As iFIT celebrates Mother's Day, we recognize members of our Community and the incredible impact motherhood has had on their fitness journeys. The remarkable moms we’re spotlighting are just a handful of so many more who show strength, resilience, and determination every day as they juggle the rewarding — but challenging — demands of motherhood while prioritizing their own health and well-being. Their stories remind us that no matter what life throws our way, we have the power to overcome obstacles, achieve our goals, and inspire others in the iFIT Community to push themselves to new heights. How did motherhood change your approach to health and fitness? Kelly D. (mother of three, ages 11 mos., 3, and 6): “Watching your body change throughout pregnancy is a wild ride. It’s such a miracle that it can drastically change in such little time. It can also play with your mind and psyche quite a bit. However, I knew working out would only benefit my [babies] and me in the end, and after my last pregnancy, I ran a 10-mile race at four months postpartum!” Stephanie A. (mother of one son, age 8): “As my son got older and life gave more twists and turns, fitness became more about being a role model to him. I wanted him to see his mom making health and fitness a priority. I also wanted him to see that hard things can be accomplished if you set your mind to it.” Beth F. (mother of one, age 3): “[My son] was born right before COVID. As we had adopted, I had hoped to have plenty of time to exercise while on my leave. Instead, I didn’t have anyone to watch him, and [I] got out of the habit of exercising and gained a lot of weight. After about a year, I shifted my perspective and realized I needed to spend time on myself, exercising, and taking care of my mind and body.” What challenges did you face as a new mom to stick to your goals? Karen W. (mother of two daughters, ages 11 and 14): “Time is the biggest challenge! As much as possible, I have tried to balance having my time to work out as my personal time. [My] girls have [also] biked alongside me as I jog, and I have even gone on a jog with them to help them train for school cross-country races. Modeling this has become an amazing feeling and part of why I do it.” Allie P. (mother of three, ages 10, 7, and 3): “There wasn’t a lot of alone time for myself. I learned I have to work out early in the [morning]; otherwise, I’m too tired and overwhelmed by life to get it done. iFIT has allowed me to run at 4:30 a.m. safely.” Megan B. (mother of one son, age 13): “As a single mom, I am responsible for work, bills, school, homework, extracurriculars, etc. I told myself I get at least 30 minutes daily to myself for some exercise. Sometimes my son will join in with me, which I love even more!” How do you maintain your fitness routine as a mother? Beth Z. (mother of three, ages 16, 13, and 10): “I love iFIT [workouts] for motivation! It’s awesome having a personal trainer in my house, and I honestly feel like I know a lot of them personally.” Julia B.: “Physical activity is addicting, with positive benefits, mentally and physically. After a while, it becomes a part of your life, like brushing your teeth, and there’s no way you could live without it.” Karen W.: “The support of the iFIT family has been huge in keeping me accountable the last year and a half. Being able to talk with other moms about tips and routines also helps. I was lucky enough to gain a great friend in a run club in town, and almost nine years later, we still run together.” Do you have any tips for moms struggling to stay motivated to exercise? Trina G. (mother of one): “Remember that you have little eyes watching you now. Try and find ways where you can get out and move with your family. Go for a hike. Do laps around the zoo. Get creative! For example, I would do squats while my daughter was in her chest baby carrier while folding laundry!” Beth Z.: “Take it one day at a time, enjoy your babies, and love yourself. Any little bit of exercise you do is progress.” Stephanie A.: “[Remember] your why. Or multiple “whys.” Our goals are for real—and our kids see that! Someone is always watching.” Last but not least—what’s the best part of being a mom? Julia B.: “So. Many. Reasons. So many adventures and memories of my boys growing up. My oldest is in the Army, and my youngest is getting ready to graduate high school. I’m so proud of the men they have grown into.” Karen W.: “The most rewarding thing for me as a mother is watching my girls become strong, independent young women. Although this can cause clashes as they find their path, it is so amazing to see them tackle new things head-on.” Trina G.: “Seeing the world [through] a new lens. Knowing that there is this big beautiful future and I have a