Moms on the Run

Every one has a story. We truly believe this at Moms on the Run and are so honored when we get to tell these stories about our amazing members. This month's inspiring member is Marcia Fahnberg of Lakeville/Burnsville (MN) Moms on the Run. When her head coach and Franchise Owner, Kim Burggraaf, sent us this nomination, we knew we needed to share it fully, as we feel it tells the story so well. Read on to learn more of Marcia's story and what makes her so inspiring. 

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. This month's inspiring member, Karen Dahl, has dedicated the last two decades and her career to ovarian cancer research, after her mom passed away of the disease when Karen was just 7. One year ago, she became the first member of Onalaska (WI) Moms on the Run when it opened — and credits Moms on the Run for great friendships and accountability — all of which she needed after moving to a new community. 

"I started running 10 years ago with my husband as a way to get exercise when we had toddlers," Karen explained. "We have grown into a running family. I may never be a great runner, but it is something that is for me that I can feel good about. I love sharing running with my family, making new running friends, and running races for charities."

Read on to learn a little more about Karen and why she's our inspiring member of the month. 

At Moms on the Run, one of our mottos is we have classes for all levels and all ages. Our inspiring member this month, Stillwater Moms on the Run member Kay Stinson, is testimony that age is just a number. Now 74, she recently finished her fourteenth marathon — running her first at the age of 60!  

"Kay has been an inspiration to so many," raves Stillwater franchise owner Beth Johnston. "She shows us that age is just a number. She comes to class ready to take on any challenge. Her teammates are always amazed at her energy. She is one fierce lady!"

Read on for more of our conversation with Kay and learn why she's our inspiring member of the month. 

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.