Moms on the Run

For nearly a year, Woodbury (MN) Moms on the Run member Pam Tuft couldn't run for more than a few minutes without pain resulting from plantar fasciitis, a common running injury that occurs due to inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. Thanks to accountability from coach Kristina and her teammates April, Becky and Amber, Pam is back in action and says she couldn't have done it without her second family. 

"Pam has consistently pushed year after year, setting a goal and achieving it," shares Woodbury franchise owner Kristina Ticknor. "She not only pushes herself to reach her goals, she inspires others to try new things and is a true example that sometimes you just have to get a little out of your comfort zone. In the Fall of 2019 she suffered plantar fasciitis, but she didn't let that stop her toward her fitness goals. She continued to push doing intervals on her bike and keeping up with strength. We really kept up with rehab and gradually got her back to running. The start of 2021, she decided she wanted to do another half marathon despite saying she would NEVER run one again. This girl works hard, always pushes to the end and I can't imagine our team with her."

Read on to learn more of Pam's story and why she's our inspiring member of the month. 

Last fall, Hastings Moms on the Run member Mandy Wessinger literally took each day step by step after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, she's cancer free and back running with her Moms on the Run team. 

​According to Christine Hitchcock, franchise owner of Hastings Moms on the Run, Mandy has more grit than anyone she knows. "She puts her mind to something and she will put in the work and accomplish what she set out for. She is also so supportive of others and is always cheering others on. If a fellow MOTR is training for a longer distance, she will run by her side to support her all the way."

Listen in on our conversation with Mandy and learn why she's our inspiring member of the month. 

At Moms on the Run, we strive to inspire the next generation of healthy families. One thing that makes us different from a gym is the option our members have to bring their kids to class. Since 2015, Mary Meyer and her three children have been regular attendees of Burnsville/Lakeville Moms on the Run, so much so that before her middle child was two, Grace had the warm-up routine for Moms on the Run memorized and would perform it before running errands with her mom. 

"Mary has the most positive energy and always comes to class with a smile and ready for a challenge," shares Franchise Owner Kim Burggraaf. "She is so friendly to all, and while she can run pretty much any pace, will adjust her pace to keep someone company and carry on a conversation and/or provide that encouragement to a teammate. One of the attributes many of us probably admire most about Mary is her amazing dedication and consistency in attending classes through raising three young kids. And what is even more incredible, is how she involves her kiddos in the process.  

"If you want to see an example of the positive impact that leading an active lifestyle and involving your kiddos in that active lifestyle from an early age, Mary's story is it!" exclaims Kim. "Her children truly love being active and value the importance of movement and getting outdoors. It is a beautiful thing to witness. Such an inspiration to us all!" 

​In honor of Mother's Day, read more about Mary and her desire to model an active lifestyle for her family.

Midway through the summer session of 2019, Shakopee Moms on the Run member Kristin Carlson was diagnosed with leukemia. Throughout her battle, which included hospitalizations and month-long treatments, she realized that Moms on the Run gave her the strength she needed — both physically and mentally — to fight for her life.  
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Shakopee Moms on the Run Franchise Owner, Angie Burgess shares: "I'm happy to report that Kristin is currently in remission and has stepped back into her role as assistant coach and has worked hard to gain back what she lost, physically, while she was fighting cancer. I could not be more proud of Kristin's determination, persistence and resilience throughout the past couple of years."

Read our conversation with Kristin and learn why she's our inspiring member of the month.

Indira Ghandi, the first and only prime minister of India. Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross. Jackie Joyner-Kersee, deemed the "first lady" of track and field and one of the all-time greatest athletes in the heptathlon. These, and many other women, have changed history. 

March is Women's History Month in the U.S., UK and Australia. While it began with a single day — International Women's Day on March 8 — it has been observed in some shape or form since 1911. It was officially commemorated by the United Nations in 1975 and signed into proclamation by President Jimmy Carter. As with Black History Month, organizers for Women's History Month wanted to ensure future generations will inherit an accurate account of the contributions of women throughout history. By highlighting women who have made a difference in history, it opens up that world of possibilities to young girls.

Following is a short list of notable women we found at Scholastic.com who have been an influence in history. There are many others we could add to the list. Who has inspired you?