Meet Cheri, May's #MOTRstrong Most Inspiring Member

This months most inspiring mom is Cheri Ruliffson from West Fargo! She shared with us on our Facebook page an awesome story about her experience running with Moms on the Run and how it has impacted her family and we just couldn't resist sharing it with you. 

I am one of those runners that will never "win" a race, I will never be the fastest, and I will never run the longest, but because of my Moms on the Run group I will continue to cross start and finish lines. My sons come and watch me once a year at our end of season race. They give me hugs and flowers but don't understand "why it takes mom so long", and why I'm happy since I didn't "win." My response has always been "everyone who crosses the finish line is a winner." I have been lucky enough to run with many of the same women since West Fargo Moms on the Run started four years ago. Last season I saw many of them push themselves to complete their first 1/2 and full marathons. I was in awe of the commitment and strength it took them and their families to accomplish these goals. So my favorite team moment was when my sons and I got to cheer them on at the finish line. I was so proud I cried as each of them crossed the finish line but most importantly I was grateful for the lesson in sportsmanship it gave my oldest son. 

Cheri's story about how her participation in Moms on the Run and her support of her team, and the inspiration and influence that they have all been on her sons make her an amazing and inspiring mom! She began running in West Fargo four years ago after moving with her husband Brian and family to North Dakota from California. She wanted to up her fitness game to be able to keep up with her two boys Joseph (now 9) and Benjamin (now 6). Cheri had never ran before but had just taken a huge risk moving across the country, away from my family and friends, so she was already in risk mode and figured-"What have I got to lose?" 

Moms on the Run is the thing that Cheri never knew she needed in her life... She now runs for her health, her family, and for her friends. She runs to be an example and an inspiration. Thank you Cheri! For showing us that taking that risk to join Moms on the Run was worth it!