front-row seat.” From the early days of chasing after little ones to the years of balancing work and family, moms know firsthand the importance of taking care of their health and well-being. We are inspired by the many iFIT Community members who have embraced fitness as a way to honor their bodies and minds, all while juggling the demands of motherhood. Keep up the incredible work, mamas of the world! Your dedication and commitment are an inspiration to us all. Read more inspirational Mother’s Day stories 5 Ways for Mom to Get A WorkoutHow This Mother Got Fit After Pregnancy with iFIT Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re sharing a very special member story that we know will resonate with many in the iFIT family. Meet Sylvia Rodriguez, an iFIT member who was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier in 2021. Knowing what physical and mental challenges lie ahead for her, Sylvia made it her mission to not let cancer define her. While battling through rounds of chemotherapy, Sylvia stuck to her goal of staying active and pushed through our recent Summer Camp Challenge. Sylvia graciously shared her story with us, touching on her diagnosis, who inspires her, the importance of the iFIT community, and her plans after beating cancer. When were you diagnosed? On May 12, 2021, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, which is a very common breast cancer. How was the cancer initially detected? I had originally gone in for an ultrasound mammogram for a lump that was causing me pain. That same day, my doctor squeezed me in for an emergency biopsy, as she was concerned about an abnormality she saw in my mammogram. What helped you get through the diagnosis and treatment thus far? I’ve been able to cope with my diagnosis because of the amazing support team I have and by making sure I stay physically active, even on the days where I feel like I just can’t push through. Knowing that I’m so close to being done with treatment makes me very happy. How are you doing now? For the time being and after getting this far, I’m doing really well. I feel good physically and mentally. Despite chemotherapy and other challenges, you continue to exercise. Where do you draw inspiration from to stay active during this time? My children. Knowing that cancer was about to change my physical appearance, I needed them to see something positive come out of it. Maintaining my workout routine became a more significant motivation. You’re an active member of the Official iFIT Member Page on Facebook. What does the iFIT community mean to you? There are truly no words to express my gratitude to the iFIT community. They have become my second family. Seeing all their accomplishments makes me very happy to be able to cheer them on. They are a community of great support, love, and blessings all in one place! From the time you joined iFIT to now, how have your goals changed? What does your fitness journey look like moving forward? My goal back then was to get into running and start trying to do marathons. Now, a lot has temporarily changed. Once I’ve overcome this hurdle, I plan to continue with my original goal with a little more sightseeing adventures. What would you say to others who are in similar situations? What I’ve learned that I wish I knew before is that it’s very important that you get your annual check-ups. If at any point you are concerned with a lump, no matter how small it may be, get it checked. If you have pain in your breast and you’re unsure why, go get it checked. Cancer hurts, and no, you are not too young to have it. If you're a male and have concerns, please get checked as well. Men also have a risk of getting breast cancer. If you feel that you're not taken seriously, seek out a second opinion. Make sure you voice your concerns and stand up for yourself. There are so many things I wish I had known. If I was not so dismissive of my breast pain, maybe it could have been avoided or caught sooner. I pray that my journey helps someone, which is my main reason for being so open about it and sharing it as much as I can. Thank you for allowing me to do so through this amazing community. Who is your favorite iFIT Trainer? This one's easy—Tommy Rivs Puzey! What is your favorite iFIT series? None other than my first workout series—the Iberian Beginner Running Series! What do you like most about iFIT? What is there not to love about iFIT? If I must say, it’s the trainers. They all project nothing but genuine knowledge and inspiration during each workout. The fact that they believe in you before you believe in yourself says a lot. I’m truly grateful! Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment. Opinions of iFIT members are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.

