Moms on the Run

This past weekend, all Moms on the Run locations across the country planned to gather in one place — on the turquoise beaches of Clearwater, FL, for Run Clearwater. While the pandemic made that impossible, our substitute virtual run retreat — Beach Break Weekend — was undoubtedly a successful time of 'Fitness, Fun and Friendship.' 

We kicked off the weekend together online with Beach Running Bingo, lots of prizes and movie night featuring the documentary "Spirit of the Marathon," which chronicles the journey of six runners as they train for the Chicago Marathon. (We all agreed if you didn't have running a marathon as a goal, watching that will certainly make you want to do one!)

Saturday featured a day of awesome activities! We started with a warm-up and fun run via the Charge app, with Coaches Carrie Tollefson and Amy Magdalein in our ears talking us through a 40-min run or walk. You could watch how far your fellow runners ran and participate in a live chat via the app. Coach Carrie then led us through a boot camp and cool down. 

Four years ago, Karin Munksgaard, a member of Apple Valley (MN) Moms on the Run, chose to challenge herself with running — something she thought she could never do. Not only is it something she learned how to do, but it's helped her thrive with new friendships, confidence, motivation and, despite a pandemic, her first half marathon.

Read our conversation with Karin and learn why she's an inspiring member. 

We are excited to announce one of the guest speakers of our Beach Break virtual retreat weekend, Jan. 29-30, will be Lauren Fleshman, Co-Founder of Picky Bars and Wilder Running and Writing Retreats in Bend, Oregon. She is the Head Coach of Littlewing Athletics, a non-profit organization preparing local athletes for the Olympic Trials in Track and Field. During her 13 years as a Professional Runner she competed at five World Championships for Team USA, led the USA to bronze in cross country, and equaled the highest ever finish for an American in the 5k with 7th place. She won multiple Championship titles at the NCAA and Pro levels, served on the Board of Directors for USA Track and Field, and uses her expertise to guide the next generation of rising talent through her coaching, public speaking, published work and commitment to inclusive feminism. ​

For more information or to register for our Beach Break weekend, click here. 

Bobbi Farley of Eau Claire (WI) Moms on the Run was adamant she would never run a marathon. Running seven years with Moms on the Run and completing 13 half marathons, she was certain 13.1 was her body's max. Her team, however, inspired her to think differently. Bobbi decided to register and train for her first marathon in the spring of 2019. Two weeks before race day, unfortunately, her goal was cut short when she received crushing news: She had colon cancer.