This program is designed to move even a couch potato towards regular activity.  By the end of the season everyone who has participated has been able to complete a 5k.  Almost all who have wished to do so have been able to do so without walking at all, but walking more than is scheduled is welcome at any time of the program or race. A walking workout incorporating speed intervals is an alternative option for both class and the race, and this is a very effective fat-burning workout. If you have any questions regarding your medical history and whether this class is a fit for you please contact us.

Not at all. We've had many women participate who are not mothers. See what Bridget and Tracy have to say on the testimonials page!

Of course! We want this to be convenient for your "mom" life. Whether your child care fell through or you just want to spend some time with your kiddos, you are welcome to bring them in a jogging stroller or alongside you on a bike or rollerblades at your own discretion. Their safety is 100% your responsibility. You will be responsible for keeping them "out of the way" for safety reasons. Please help them to be aware of the other women on the trail. If you have a child 10 or older that would actually like to come regularly to run the interval program with you, the cost per child is $75 for once or twice a week and a shirt is not included. Don't forget to check out our Kids On The Run program for your grade school aged children/entire family!

No! We have had women of all ages participate, even into the mid 60s. One great thing about this program is its ability to create friendships and a sense of team among women at all stages of life.

Yes, it is our goal that no one be denied participation due to finances.  We have partial and full scholarships available. An application is available here.

Class begins with a 5 minute walking warmup and concludes with a 5 minute walking cooldown and stretching.  The middle portion is about 30 minutes of cardiovascular interval work.  The beginning runners will start mostly walking, as little as 30 seconds of running in a 5 minute period at first.  The structured progression is a safe, gradual way to build up endurance for running a 5k.  See below for more details on the walking and intermediate programs. 

The entire class is 45 minutes. Please see more details above under class structure. Boot camp adds an additional 12 minutes.

You will be given a workout schedule for the entire 18 weeks that will help you figure out how to keep up with the rest of the class while you are gone.  No discounts are given for lesser attendance.  Class price is set for participation in the program vs. a certain number of classes, and is based on an assumption that everyone will have their vacations and missed classes.

This question is only applicable in locations that offer class pricing by attendance level. Yes, the fee for this is $10 a class and you can be billed at the end of the season. For most people it is more economical to just sign up for twice a week if they think they may frequently be able to go twice a week. Nonmembers can also come to class anytime for $15. Please try to warn the instructor ahead of time if you are bringing a friend so she can have the appropriate liability forms on hand.

For attendance-based class pricing: Since it is summer, a lot of people will miss a lot of classes, including the "twice a week people" - and when they miss, they will not have any chances to make it up. If you are a once-a-weeker, you will have two freebies - dates you can switch to if you can't make your assigned night. There is the option of paying for extra classes, which is $10 a class billable at the end of the season, or to just sign up for twice a week (since it's the better deal) and come whenever you can. There are exceptions to this in certain circumstances, like a nurse's rotating schedule, where they work 4 days on 4 days off (or similar), where we allow a rotating night enrollment since there is no predictability in their schedule.

For unlimited class pricing in the Twin Cities Metro: Yes! You may make up classes missed for weather, schedule, or any reason at all by attending a nearby class in another location.

Full enrollment in more than one location requires full payment to both, however you may be able to negotiate a deal with the owners of those locations. If you are enrolled in only one location but wish to do make-up classes in another city or try out another location in the Twin Cities area, this is acceptable if agreed on by the owners of your selected locations.

I highly recommend getting the opinion of a running shoe expert in selecting the right shoe for your foot. There is no one "brand" that is best for everyone. There are several area stores that offer not only gait analysis and fitting expertise, but a discount for Moms On The Run! In White Bear Lake, MOTR Platinum Sponsor Tri Fitness at 2193 4th Street offers 15% off. Right Fit Running in Mounds View also offers 15% off. The store is located in the Mounds View Square Mall at 2557 County Road 10. Run 'n Fun in St. Paul and Burnsville have offered 20% off, and for the most southern participants, we also have the Runner's Gate in Lakeville offering us 20% off. They are located at 7676 160th Street, Lakeville, MN 55044.

The most affordable sports interval watch I have found that contains the "2 interval" mode function is the Timex Ironman 50-lap.  It almost always retails for 39.99 and is available at Target and Walmart, usually in several colors. Unless it is on sale, the models priced less than this do not contain a 2 interval function.  Click here to view online.

The best thing you can be doing now is just increasing your overall activity level. There is no need to do any running before class starts if you are a beginner, but regularly walking is a great idea. We do not recommend running at all for those entering our "Learn to Run" program, as we want to provide you with the best possible injury-free start.

As a long-time runner it is very easy to get stuck in a steady-pace cardio routine. If running was once a fitness challenge, it now has less of an impact on our cardiovascular conditioning and metabolic rate.  Incorporating speed intervals into your workout is a great way to improve your fat-burning power and to challenge yourself to faster times and improved endurance.  We will keep things interesting by trying a variety of different speed intervals that will push our limits and keep us working hard even after "all these years" of running.

Walking programs will be available in select locations based on demand. If you are a walker, please register and we will offer you a refund if the program does not fill. Running is not for everyone, and walking provides a significant fat-burning workout if it is done in a challenging way.  The walkers can choose to follow either the intervals of the beginning or intermediate runners depending on their conditioning level.  Incorporating speed intervals into one's walking routine is a great way to keep the exercise challenging and fun.

Yes! 10k, 10 mile, and Half Marathon training programs are available in select locations based on demand.

There will be an additional 12 minute strength and toning portion immediately after the class stretching time. These are bodyweight exercises designed to improve metabolism, overall fitness level and running performance. Some examples are squats, push-ups, lunges and planks. It is not included in the basic program because we don't want the additional time or financial commitment to deter overall participation. However, the price will go down for 2012! We want more women to be able to participate in this important part of the program.

Although this has been a considered in the past, we have decided not to hold separate classes based on level for the following reasons:

1: There is a very large “gray” area between beginners and intermediates, especially among past class participants who have accomplished a 5k but have been inactive during the winter months.
2: Since there are faster beginners and slower intermediates, holding classes together increases the chance everyone will have someone at their pace to run with.
3: The intermediate runners are very inspirational to the beginning runners. (They love to hear about how you used to be in their shoes when they say they don’t think they’re going to make it!)
4: We would be separating friends (who met in this class, of course!)

From a class member's perspective, the fee provides motivation, accountability, a shirt, a structured, guided exercise program, and fun! From a business perspective, the class fee covers the instruction, organization and administration of the program, including overhead expenses such as legal fees, instructor wages, insurance, web maintenance, marketing, shirts, etc.

Until March 15th, registration is refundable minus a $25 processing fee. After this date, there will be no refunds for any reason. Participant levels at the beginning of the season determine whether to hold the class, how many instructors to hire, and instructor wages. These are not adjustable after the season begins. This policy benefits the participants as well. Women who have considered dropping out but stuck with it do to their financial investment have ended up having a fabulous season! When life gets in the way, it is all too easy for women to throw in the towel on their exercise program first. Every effort will be made to help the class work out for you. If schedule issues come up you may switch to another metro location with better class times. If an injury occurs we will work with you to make the program adaptable to your needs. Walkers are welcome and encouraged to remain in the program. If in any event you need to drop from the class early on, by May 30th you may apply 50% of your class fee towards a future MOTR class within the next 12 months. This offer may vary by location.