Mommies on the Run
Written by Jill // March 1, 2010 // News & Events // 14 Comments // 1,303 views
Dear Lehigh Valley Running Scene,
My running group thought we may have an interesting story about a bunch of mom’s running their first marathon. Here is our intro…
Individually, there is nothing spectacular about any of our running achievements. None of us are particularly fast. We aren’t disabled. We didn’t lose half our body weight. We aren’t homeless. None of us have had to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. But together…together as a team, I think we are spectacular. In fact, as a team, WE ROCK! We are the Mommies on the Run, a group of average mom’s in Bethlehem Township, PA who found each other (and ourselves) through running.
So who are we exactly? We are a group of about 5 women, all of us mom’s to small children living in Bethlehem Township, PA, and none of us runners for more than a couple of years. We struggle with balancing the demands of our jobs, husbands, kids, community and school. A few years ago each of us joined a beginner’s running/walking program called First Strides. The program is geared towards getting women prepared to finish their first 5k.
At the time, none of us knew each other, but as we attended the program week after week, and then session after session, we formed a kinship. After all, who else would ever think to use sippy cups on a running belt, or would be willing to run in the pouring rain with a stroller, or have a martini toast the night before a big race? Carpooling to races turned into training for and running races together.
Our first big event was a relay marathon, and we entered as the Mommies on the Run. You have no idea how much it meant for us novice’s to be able to tag-team all the way from Allentown to Easton! Since then, we have run 5k’s, 5 mi, 10k, 10mi, and recently half-marathons, all together and having a great time. About six months ago, we decided to go for the big 26.2 and we all signed up for the National Marathon in DC March 20, 2010. Our first goal is to make it to the starting line together. Our second goal is to make it to the finish line together.
We are writing because we want to share our story with other women runners, in the hopes that our ranks will grow. Not necessarily our little running group, but the ranks of running mom’s in general, helping each other get over the hills, both on and off the road.
Sincerely,
The Mommies on the Run
Jean Vincent
Christine Burke
Suzanne Moore
Joanna De-Jesus-Fenicle
Dana Neufer
Karla Koehl
Dear Mommies on the Run,
Thank you for writing in and sharing your story with all of us. Finding running partners to share experiences and weather the journey together is an invaluable gift. Many great friendships have been forged on the streets and trails, spending many hours together, running and talking. Running is such a wonderful, positive outlet for releasing daily stresses, especially so for mothers of young children, or even mothers in general. Doesn’t it seem like there is always a drama to settle? A person that needs us? The highlight of my week is meeting up with my running partners on Sunday mornings with a few free hours and miles to travel. Congratulations on finding each other and running and racing together. It sounds as if you all have a very special bond.
Sincerely,
Jill @ Lehigh Valley Running Scene
14 Comments on "Mommies on the Run"
Chris:
We are very proud of you and your running friends. We are looking forward to seeing you at the finish line in DC on the 20th!
Love,
Mom & Dad
Dana,
I am so proud of you and the Mommies on the Run! I can’t wait to watch the boys so you can complete your next journey in D.C.
Love you,
Mom
I know firsthand how challenging it can be to incorporate a running regimen into a busy Mom schedule, but the rewards are worth the time sacrifices (e.g., the 5am workouts or squeezing a quick run in between homework and dinner, etc etc). Congrats on building such a great running group.
Go DANA!!!! Wahooo!!!!!
Go Dana and all the Mommies! We will be rooting for you!!!
GO DANA!!! Best of luck to all the mommies on the run!
Congrats to my fellow Mommies on the Run. A nicer, more supportive group you will not find! I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful collection of women!!!
Christine,
I am a company underwriter who works with your dad and he is so very proud of you! It is fantastic that with all that mom’s have on their plate you can find time to do something positive for yourself and to share with each other. I am in awe of all of you, best of luck! Go mommies!
What a wonderful story! Good luck on March 20th. Sounds like you’ve been training hard for this marathon & you will all do well.
Liz Toler
Mary Curl- Thank you so much for your kind words….I so appreciate you taking the time to cheer us on. We’ve received incredible support during our journey and every pat on the back makes pounding that pavement easier. Many thanks!
Loved the article…thanks for featuring a GREAT group of women that RUN! GO MOMMIES GO! So good to see that 1st Strides WORKS!
A First Strides Mentor!
That is a great story. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you guys lots of luck, a terrific experience and many memories as you finish training and complete your marathon.
L
RUN SUZANNE RUN
Wow! I wish we had a Mommies on the Run when we were young and agile. Good Luck!
Art and Marian’s friend,
Claire