MOMS ON THE RUN

​Jacksonville, Fla. Moms on the Run member Cory Schaefer has endured a few stressors in the last several years: a job relocation from Wisconsin to Florida, a craniectomy on her 3-month-old to correct a birth defect, her mom diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this past March, and a job loss in May. Because of Moms on the Run, she has not only endured those trials, but thrived — losing 70 pounds in the process. 

Warming up before you exercise is the most important part of training, according to platinum sponsor Twin Cities Orthopedics. In their blog, "Warm up to perform, cool down to recover," TCO offers helpful tips on proper warmups and cooldowns. Be sure to prioritize both for successful training. 

Traci Tapani is used to breaking stereotypes. In her 20s, she became co-owner with her sister of a precision sheet metal fabrication company — one of the few women-owned businesses in a heavily male-dominated industry. She has been invited to speak before Congress and the White House regarding women in manufacturing.

Raising two daughters as a single mom, Tapani was searching for a way to get back into running and make new friends when she decided to join White Bear Lake/Shoreview Moms on the Run. But she didn’t do that the traditional way, either. In fact, she is one of the few members to initially join Moms on the Run during Polar Club — hitting the snow-covered trails in Minnesota in frigid January. 
 
Grab a cup of coffee, protein shake or bottle of water and read on for more of our conversation with this inspiring woman. 

If you would have told Becky Nye at her first Moms on the Run class in 2012 that she would one day run a marathon, she would have called you crazy.
 
“I was overweight, 42 years old, not the least bit athletic, and had never run more than a 100-yard dash in high school.” But six years later, she did it. Along with four other Woodbury MOTR teammates, she crossed the finish line at the Fargo Marathon on May 18.
 
“I am living proof that nothing is impossible if you want it, you work hard for it, and you surround yourself with people who believe in you,” testifies Becky.

With school out for the summer, we asked Carrie, our national fitness director, about some tips on how to include the family into a running routine. Here's what she had to say:

Q: What are some tips and tricks for running when kids are on summer break? 
A: I think the tip is to get up early and get it done before everyone is out of bed or, have them ride with you. Some people will even try find a public track that allows public access and bring some sand toys for the sand pit. Run there, do some faster paced intervals, and run home. Super fun for everyone involved!