inspire me every day. I love to get your encouraging emails and your fun notes about your excitement in the mail when I get your checks.
You keep me going on the hard days. There have been a lot of growing pains this season. Next year I will not be opening any new locations myself, but focusing on creating a better experience for our participants in our existing location. A franchise opportunity has been created to help women start their own program and in certain cities we have a customer base ready to go when the right person comes along. I have hired more help for all of this, just yesterday in fact. Angela, will you please stand. As a team, the three of us, Melinda, Angela and I will be able to better meet the needs of our growing group of women.
I know that those of you who are here tonight are some of the most enthusiastic in the bunch. I thank you for your support of this program, and your contagious excitement that helps it to flourish. Tomorrow many of you will be accomplishing new goals and breaking old records. Many of you will be running a 5k race for the first time. If tomorrow will be your first race, or you experienced your first race during this season of Moms On The Run, will you please stand? {We had DOZENS of women standing!!} Yes, they definitely deserve that round of applause.
With that, we have a race to get ready for, so let’s get to those carbs!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Karissa's 2010 End-of-season Address
Moms On The Run began with a group of young moms taking a mom and baby fitness class I taught in a local park. One spunky participant, who had joined the class after her husband found a flyer in their yard when he was mowing the lawn, decided she wanted to train for a 5k, and talked all her new best friends into this crazy idea. Stand up Tia.
Tia has lost 40 pounds since the start of the first season, and next year, will be an inspiration to so many when she steps up to become the head instructor of the Forest Lake class.
My continued interest and dedication to this program is motivated by stories such as this. In personal training, my ability to help people is limited by their income. Now, as an instructor of 26, and then 52, and now 197, the stories keep coming. So to those of you who have shared with me your stories, or your enthusiasm for the program, thank you. This is what keeps me going when obstacles arise, as they have.
I want to share with you just a couple of those stories from this week… although I want to decline some of the personal credit because I believe this program is what it is because of all of YOU. With her permission, Michelle from Shoreview wrote “what an amazing, surprising delight it has been to be a part of your program. I truly NEVER thought I'd make it to the end of this. All of my old friends are saying: "YOU? RUNNING? IN A RACE??? NO WAY!!" Your program has proven that ANYONE can do it if they follow the plan you've laid out and have GREAT instructors (such as Amy O!). I appreciate your program which has not only gotten me to start running, but even more so to a healthier lifestyle.”
Another Michelle, in Forest Lake, who was not able to be here tonight, said “I wanted to tell you how wonderful your program is. Without you, I would never have gotten off my butt and gotten into better shape. I've lost about 20 pounds, I'm eating right now and I feel TONS better. I also don't have headaches or backaches anymore. I feel like I'm going to be a lifelong runner, all thanks to you. I'm a huge supporter of your program and would recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat. It's changed my life.” Michelle found out about the program when she was assigned to write about it for the front page story in the Forest Lake Press this spring. Again I want to humbly take out some of the “yous” from those testimonials. Moms On The Run is successful because of all of you guys. Women who make it a priority in their busy weeks to come together to sweat and laugh. Motivating and encouraging each other, inspiring each other to each take care of yourselves, so you can better care for your families. You most certainly inspire me.
One more testimony that made me laugh: This class gave me the motivation, accountability, and training schedule to turn me from someone reluctantly running so my butt wouldn’t get big, to someone who loves running and looks forward to it. It has been fun and incredibly motivating to get faster and feel stronger while paying a lot less than I pay for my gym membership. I’m already looking forward to fall!
You guys have worked hard. Some of you will smash old records at the race tomorrow. Some of you will be thrilled to finish with some recent challenges or injuries you’ve been facing. Many of you believe you will be last. So we should have quite the crew holding up the back! How many of you are running your very 1st 5k race tomorrow?
And now for the NOT so good news. As much as I love everything about this program as it is NOW, I have big decisions ahead of me regarding changes that need to be made. After careful analysis of the unanticipated expenses and marketing costs of this season, it is clear that the current structure of growth is not financially sustainable. While well-meaning consultants have advised I raise the price, I believe the affordability of the program is a huge component of it’s success. This program should be available to all families.
So instead, I’m asking for your help. I have a different plan. I hope to rally you today into a grass roots effort. It is the print advertising and distribution costs that are so prohibitive. I believe I can reduce these costs by encouraging women to do what they do best: talk! If this program has made a significant difference in your life, please share it. Come next spring, could you blog about it? Tweet about it, post it as your status? Could you especially help spread the word to friends in other areas of the metro?
For 2011, I am hoping to put together a volunteer marketing team to do things such as these, and also to delivery flyers, and help me learn more about other areas of the metro that I am unfamiliar with, especially the western metro. Please let me know if this interests you.