Many of us have banked on the promise of “tomorrow” as an excuse to sidestep things that feel daunting or inconvenient. How many can attest to saying, “I’ll work out tomorrow”? At one time or another, we’ve all been there. This was the case for iFIT member Juan Rivas, who struggled to fully commit to his fitness goals in the past. In 2020, he decided it was finally time to trade in those empty promises of “tomorrow” for fulfilled ones of “today.” Over the past year and a half, Juan has gone from “somewhat fit” to a sub-30 5K, with strength gains to boot. Crediting his family as his reason for getting active, Juan now consistently posts about his impressive fitness journey on the Official iFIT Member Facebook Page. Here’s his story! Describe your fitness journey thus far. What ignited those first steps? My kids were the reason why I finally got my act together. In the past, I could only stay somewhat fit for a few months, and I finally got tired of it. This time, I decided that I wanted it to be a permanent change so I could be around for grandchildren. A year and a half ago, I purchased a ProForm bike and haven’t looked back. I cannot believe that now, in my mid-40s, I am the fittest that I’ve ever been in my life. From strength and yoga to bike workouts and outdoor hikes, you’re always crushing it in your posts on the Official iFIT Member Page. What keeps you so motivated? Learning to keep those self-promises. For so long, I let myself down, saying “Tomorrow, tomorrow.” Now, it's all about TODAY and how I can make a better version of myself. It’s those mental victories of completing a workout when I really didn’t want to that propelled me forward. I’ve come to understand that time will pass whether I do the workout or complain about it, so I might as well get it done because I will feel better. They may not be the best workouts, but they are better than no workouts. I keep building on these mental victories and adding notches to my fitness utility belt. What’s one of your favorite PRs this year? I have two. One of them is doing Russian twists for one minute. My core was a weak area of mine, so I’m proud of the progress that I’ve made on it. It’s not just about crunches anymore! My other favorite PR is 13 unbroken pull-ups. You recently ran the Surf City 5K in person. What was that race experience like for you? Two words: Absolutely amazing! Running Live Races on the treadmill with my fellow iFIT family is pretty cool. However, being around other people, feeding off their energy, and working toward a common goal is extraordinary. The icing on the cake was running the race with Nikki Bailey, a fellow iFIT member I had just met. She helped pace me to reach my goal of running it sub-30. The iFIT staff at the expo booth had our iFIT medals ready for us to make things extra special. I walked with a little swagger not only because my calf tightened up during the race, but because I had two medals. It was truly an incredible weekend meeting Sally McRae, participating in the shakeout run at sunset, visiting the iFIT booth, and finishing the race. Who is your favorite iFIT Trainer? It’s a toss-up between John Peel and Briohny Smyth. One helps me crush my workouts, and the other helps me recover. I love the multiple active recovery workout options. What is your favorite iFIT series? My favorite workout series is iFIT Trainer John Peel’s Next-Level Strength Training Series because it took me out of my comfort zone and made me do movements I don’t like. For example, the leg workouts incorporate jumping. Most of those workouts use kettlebells too, which I used to dislike. John does a great job building on each previous workout. Week 12 includes a few AMRAPs that I could not have done during Week 1. It’s pretty cool seeing the progress you make in those 12 weeks. How long have you been an iFIT member? Although I joined in January 2020, it wasn’t until November 2020 that I really started using the app when I purchased my treadmill. Since then, I haven’t looked back. iFIT listened to its customers and made huge improvements in the user interface. They’ve truly stepped up their game big time. What do you like most about iFIT? I will never get bored because there is so much content! I’ve visited many places in the world that I have only dreamt of. On my Hawaii trip this summer, I replicated some of iFIT Trainer Jonnie Gale’s Hawaiian Islands Endurance Series workouts. It was so much fun! In addition, I love the iFIT community. I believe iron sharpens iron. The members encourage and motivate one another. I also love the magnets and medals. It’s so cool that iFIT does this for its members. Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment. Opinions of iFIT members are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.

We’re headed to Boston and so are 13 iFIT members! Get to know all of these members and their stories, highlighting what inspired them to run this iconic marathon. Whether you’re attending the Boston Marathon® Expo, running the race (in person or virtually), or both, these stories are sure to get you excited for the Boston Marathon®! Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment. Opinions of iFIT members are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.

