At MOTR we love that women from all walks of life have found a home with us ~ a comfort zone, a great group of friends, a support system of encouragement on the lifelong journey of fitness.
We are moms, we are not moms. We are fast and slow, work inside the home and out. We are married and single, divorced and even widowed. And we run to leave it all behind on the pavement.
We are young (18), and not so young (73!)...and we come in all shapes and sizes!
We want to be an organization that offers a comfortable entry into this lifelong journey of fitness, especially for those who feel they have a long way to go. Don't ever think "I have to lose the weight first" to come and join us.
It can take an extra vote of self-confidence when you have weight to lose and you are contemplating starting a running program. In the next couple weeks we will be posting some entries on this topic from a guest blogger, Anne Kelly, President of an active wear company that specializes in plus-size athletic clothing. You won't want to miss her encouragement, so check back soon!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
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!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Get SMARTER in 2012
What if we were to loosen our grip on the word "Resolution" this year in favor of a new concept that actually stands to get us results? Introducing: SMARTER goals.
Yes these goals are intelligent - they include the plan in place to accomplish the desired outcome. What are SMARTER goals?
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Trackable/Time-Sensitive
Evaluate
Reevaluate
It's the difference between saying "I'm going to lose 15 pounds by summer" and saying:
"I'm going to lose 1/2 a pound a week by cutting out sweets at night and adding 2 3-mile runs to my routine each week between now and June 1st."
And the difference one month from now in saying "Only one pound! This isn't worth it! Where's the ice cream?!" and saying, "4 weeks and I'm down one pound instead of two. Do I need to start tracking what I'm eating to make sure I'm burning more calories than I'm consuming each week?"
Grab a friend this week and discuss your SMARTER goals. Evaluate together. Reevaluate together. And don't forget to pick out for yourselves some rewards!
Yes these goals are intelligent - they include the plan in place to accomplish the desired outcome. What are SMARTER goals?
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Trackable/Time-Sensitive
Evaluate
Reevaluate
It's the difference between saying "I'm going to lose 15 pounds by summer" and saying:
"I'm going to lose 1/2 a pound a week by cutting out sweets at night and adding 2 3-mile runs to my routine each week between now and June 1st."
And the difference one month from now in saying "Only one pound! This isn't worth it! Where's the ice cream?!" and saying, "4 weeks and I'm down one pound instead of two. Do I need to start tracking what I'm eating to make sure I'm burning more calories than I'm consuming each week?"
Grab a friend this week and discuss your SMARTER goals. Evaluate together. Reevaluate together. And don't forget to pick out for yourselves some rewards!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Aim to Maintain: the MOTR Healthy Holidays Challenge!
So… red and green tin foil wrappers make chocolate consumption mandatory in the name of being festive, and a workout is hard to squeeze in on a day that already holds a preschool concert, dance recital, and family holiday gathering… all at the same time! I don’t know about you, but I’m finding it a little challenging to keep focused on health this month. How about a fun facebook contest to hold each other accountable?
Here’s how to participate:
Step 1: Record your weight on December 5th or whatever date you start. This is for your information only. Your goal is to earn points for healthy lifestyle activities and to maintain this weight over the next three weeks. (Let’s get real and save those weight loss goals for January!)
Step 2: Find the Facebook post announcing this contest and share with the world that you want in!
Step 3: Post a comment each weekend with your weekly points under the challenge check-in post. Watch for these December 9, 16 and 23.
Step 4: Post your total points the week after Christmas. Everyone who made it to 75 points will be entered in a drawing to win a MOTR prize pack including an embroidered gym bag and $50 MOTR gift certificate. Additional prize to our top scorer! MOTR coaches are welcome to participate. I will participate too, and if I win somebody owes me a prize. :)
Here’s how to get points! The following activities are all worth one point each:
10 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (this could be a brisk walk, gym machine, run outside, etc.)
10 minutes of strength training
5 servings of fruits and veggies in a day
Make it through a day without sweets.
8+ glasses of water in a day
7+ hours of sleep in a night
Add 10 points at the end if you maintained your weight!
Who’s in?! www.facebook.com/MomsAreOnTheRun
Here’s how to participate:
Step 1: Record your weight on December 5th or whatever date you start. This is for your information only. Your goal is to earn points for healthy lifestyle activities and to maintain this weight over the next three weeks. (Let’s get real and save those weight loss goals for January!)
Step 2: Find the Facebook post announcing this contest and share with the world that you want in!
Step 3: Post a comment each weekend with your weekly points under the challenge check-in post. Watch for these December 9, 16 and 23.
Step 4: Post your total points the week after Christmas. Everyone who made it to 75 points will be entered in a drawing to win a MOTR prize pack including an embroidered gym bag and $50 MOTR gift certificate. Additional prize to our top scorer! MOTR coaches are welcome to participate. I will participate too, and if I win somebody owes me a prize. :)
Here’s how to get points! The following activities are all worth one point each:
10 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (this could be a brisk walk, gym machine, run outside, etc.)
10 minutes of strength training
5 servings of fruits and veggies in a day
Make it through a day without sweets.
8+ glasses of water in a day
7+ hours of sleep in a night
Add 10 points at the end if you maintained your weight!
Who’s in?! www.facebook.com/MomsAreOnTheRun
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.
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