Tomorrow is it! If you don’t want the fun to end, consider joining us this fall. I have extended the regular registration rates on my website through tonight. I hope all of you will stay active this winter. I’m sure you have many new friends you can call on to hold you accountable. Next spring, I hope we all will be back together again, reaching for new goals. Perhaps a faster time, or a longer distance. Maybe you’ll be ready for a 10k, or even a 10 mile. Some of you will be quite content sticking with the 5k distance. You’re wondering if you’re going to make it tomorrow. With the adrenaline of the event and the encouragement of your teammates, you will.
I leave you with one final reminder – do not leave after the race tomorrow until after our large group photo with Sven! Now get some sleep, and we’ll see you in the morning!
Tia has lost 40 pounds since the start of the first season, and next year, will be an inspiration to so many when she steps up to become the head instructor of the Forest Lake class.
My continued interest and dedication to this program is motivated by stories such as this. In personal training, my ability to help people is limited by their income. Now, as an instructor of 26, and then 52, and now 197, the stories keep coming. So to those of you who have shared with me your stories, or your enthusiasm for the program, thank you. This is what keeps me going when obstacles arise, as they have.
I want to share with you just a couple of those stories from this week… although I want to decline some of the personal credit because I believe this program is what it is because of all of YOU. With her permission, Michelle from Shoreview wrote “what an amazing, surprising delight it has been to be a part of your program. I truly NEVER thought I'd make it to the end of this. All of my old friends are saying: "YOU? RUNNING? IN A RACE??? NO WAY!!" Your program has proven that ANYONE can do it if they follow the plan you've laid out and have GREAT instructors (such as Amy O!). I appreciate your program which has not only gotten me to start running, but even more so to a healthier lifestyle.”
Another Michelle, in Forest Lake, who was not able to be here tonight, said “I wanted to tell you how wonderful your program is. Without you, I would never have gotten off my butt and gotten into better shape. I've lost about 20 pounds, I'm eating right now and I feel TONS better. I also don't have headaches or backaches anymore. I feel like I'm going to be a lifelong runner, all thanks to you. I'm a huge supporter of your program and would recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat. It's changed my life.” Michelle found out about the program when she was assigned to write about it for the front page story in the Forest Lake Press this spring. Again I want to humbly take out some of the “yous” from those testimonials. Moms On The Run is successful because of all of you guys. Women who make it a priority in their busy weeks to come together to sweat and laugh. Motivating and encouraging each other, inspiring each other to each take care of yourselves, so you can better care for your families. You most certainly inspire me.
One more testimony that made me laugh: This class gave me the motivation, accountability, and training schedule to turn me from someone reluctantly running so my butt wouldn’t get big, to someone who loves running and looks forward to it. It has been fun and incredibly motivating to get faster and feel stronger while paying a lot less than I pay for my gym membership. I’m already looking forward to fall!
You guys have worked hard. Some of you will smash old records at the race tomorrow. Some of you will be thrilled to finish with some recent challenges or injuries you’ve been facing. Many of you believe you will be last. So we should have quite the crew holding up the back! How many of you are running your very 1st 5k race tomorrow?
And now for the NOT so good news. As much as I love everything about this program as it is NOW, I have big decisions ahead of me regarding changes that need to be made. After careful analysis of the unanticipated expenses and marketing costs of this season, it is clear that the current structure of growth is not financially sustainable. While well-meaning consultants have advised I raise the price, I believe the affordability of the program is a huge component of it’s success. This program should be available to all families.
So instead, I’m asking for your help. I have a different plan. I hope to rally you today into a grass roots effort. It is the print advertising and distribution costs that are so prohibitive. I believe I can reduce these costs by encouraging women to do what they do best: talk! If this program has made a significant difference in your life, please share it. Come next spring, could you blog about it? Tweet about it, post it as your status? Could you especially help spread the word to friends in other areas of the metro?
For 2011, I am hoping to put together a volunteer marketing team to do things such as these, and also to delivery flyers, and help me learn more about other areas of the metro that I am unfamiliar with, especially the western metro. Please let me know if this interests you.
Tomorrow is it! If you don’t want the fun to end, consider joining us this fall. I have extended the regular registration rates on my website through tonight. I hope all of you will stay active this winter. I’m sure you have many new friends you can call on to hold you accountable. Next spring, I hope we all will be back together again, reaching for new goals. Perhaps a faster time, or a longer distance. Maybe you’ll be ready for a 10k, or even a 10 mile. Some of you will be quite content sticking with the 5k distance. You’re wondering if you’re going to make it tomorrow. With the adrenaline of the event and the encouragement of your teammates, you will.
I leave you with one final reminder – do not leave after the race tomorrow until after our large group photo with Sven! Now get some sleep, and we’ll see you in the morning!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
MOMS are in the news!
Check out this story that made it into several local papers.
Press Publications
Press Publications
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