Please view the more details page if you haven't yet.

  • I've never run before in my life. Can I do this program?

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    This program is designed to move even sedentary women towards regular exercise.  By the end of the season, everyone who has participated with the goal of completing a race has been able to complete a 5k.  Almost all who have wished to do so have been able to do so without walking, but walking more than is scheduled is welcome at any time of the program or race. A walking workout incorporating speed intervals is an alternative option for both class and the race, and this is a very effective fat-burning workout. If you have concerns regarding your medical history and whether this class is a fit for you please view our health history questionnaire and then contact us with any questions.

  • Do I have to be a mom?

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    Not at all. We've had many women participate who are not mothers. See what Bridget and Tracy have to say on the testimonials page!

  • Can I bring my kids?

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    Of course! We want this to be convenient for your "mom" life. Whether your child care fell through or you just want to spend some time with your kiddos, you are welcome to bring them in a jogging stroller or alongside you on a bike or rollerblades at your own discretion. Their safety is 100% your responsibility. You will also be responsible for keeping them out of the way of the other class participants for safety reasons. Please help them to be aware of the other women on the trail. If you have a child 10 or older that would actually like to come regularly to run the interval program with you, ask your local franchise owner what options are available. Soon we will be rolling out our Kids On The Run program to more locations; a perfect workout for your grade school aged children/entire family!

  • Am I too old?

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    No! We have had women of all ages participate, even into the mid 60s. One great thing about this program is its ability to create friendships and a sense of team among women at all stages of life.

  • Should I consult my doctor about starting this program?

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    We recommend getting physician's approval if you have one or more of specific conditions. Please see this checklist to determine if this would be best for you.

  • Is Financial Aid Available?

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    Yes, it is our goal that no one be denied participation due to finances.  We work with various local sponsors to have partial and full scholarships available. An application is available here.

  • How is the class structured?

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    Class begins with a 5 minute walking warm-up and/or form drills, and concludes with a 5 minute walking cool-down and stretching.  The middle portion is about 30 minutes of cardiovascular interval work.  The beginning runners will start mostly walking, as little as 30 seconds of running in a 5 minute period at first.  The structured progression is a safe, gradual way to build up endurance for running a 5k.  Strength training exercises finish out the class hour for toning and injury prevention.  See below for more details on the walking and intermediate programs.

  • How long is the class?

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    The entire class with the strength training exercises worked in is 1 hour. Please see more details above under class structure. Some locations may have a “running only” option for a workout that is completed in 45 minutes.

  • What if I miss a couple weeks due to a vacation?

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    You will be given a workout schedule for the entire 18 weeks that will help you figure out how to keep up with the rest of the class while you are gone.  No discounts are given for lesser attendance.  Class price is set for participation in the program vs. a certain number of classes, and is based on an assumption that everyone will have their vacations and missed classes.

  • If I want to attend more classes than I originally paid for is that okay?

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    If you would like to increase your enrollment schedule for the rest of the season please ask your coach what prorated amounts might be available.
    Per class pricing is also available; $10 per extra class ensures the best value goes to those who have made a higher enrollment commitment. You can be billed for class add-ons at the end of the season. For many people it is more economical to sign up for a higher initial commitment if they think they may occasionally be able to go more often. Nonmembers can also come to class anytime for $15. Please try to warn the instructor ahead of time if you are bringing a friend so she can have the appropriate liability forms on hand.

  • If I miss a class, can I make it up?

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    You may occasionally attend another nearby location for a make-up if this is available. Please contact the local owner of your make-up site ahead of time. Regularly attending 2 sites requires enrollment at each site.

  • Can I run in more than one city?

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    Full enrollment in more than one location requires full payment to both, however you may be able to negotiate a deal with the owners of those locations. If you are enrolled in only one location but wish to do make-up classes in another city or try out another location in your local area, this is acceptable if agreed on by the owners of your selected locations.

  • What do you recommend for shoes?

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    We highly recommend getting the opinion of a running shoe expert in selecting the right shoe for your foot. There is no one "brand" that is best for everyone. Your local running specialty store is likely to offer gait analysis and fitting expertise, and maybe even a discount for Moms On The Run!  Ask your local franchise owner for a recommendation.

