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This month brings a lot of emotion, for two reasons. 1. My birthday is coming up, and that means another year older (which doesn’t excite me as much as it once did). 2. Because it was at this time of year (2 years ago) that I found a group that helped me become the person I was searching for. I decided 2 years ago, that I was no longer going to be ‘ok’ with how I viewed myself. I spoke negatively about myself. I decided that I had 5 years to figure out a better, healthier lifestyle. Thankfully I didn’t have to do it on my own.
Let’s back up for a moment. We had moved to Rochester for jobs, we had 2 young children, I commuted, and wasn’t making any friends…with what time?? I commuted and then had to be a mom and a wife. I wasn’t happy being here, and the unfortunate part was my husband saw right through me. I am typically the one who makes friends easily (I like to chat), except this time, it wasn’t coming easily. I decided I needed to stop the commute—after a long deliberation of “What should I do?”
I moved into a job that was 5 minutes from home, and almost instantly became a happier person. Not without its ups and downs, I loved the transition with the new job. Along with the job came new connections. That’s where it all started. I was invited to come try out a “preview day” with a group called Moms on the Run, I literally laughed in her face, and said “Did you say run?…Because I don’t!” She said “It’ll be fun.”
Sure, uh huh…running = fun? I didn’t EVER put those 2 words in the same sentence.
Nonetheless, I reminded myself of becoming healthier, since everything else I was trying, wasn’t “sticking”. I figured, what was the harm? I could go, and if I didn’t like it, no big deal, at least I tried. I’ll spare all the details (come to one of our classes, and I’ll share more—just ask any one of our members, they’ll tell you that I’ll talk your ear off—makes running easier in my opinion). It was challenging, but at the end of it, I felt accomplished. It was exactly what I needed. The members would cheer each other on, motivate each other. They were having fun while running (crazy, right??). It was something I never felt before, the encouragement of others in this type of setting.
The best part, is we all have a story (and I’m on a mission to hear them all!), we all have something that drives us. No one story is better than the other, we are all unique in why we come together to not only get a good workout in, but to be with our friends. These women saved me (without even knowing it). If it wasn’t for Moms on the Run, I would have asked to move back to Maple Grove. I would have missed out on meeting and hearing all the beautiful stories of these ladies.
So yes, I get emotional, as I have “stuck” to something longer than a couple months. I get emotional, as this a group of women I call friends. I get emotional, because they are all beautiful, amazing, and strong (you should see their muscles). This group brings out the best in me. They inspire/support/coach/educate (the list goes on and on). Recently, my friend and now business partner, Samantha, asked me to take on the business of Moms on the Run together. We have had a lot to learn (still do), but the one thing we knew is that we wanted to keep these stories coming. We want new members to feel like we did when we joined. We want to inspire, coach and support women in this crazy thing called life. Come join us, share your story (if you like), and make more with us!
