Meet Melissa, our November 2016 Most Inspiring Member

Melissa (left), hugging Hastings franchise owner Tracy Yoder, posted a PR at the season-ending 2016 Moms on the run 5K/10K, with a time of 27:09.

Our November 2016 KIND Most Inspiring Member is Melissa, starting her second year with Hastings (MN) Moms on the Run.

Melissa joined Moms on the Run in the fall of 2015, and at first, admits she could hardly run the 1-minute intervals. She struggled to make it through the workouts, and her nutrition consisted of Diet Mountain Dew and corn dogs.

​However, with a complete overhaul of her diet in January 2016, a new commitment to her workout routine, and lots of hard work and determination, Melissa has lost more than 80 pounds (to date) -- and is one of the top runners with Hastings MOTR.

Melissa before joining Moms on the Run in the fall of 2015 (left), and at the seasoon-ending Moms on the Run Celebration Banquet in August 2016 (right) with Hastings franchise owner Tracy Yoder.

“We talk about what if she would have quit when it seemed so hard last fall,” says Tracy Yoder, Hastings franchise owner, “and now look at all she has accomplished! … She's transformed not only her life, but has had a tremendous impact on the health of her family too!”

Melissa says that her decision to join Moms on the Run was the first of many healthy lifestyle changes she made over the past year. As a result, her family, which includes daughters aged 4 and 7, no longer goes to the doctor every month due to illness. She credits Moms on the Run with helping to build relationships that are supportive of her new lifestyle.

“Working to be healthy is so much a part of our Iives now, that I am not sure my girls even remember how sick, tired, and unhealthy we all were one year ago,” Melissa says. “I need this support of a community to keep me accountable and make my changes lifelong rather than just for a short phase.”

That MOTR community support comes in many shapes and forms, according to Melissa. It’s Yoder encouraging her to push harder when she knew she was capable. It’s cheers of encouragement from her teammates during workouts, and their smiles on the days she didn’t feel like running. And right after her latest accomplishment, their texts to ask her, “What’s next?!”

So, what’s on deck for Melissa next in terms of fitness goals to slay? A 10K and 10-mile race during the summer of 2017, she says.

Congratulations on your inspiring journey, Melissa!

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