  • What sports watch do you recommend?

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    There are now GPS watches that contain a 2-interval function and a HR monitor if you are looking for all the bells and whistles. What’s most important for your running class workouts though is to have an interval feature cycling two different time intervals. The most affordable sports interval watch we have found that contains the "2 interval" function is the Timex Ironman 50-lap.  It almost always retails for 39.99-44.99 and is available at Target and Walmart, usually in several colors. Unless it is on sale, the models priced less than this or that do not say “50 lap” do not contain a 2 interval function.  Click here to view online.

  • What can I do to prepare for the class?

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    The best thing you can be doing now is just increasing your overall activity level. There is no need to do any running before class starts if you are a beginner, but regularly walking is a great idea. We do not recommend running at all for those entering our "Learn to Run" program, as we want to provide you with the best possible injury-free start.

  • What is the program like for intermediate runners?

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    As a long-time runner it is very easy to get stuck in a steady-pace cardio routine. If running was once a fitness challenge, it now has less of an impact on our cardiovascular conditioning and metabolic rate.  Incorporating speed intervals into your workout is a great way to improve your fat-burning power and to challenge yourself to faster times and improved endurance.  We will keep things interesting by trying a variety of different speed intervals that will push our limits and keep us working hard even after "all these years" of running.

  • What is the walking program like?

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    Walking programs will be available in select locations based on demand. If you are a walker, please register and we will offer you a refund if the program does not fill. Running is not for everyone, and walking provides a significant fat-burning workout if it is done in a challenging way.  The walkers can choose to follow either the intervals of the beginning or intermediate runners depending on their conditioning level.  Incorporating speed intervals into one's walking routine is a great way to keep the exercise challenging and fun.

  • Do you ever train for longer distances? 10k? 10 miles?

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    Yes! 10k, 10 mile, and Half Marathon training programs are available in select locations based on demand.

  • What is the boot camp option?

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    A strength and toning boot camp is sometimes rolled right into our run class curriculum and sometimes available as an additional 12 minute workout immediately following the class stretching time. These are bodyweight exercises designed to improve metabolism, overall fitness level and running performance. Some examples are squats, push-ups, lunges and planks. The pricing structure in future years will encourage even more women to participate in this important aspect of the program.

  • Are there separate classes for different levels?

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    Although this has been a considered in the past, we have decided not to hold separate classes based on level for the following reasons:

    1: There is a very large “gray” area between beginners and intermediates, especially among past class participants who have accomplished a 5k but have been inactive during the winter months.
    2: Since there are faster beginners and slower intermediates, holding classes together increases the chance everyone will have someone at their pace to run with.
    3: The intermediate runners are very inspirational to the beginning runners. (They love to hear about how you used to be in their shoes when they say they don’t think they’re going to make it!)
    4: We would be separating friends (who met in this class, of course!)

  • What does the class fee cover?

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    From a class member's perspective, the fee provides motivation, accountability, a shirt, a structured, guided exercise program, and fun! From a business perspective, the class fee covers the instruction, organization and administration of the program, including overhead expenses such as legal fees, instructor wages, insurance, web maintenance, marketing, shirts, etc.

  • Why is the program cost different between locations?

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    Our expenses vary greatly by location.

  • Is my registration fee refundable if I drop from the class?

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    Until a certain date at least a month out from the season start, registration is refundable minus a $25 processing fee. After this date, there will be no refunds for any reason. Participant levels at the beginning of the season determine whether to hold the class, how many instructors to hire, and instructor wages. These are not adjustable after the season begins. This policy benefits the participants as well. Women who have considered dropping out but stuck with it do to their financial investment have ended up having a fabulous season! When life gets in the way, it is all too easy for women to throw in the towel on their exercise program first. Every effort will be made to help the class work out for you. If schedule issues come up you may switch to another nearby location with better class times. If an injury occurs we will work with you to make the program adaptable to your needs. Walkers are welcome and encouraged to remain in the program. If in any event you need to drop from the class early on, by May 30th for spring or Sept 20th for fall, you may apply 50% of your class fee towards a future MOTR class within the next 12 months. This offer may vary by location.