Former "I hate running" Mom is now converted! The class was just what I needed to understand why so many people are runners. The pace of the class and the other runners kept me going forward with a positive attitude. Before I knew it, I was running for 30 minutes straight. With my training partner by my side we kept focused on our mutual goal and pushed each other through those runs we didn't think we could do. Running my first 5K was an amazing experience. I was more excited than nervous, and crossing the finishing line was one of those life experiences I will never forget.

After moving to Minnesota from Phoenix and a little desperate from gaining "winter weight" I knew I had to do something !!! At 43 I had never ran before and it didn't seem to be an option for me with 2 little kids, but the class caught my eye. I was one of the older ladies in the group and at first it was really hard and COLD.......but then the pounds came off, I started making friends, and now I am addicted to running and can't wait for the next class to begin!!!!

Karissa made me feel welcome the very first class and gave me many options to suit my level of strength after having a baby. Not only was I spending quality time with my son, I was taking care of myself and getting a workout. Karissa knows firsthand how to juggle a family and take care of the mommy in me!

Joining the running group gave me increased endurance-not only physical stamina, but my staying power for being a mom and writer. This class strengthens the spirit.

My chiropractor asked if I had changed my workout routine, because she noticed my muscle tone had improved!

Karissa and her crew not only kept me accountable, but inspired me to show up! I met ladies who were where I am in my life- young children, busy schedules and "sagging parts" with a will for change. These ladies were wonderful in their ability to keep me coming back for more. I can't wait to give my 'parts' a workout again.

I never imaged that I would look forward to running on a Saturday morning! Karissa has brought running to a whole new audience. I feel so supported when participating in her classes. The best part of the weekly runs was the conversations during running. If you are looking for a way to be motivated, join us this year! I can't wait for the spring session to start!

I joined the Moms on the Run class because it was time to get in shape. I couldn't even run for 1 minute when I joined. Through joining and completing the class, I not only became a runner, but lost 20 pounds in the process. It also allowed me to make some great friends and spend quality time with my daughter.

Exercise to me was always something I just did; not because I liked it but because I had to in order to fit into my clothes. I was neither athletic nor very fit and became tired and bored easily with exercise programs. When I started running with this group it was very difficult for me but the other ladies kept me focused with their encouragement and their examples. Today, I love running- I look forward to it and I have transformed my health and my body.

I was introduced to Moms on the Run when the flyer fell out of my weekly newspaper, a great group of women and a great way to exercise literally fell right into my lap!  The opportunity was too obvious for me to pass up, so being new to Forest Lake I thought I would give it a try.  I knew I could run, I had done it off and on for years, but I had never tried a running group.  My one hesitation was that I was not a mom, I only have a dog! Karissa and the rest of the ladies made me feel welcome from the start.  I enjoyed the conversations we had running and I have learned a lot about running, overall health and wellbeing, the strength of women in general, and also many helpful hints for when motherhood does come my way!  In addition to those bits of fun I have also become hooked on running, I have missed it in the "off season" and often find myself at the gym on the treadmill or even running the trail on my own sometimes.  I also know that if I am in the need of a running companion I can call up any of the ladies in the group and they would be happy to join me!  I recommend the group to anyone, mom or not!