As many of us know, family life can make it challenging to pencil in a workout during the day. Couple that stress with COVID-19, and things become even trickier. During the pandemic, iFIT member Amanda Hoffer found a way to balance homeschooling, raising a newborn, and reviving her passion for running. Amanda found her running stride once more by sticking to a set plan and has been working towards her fitness goals ever since. She shared her wellness journey with us, touching on her favorite iFIT Trainers, mental health wins, and an upcoming 5K race in the fall. Here’s Amanda’s story! What led you to begin your fitness journey? And how did iFIT play a role? While now in my thirties, I wanted to run again. I was introduced to running while living in Asia during my twenties. I loved it. I moved back to the United States, and life happened. I had babies and was in a car accident that resulted in two back surgeries. I was finally in a good place to make my goal of running again a reality in 2019. My husband and I purchased a treadmill. The salesman informed me of the iFIT membership and how I could travel all over the world while working out. Of course, that appealed to me because of my love of traveling. As a mother to two, I didn’t see much travel in my future. I took a break from working out while pregnant with our third child in March 2020. A week after the birth, everything around us shut down due to COVID-19. I gave myself a goal each day—walk just one mile a day. I also made a plan to have both of our children nap at the same time, so I could have 30 minutes to get on the treadmill. As time passed, I eventually felt ready to start Tommy River Puzey’s Iberian Beginner Running Series. I was immediately hooked with his training style and calm demeanor. I couldn’t leave the house, but I could travel somewhere with iFIT. Recently, I completed a running workout in the New Zealand Fundamental Running Series with Zac Marion. He guided us through Cornwall Park and ended at One Tree Hill. I loved this workout so much because I had been to this same park ten years ago. Where do you draw motivation from, especially on days when you don’t feel like working out? The truth is, most days I don’t have motivation. Somewhere along the way on this fitness journey, I learned that I can’t always choose to be motivated, but I can choose to be disciplined. I focus on a routine—whether it’s in the kitchen or in our home gym—and stick to it. Describe one of your proudest moments so far in your fitness journey. iFIT’s content provides more than an opportunity to work on physical wellness but also mental health. A couple of months ago, I was completing one of the bike challenge workouts with Nicole Meline. She said something along the lines of, “What does this set of circumstances make possible? Sure, it may make a lot of things impossible, but what does it make possible?” I reflected on the past year of dealing with many quarantines with an infant, toddler, and home-schooling a first-grader. I realized that, yes, COVID took a lot from me, but it also gave me an opportunity to slow down and prioritize my physical and mental health. In that moment, Nicole helped me see possibilities within the problems, and I’ve since implemented this practice in my daily life. I’m so proud of this new mindset skill I’ve learned, all while working on my physical health. What other goals do you have for the remainder of 2021? Eyeing any virtual or in-person events? I have signed up for an in-person 5K at the Bismarck Marathon this fall. My goal is to race this 5K, not just run it. In July, I set a new PR of 29:54 during the Crown City Classic 5K race with Kirstie Ennis. To achieve this in-person running goal of 29 minutes, I have been getting used to running outside, which is way out of my comfort zone. I bring my trainers with me and just put one foot in front of the other. To date, my favorite outdoor runs have been paired with Tommy Riv’s Essaouira Beach Growth Workout in Morocco. This is the running workout you work up to for the entire Iberian Beginner Running Series—30 minutes of uninterrupted running. Tommy has become an integral part of my fitness journey. Who is your favorite iFIT Trainer? I’m currently enjoying Pearl Fu’s bike workouts. Her workouts are fun and entertaining—you never know what you’re in for when you push start! My all-time favorite trainer is Tommy Rivs, because he showed me I could be a runner again. What is your favorite iFIT series? The Ancient Egypt Walking Tour is my favorite because this series is so nostalgic for me. My fitness journey with iFIT truly started as I was completing this walking workout series. I was able to visit a place on my bucket list while the world wasn’t allowed to travel. The cinematography and having renowned Egyptologist Ramy Romany as the trainer was so fantastic. I continue to recommend this walking workout series to others just starting out on their fitness journey. How long have you been an iFIT member? I have been an iFIT member officially since June 2019. However, I wasn’t active until after the birth of our third child in March 2020. What do you like most about iFIT? The iFIT community! Having this community unites us and gives us opportunities to connect with trainers and other members. Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine, especially if you are pregnant. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment. Opinions of iFIT members are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.

