Meet Shayla: April's Most Inspiring Member

Shayla Goodstein, a member of Jacksonville (FL) Moms on the Run, is referred to as the team's number one head cheerleader, according to Owner and Head Coach, Amy Magdalein. She shows up at races she's not running with signs to cheer on her fellow teammates, she is a consistent member at practice and she is constantly a listening ear to anyone on her team. Coach Amy concludes: "Shayla is consistent and one of our biggest fans always spreading the MOTR love!" Interesting enough, simply showing up at her first class was a huge step out of her comfort zone. Read more of our conversation with Shayla and learn why she's an inspiring member. 

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Q: You joined MOTR in 2017. Were you a runner before? What have you most enjoyed about Moms on the Run?  
A: I am one of the original members for Jacksonville MOTR. When I joined I had run several 5Ks, a couple 10Ks and one half marathon (and was signed up for my second half) but did not really consider myself a runner. I have a lot of social anxiety, so joining a group where I didn't know anyone was a huge step for me. That first night was very challenging but I made myself get out of the car and everyone was so welcoming. We had a small group of varying levels but everyone was always super supportive of everyone else. As the group has grown we have managed to maintain that same supportiive and encouraging culture (no doubt our awesome coach Amy and our assistant coaches modeling that behavior has helped). We have ladies that run 8 minute miles and others who run/walk 18 minute miles and everything in between, yet there is no judgment, no comparing one person to another; we inspire and celebrate each person's ability and achievements.

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Q: Tell us about what you’ve accomplished through Moms on the Run — perhaps it is running some new races, making a PR, meeting new friends, etc. 
A: Since I had only completed one half marathon when I started (and it had not been an enjoyable experience), I figured I might run a few more but that was it. But, running with friends and seeing small improvements made me love running. Since joining MOTR I have run 11 half marathons and two full marathons, in addition to 5Ks and 10Ks.  I never imagined I could run a full marathon, but being in this awesome group, feeling encouraged and having someone at my pace for all those long hours of training made it possible. And the accomplishments in running have given me confidence in other parts of my life — knowing I can do anything I want to if I am willing to put in the hard work.

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Q: You are known or have been referred to as your team’s #1 cheerleader. What a great title! Tell us what motivates you and how you feel about this cheerleader designation? 
A: Cheering for our ladies is so rewarding! I love making signs (I have made general  MOTR signs and ones for speciifc races: Thanksgiving, Donna Breast Cancer marathon, etc.). I enjoy being out on the course cheering not just for our ladies, but for everyone running. (Jacksonville has an awesome running community so I see lots of people I know.) For several of our local races I run the 5K then stay around to cheer for our ladies running the half or full. I do go to races I am not running to support our tribe. As a runner, who doesn't love seeing a familiar face along the course?  

Q: Can you tell us tell us a little about you personally? (Family, work, hobbies, etc.)
A: I am married with two teenage boys. I actually started running because one of them liked to run when he was younger, and when my husband got injured I had to run with my son.  He no longer likes running but I stuck with it. My husband is not much of a runner — just an occasional 5K. He has always been faster than me but I finally beat him for the first time in the last race we ran together (all that work in MOTR classes paid off!). I work full time as an HR Manager at a global financial services company. As for hobbies, aside from running, I enjoy scrapbooking (comes in handy for sign-making) and going to Disney. Since joining MOTR, I have done more solo training runs at Disney than anywhere else. Training doesn't stop when you go on vacation.

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Everyone has a story. We want to hear uplifting stories about your fellow teammates. If you know of someone whom you think should be featured as a future inspiring member, please submit a nomination here.

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