2019 Twin Cities' Most Inspirational Member: Stephanie Hoffmann

Stephanie, in the purple headband, with some of her teammates

Selected from some amazing nominations at our annual Celebration Event last weekend in Minneapolis, Stephanie Hoffmann is Moms on the Run Twin Cities' 2019 Most Inspirational Member.

A new member this season to Moms on the Run, Stephanie says, "It's hard for me to take such an honor, but I truly am touched and I hope that my story can help others feel more safe to share their struggles. Maybe on a run, maybe over coffee, maybe over text...whatever that is, Moms on the Run is a safe place to start the process of sharing and also getting healthy." 

Read on to find out why Stephanie, a member of Burnsville/Lakeville Moms on the Run, is so inspiring. 

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The nominator, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared the following about her teammate:

"[Stephanie] was a new member in our group this year and she was very quiet but as I got to know her, she really taught me a lot about her life and goals. She joined to meet people because for her, running was normal but trying to meet people was hard. She has always dealt with anxiety and depression and running was the way she could let it all go. Stephanie is very open about all her goals.

Here is something she sent me:
'If you keep fighting to achieve your goals you will be surprised how much it can help in the maintaining of a positive attitude, healthy mind and body. This applies to whatever it is that is your passion in life - running, walking? Even when it cools off, don't let that stop you. Be proactive with your health and let simple things in your life energize you. When I ran my last marathon, I reflected on how many people were doing the same thing as me. How many people were battling injuries and still running? There are all sizes and shapes of runners but it's not what you look like, it's the time you put in to accomplish your goals.'

I learned a lot from her and she always could make me feel good about my small accomplishments. We didn't always run together because our pace was a bit difference but she always stopped and slowed down to run with me and make sure I was doing ok."

Stephanie said the award came as a total shock. "I am not the outgoing member in a group," she laughs. "The reason I run is to help my anxiety and after I am done, I feel it goes down a ton. I am honest and it's amazing how talking to someone can help. The other members I have opened up with have also shared common feelings; that is when you realize sharing is safe.  If by sharing things I can help even one person, then it's worth it."

Congratulations, Stephanie! Keep inspiring your team!

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