Testimonials: Why Join During a Pandemic?

In this season of shelter-at-home orders, school closings, playgrounds being roped off, layoffs, toilet paper shortages and more, we continue to see the good: Neighbors helping neighbors, technology saving the day with virtual learning and workouts, more time with our families. One advantage to the sport of running is that, as people seek activities they can do outdoors, running is gaining in popularity.

As our northern region of Moms on the Run locations start their spring training seasons in the midst of a pandemic, we offered eight reasons why we think women should join us:
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1. You NEED to move your body. Physical activity has so many health benefits and even social distancing encourages outdoor exercise!
2. You NEED something to look forward to.
3. You NEED an amazing community to rely on. Community is not a luxury, but a necessity.
4. You NEED fun in your life! Even if the first few weeks of classes happen virtually, there is still FUN planned: happy hours, coffee chats, and workouts will all be on the calendar.*
5. You NEED time for yourself more during this season than any other.
6. You NEED to spend time outdoors. Spending time outside boosts your immunity, decreases anxiety, increases energy, and improves your sleep - just to name a few!
7. You NEED something on the schedule. Structured classes help you remember what day it is.
8. You NEED to find an activity you can do solo, so there’s never been a better time to learn to run.
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We know our community at Moms on the Run is #MOTRstrong, but we asked our members, "Can you help us with more reasons" why women should join us during a pandemic. Here is what some of our members had to say:

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Debi Jacovetz This group has given me my joy of running back, as well as great friendships with women I would have never met otherwise. Plus, running is great for de-stressing and supporting immune health. Win win WIN! 

Kristen Paap Genet I need the community, accountability, support, and strength that this group of women brings to my life! 

Jan Hinson Gustafson I NEED to find a way to exercise in almost any location. And I love the support from my running gal pals to help push me along and have some fun.
 
Sue Melchior I need the fresh air and stress reduction. I also still need the accountability that my MOTR friends and coaches can continue to give me.

Laura Wieck #9: I Need a challenge! Both mentally and physically! 
#10: Need my kids to know I have something to do other than them!
 
Kim Burggraaf ALL of these for me! Top at the list would probably be community/connection, fun, something to look foward to and accountability. The accountability piece actually surprised me, as I tend to be pretty self-motivated, but I realized that once my schedule changed with shelter in place that it was harder to stick to my regular fitness routines. The live classes give me a schedule to follow and all the posts within our private FB group inspire me to be more active than I would otherwise be by myself. I mean, when I saw a picture of all my running friends caked in snow on Easter and I was still in my PJ's, I decided I too should get out there and take on the elements;) I likely wouldn't have gotten out there without my MOTRstrong family inspiring me through their hardcore posts!

Carrie Tollefson I love the fresh air and beautiful spring and summer weather, the community, and the feeling of getting fit with all of you awesome ladies!! Thank you!

Veronica Gunderson Browning I agree, ALL of these are wonderful reasons to join MOTR!! I would also add the benefit of pushing yourself outside your comfort zone and going a little faster or a little farther than you would on your own.

Margarita Nadeau All of the above, including connecting with other women, pushing one outside of comfort zone, accountability and lots and lots of fun ( aka coffee time after early morning class)

Erica Wacker Helps eliminate choice paralysis - without a set program like MOTR to follow, there are so many options out there that I have no idea where to start and end up doing something too easy, too hard or that I just don’t like

Pam Siebert I like being led through a structured class so I can have some regularity to workouts... I know I will get in some intervals and strength at least twice a week. And led by a knowledgeable coach who can see me and will give tips-- can't get that from a video!

Kayla Bodine I need accountability! Knowing that others are running helps me to get out there.

Shaun Leslie Olson Falls under number 4, but my Zoom coffee dates on Saturday morning after class.

Elizabeth Beth Jensen I need a way to clear my mind and come back home stronger and more patient with others.

Jamie Schmitt All great reasons, this why I was so excited to join again this year and why my daughter is so excited for KOTR again this year!

Andrea Castiglione Benitez You NEED women in your corner. Women who cheer for you. Women who check on you. Women who “get” you and your fitness goals. Women who push you to be a stronger, more confident version of yourself. Women who listen to you during those long early morning runs.

Cory Schaefer I need to 🏃🏼‍♀️ or 🚲 the stress out!

Tiffany Reed DeTardo I need “family” — all of the reasons posted are AWESOME and I “we” need them all — Fitness, Fun, Friendship — Moms on the Run is SOOOO much more — It’s FAMILY. One of the most amazing adventures you will ever take...I promise!!

Anna Johnson Carlson With all of the race cancellations, MOTR can still happen and gives us a great reason to keep running!

Katie Rono Jacobs Chanhassen & Chaska MOTR, you need to set goals, you need to get off your human hamster wheel, you need to sweat out the toxins acquired during SIP 🤣, your family likely needs a break from you, you need to feel a sense of accomplishment... I can go on all night...

Stacy Severson I need my running tribe, to be inspired by others, and to enjoy some great trails! Love the internal plans too!

Amiee Glatfelter-Cords You need your tribe to hold you accountable for getting out and getting it done — and cheering for you when you finish!!

Gabe Cox I need time out in nature enjoying all the beauty!!

Heather Mihm Being able to connect with women that have similar goals to mine even during the shelter in place, a safe place to be me and feel understood. Love this group!

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