Jenny Fauser
As soon as the little one’s head hits the bed, a vortex of exhaustion engulfs many moms, drawing them to the TV with bright, shiny lights and promises of brainless existence for a couple of hours. Instead of getting sucked into the vortex, Kristen Scruggs of East Orlando decided instead to put her running shoes on. She got involved with Moms RUN This Town (MRTT) as a way for moms to kick that couch potato habit while enjoying a great community of like-minded women.
MRTT is a free, nation-wide running club that helps moms hit their personal best by supporting and motivating them to run. Whether you’re a mom to humans, a mom to a pet, or not even a mom at all, (non-moms are welcome, club members say) MRTT invites you to get running.
East Orlando MRTT chapter leader, Scruggs, began the local chapter when her daughter was only 10 months old. In just five months the club sprinted to 300 members and is still growing. Women of any skill level are welcome, with Kristen pointing out, “We don’t claim to be the fastest group of moms – just the friendliest.”
It can be tough to find the time to run, walk or jog. And, even if the time is found, it is nearly insurmountable to find the motivation to do so. That’s why MRTT implemented an 8-week C25K (Couch to 5k) program with daily meet ups. That program, in addition to the normal two to three pre-existing weekly group runs, provides training tips, expert advice, giveaways, product reviews, and fun social for women in East Orlando. Moms RUN for Cocktails is a popular social event the club participates in. It offers the best of both worlds: a great time running plus dinner and drinks for a nice mom’s night out.
“We are passionate about getting women involved in group activities because we feel it is the core of keeping each other motivated and empowered,” Scruggs says. “I really love that I am able to help coach and encourage so may new runners and provide the support and motivation that they need to keep going and just bite the bullet and sign up for a race.”
This no-judgment group includes women who run a less than 8-minute mile as well as those beating the pavement at 17 minutes per mile. Needless to say, there is never a dull moment and always lots of chit chatting and funny stories shared as MRTT members make memories over the miles.