After coping with an incredibly challenging year, iFIT Member Dustin Johnson chose to put on his running shoes again and get back into the rhythm of running. Although he’s a newer member, he’s already racking up the miles with iFIT Trainers like Sally McRae and Nicole Meline. Dustin shared his experience with iFIT so far and his plans for racing in the near future. Here’s his story! How has your fitness journey been over the last few years? Have there been obstacles along the way? My fitness journey began in 2011. Fitness paved a new path in my life that I finally enjoyed! In 2016, I discovered my love for running. I started running 5Ks and 10Ks. Before I knew it, I was running a race every weekend! Over the last year and a half, there have been many obstacles. From COVID-19 to the loss of many people close to me, it was a tough year. I went from running my first ultramarathons to being depressed, smoking again after quitting for years, and ceasing to run altogether. However, iFIT has helped me change that, and I’m forever grateful. As an avid runner, you’ve completed quite a few races, including ultras. Do you plan to run any upcoming iFIT virtual races? Yes! On weekends, I'm normally camping during the summer, so I'm very much looking forward to doing my first iFIT virtual run—the Surf City 5K—on September 11th! I’m hoping to do more during the winter months as well. Alongside checking off more iFIT running series, what else do you have planned for 2021? Do you have your eye on any in-person races? I have so many runs that I plan to do now that we are doing more in-person racing! I was recently drawn in the lottery for the Medtronic® TC 10 Mile. The run starts at the U.S. Bank Stadium® in Minneapolis and finishes at the capitol in St. Paul. I also have various trail and road 5Ks and 10Ks coming up. What motto do you live by? My fitness motto is "One more mile!" Whether you run, walk or crawl, you can always push one more mile. You can always go the extra mile. I loved the saying so much that I had it tattooed on my forearm. Nothing helps motivate me more when I’m tired and want to quit than looking down at my arm and knowing I can always go a little more. Who is your favorite iFIT Trainer? I’ve enjoyed all the trainers that I have tried, but two that stick out to me are Nicole Meline and Sally McRae. Nicole was so positive and empowering on the Old Yellowstone Trail run that she pushed me mentally to keep going. Sally was one of the reasons why I wanted to run my first ultras. She’s amazing and inspiring. Seeing that she was an iFIT Trainer when I joined was the icing on the fitness cake! What is your favorite iFIT series? No favorite workout series for me yet. Since getting my NordicTrack treadmill, I’ve been jumping all around on workouts. From the Challenges to Live Events, I’m just enjoying the variety iFIT has given me. I will say I am very excited to start the Swiss Alps Summit Series! What do you like most about iFIT? I absolutely love the variety of workouts, from hiking to running and walks. Plus, the trainers and fantastic community help motivate me in so many ways! Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment. Opinions of iFIT members are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.

