Meet Mary: May's Inspiring Member

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.

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Q: Please share a little bit about you (your family, work, hobbies, etc.)
A: I am a wife, and a mom to three amazing active children! I stay at home full time — juggling the household and sports/activities. I enjoy cooking, being active outside, crafting and being present with my kids.

Q: In honor of Mother’s Day, we would like to talk about how dedicated you are to leading a healthy lifestyle and engaging your kids in an active lifestyle at a young age. Tell us a few examples of how you’ve involved your kids with Moms on the Run over the years. 
A: I firmly believe the best way to teach our kids about a healthy lifestyle is to live one! Since my oldest was born I ran with him in a stroller, biked with him in a bike seat, which eventually led to a double stroller and a burley when we had more children! I ran with MOTR through two of my pregnancies and am always looking for ways to keep my kids active to develop good habits. I never pass up an opportunity to bring my children to class with me. My workouts are often adjusted to accommodate their pace or ability, like doing caterpillar runs, strength training on the playground or push-ups with a child on my back. My daughters often play exercise class and pretend to coach me through a bootcamp, and my son likes to stop every block to get in a ‘quick 5 burpees’ during a run. Before my daughters were 2, they could lead our MOTR group through warm up exercise. Of course, we could never squat as low as them! 

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Q: What do your kids like best about Moms on the Run?
Owen, age 7 -  Racing and spraying moms with a squirt gun on a hot day!
Grace, age 5 - Jumping Jacks and Lunges! 
Belle, age 3 - Racing her brother and sister

Q: What would you tell another mom about what MOTR has meant to you and your family. 
A: MOTR makes me a better mom because I am healthier and happiest when I exercise. Our MOTR team supports and cheers for each other at every mile — regardless of pace —  and we are there for each other outside of class. Raising children can be hard at times, and my husband's career is very demanding. Often I can’t rely on him to watch the kids and therefore I am so thrilled I can bring them to class with me. Having the ability to bring my children with me to work out has driven my ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Prior to COVID, other members would often push our stroller or entertain the kids so I could get a quick stair repeat in!

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: I am honored to be an inspiring member. I truly believe that there is real power in positivity and believing in yourself...the sky’s the limit!

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