For more than a decade, iFIT member and ambassador Diane Hood has been along for the ride with us. If you’re a member of the Official iFIT Member Facebook Group, you’ve likely seen her encouraging others to reach monthly fitness goals and discussing new workout challenges she’s created for herself. Maybe you’ve even seen her impressive running shoe collection! As a lifelong runner, Diane has completed numerous races, both in person and virtually. Now, at 61, she continues to push herself in her home gym, whether she’s on her treadmill, bike, or elliptical. Diane keyed us in on her incredible fitness journey, touching on what sparked her passion, the iFIT Community, and the recent Crown City Classic 5K. You completed the Crown City Classic 5K over the July 4th weekend. What was it like running alongside Kirstie Ennis? Running the Crown City Classic 5K was such an amazing experience. I have completed many 5Ks in my life, but this was by far my favorite. Being right there with Kirstie Ennis, I felt like we were all supporting each other, and I have never felt more proud to be an American. iFIT literally changed the way I trained. Not only could I map out my actual racecourse and run it, but I was able to get more miles in than I ever have (even in my 20s). You’ve ticked off a number of iFIT series and virtual races, as well as your own workout challenges. When did your passion for fitness begin? What piqued your interest? My fitness journey began in 1976 when I was 16 years old. I started running because I loved it and would just run everywhere. I didn’t start doing races until 1981. I have done about six marathons and many, many half marathons. In 2009, I tried my hand at some triathlons starting with a Half Ironman, several sprint distances, and an Olympic distance. How long have you been an iFIT member? I have been with iFIT for 10 and a half years now. I started with a treadmill and now have the Freestrider, S221 bike, Fusion CST, and have recently added a rower. What does the iFIT Community mean to you? The iFIT Community is simply amazing. I have made many good friends here, and some I have met and ran with. I am getting ready to meet a friend of nine years in August. The support and kindness this group gives is simply wonderful. What do you like most about iFIT? Over the last 10 and a half years, I have seen iFIT grow and become the phenomenon it is today. As an endurance athlete, what nutrition/hydration aids do you use to stay fueled up while training or out on the course? Being an endurance runner, I have never really used many fuel-specific products. I call myself an “old-school runner” because I carry a water pack and some cookies. However, I have recently started using some of the gels that are out there, and I do use iFIT BCAA+ (shameless plug, but I love it). Who is your favorite iFIT Trainer? A few of my favorite trainers are John Peel, Tommy Rivs Puzey, and Hannah Eden. What is your favorite iFIT Series? My favorite running workout series so far is Tommy Rivs’ Bolivia Half Marathon Training Series Part 1, but John Peel’s 5K Training Series Part 2: Romania is a close second. Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment. Opinions of iFIT members are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.

As a seasoned runner, iFIT member Michelle “Mik” Cotton has used iFIT for over 10 years to prepare for marathons, Spartan® races, and more. Now, with over 200 races completed, Mik recently crossed off her first ultra distance race. Talking about her racing experience, Mik spotlights the role iFIT has played in race preparation over the years and offers her tips to those interested in getting started. Here’s her story! How did iFIT help you prepare for your ultrarun? iFIT’s workout series on difficult terrain with constantly changing inclines and declines on my ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill were the best. It helped me simulate constant changes. What kind of adversity did you face along the way as you prepped for this race? From December 2020 to February 2021, I was doing physical therapy for three foot injuries to get myself running again. The slow increases in speed and distance were more than difficult. Also, my son has two rare diseases and asthma, so he is still in distance learning. My grandmother died right before Christmas, and I was trying to tend to her house while recovering from my injuries. On top of that, my husband almost died on Christmas morning, was diagnosed with cancer, and had emergency surgery. He was recovering at the same time, which made it difficult for PT. This ultrarun was over 100 miles and 30 hours long. How did you prepare your mindset to reach the finish line? I just go into my “hunting beast mode” (so I call it). I repeat to myself, “my race, my pace,” so I don’t go out fast like in a 5K. I “hunt” in a determined, steady pace for the finish line. I don’t concentrate on anyone else’s pace, number of miles at that point, or anything like that. I just stick to my music and pace to get it done. For others interested in training for an ultrarun (or any other type of race), what advice would you give them? It depends on your experience and the race you pick. I've done a bunch that I picked for location and other variables, while not allowing time to train properly. Even though I’ve never had a DNF (Did Not Finish), I’ve either done horribly or injured myself. For this race, I made sure I prepped correctly, meaning keeping to my specific nutrition and hydration prep. I also logged all my miles and made sure I didn’t skip any training runs. The back-to-back long runs really did work to help me run on tired legs. I’ve done 10-hour races, but never a 30-hour race, so I made sure that I could keep going. My other main advice is don’t be hard on yourself. Everyone wants to podium their first time out or earn a PR every time. There are other variables out there—sickness, weather, personal issues, or even not sleeping right the night before. These factors can rip the wheels off really quick. You have no control over them and have to admit when it is not your day. That way, you can come back stronger than before. For example, my first Spartan® Beast Race was at Killington Ski Mountain, Vermont. This race is 15 miles with sandbags, obstacles, and more. I had my son just released from the hospital, barely made it up there, and had a stomach bug. I had no calories taken in all day and got sick along the trail. I finished, but I shouldn’t have done it. Another time, my first marathon was a downpour, and I hadn’t trained in the rain. I finished with an excellent time, but it could’ve been a disaster. Prepare for everything and know it can still be imperfect, but a learning experience regardless. Who is your favorite iFIT Trainer? Mainly Ashley Paulson, because she was absolutely amazing for the Boston Marathon® Series. Coach Pain because he’s an absolutely amazing motivator. I’ve followed him for years. I recently started with John Peel. He’s great and busts my butt every time! Tommy Rivs Puzey just because he’s sweet, informative, and an inspiration. What is your favorite iFIT Series? The Boston Marathon® Series, hands down. I’ve always had it and the New York City Marathon on my bucket list for a live race, but I can’t raise the money for a fundraiser or qualify. I registered this year for the Boston Marathon® and will be running it virtually on October 11 with iFIT. It’s the next best thing! I’d love to see NYC too and watch Ashley kick butt again! How long have you been an iFIT member? Since 2011. What do you like most about iFIT? My son has special medical needs. Since he was born, working out has been incredibly difficult. I got my first NordicTrack treadmill in 2011 and it was one of the first iFIT machines. It helped me train for my first 5K that year, first half marathon the following year, and first marathon in 2014, all by mapping out the courses and running them over and over in training. It lets me know what to expect on the exact inclines and declines on race day. The new workout series, like Everest: A Trek to Base Camp and others, are so much better. I can run anywhere now and still look after my son. My new ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill has inclines and declines, and my ProForm HIIT elliptical allows me to practice climbing to prepare for anything from a 5K to a Spartan Ultra®. Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment. Opinions of iFIT members are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.

After years of dealing with health issues that derailed her everyday life, iFIT member Jennifer Brumley chose to invest in her wellness. Little did she know that this decision would lead her to an active running lifestyle, new friends, and a growing number of races under her belt. Jennifer shared her experience with us, touching on how the iFIT community has been integral in her success. What’s your fitness journey been like? What was the catalyst to begin? My journey began due to becoming a shut-in as a result of extreme agoraphobia. I live with schizoaffective disorder, which is rare. I became too scared to leave my house and be around other people. I was so tired of the world seeing and describing me in negative ways. I cannot handle large crowds or noisy places due to PTSD from my time in the U.S. Army. My psychiatrist suggested exercise to help ease my mental health struggles. Since I would not leave my home, I decided a treadmill would be my best option. I thought I had to accept the disabled life and hide away from the world. Through iFIT, I got my life back one step at a time. I started my journey with John Peel and could not even jog for a minute. Fast forward to today, and I now run 8Ks for fun! I've traded depression and self-hatred for running workouts. I love it! No matter how bad the voices are, my legs and body are stronger. Never in a million years did I think I would refer to my NordicTrack incline trainer as "my baby" or love to let loose. Strong, powerful, and unstoppable—that is how running and strength training makes me feel. In October 2020, I finally left the house because I wanted to run a real in-person 5K! I was terrified, but I kept quoting iFIT trainers in my head: “Learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable.” I also drew inspiration from Dr. Tommy Rivs Puzey and his situation. He was fighting for his family and life. If he could fight an uphill battle, then I could, too! After watching me fight through the fear and overcome it, I have now had two out of my three sons run their first 5Ks in 2021 with me. Both of them are now signing up for track at school. I went from having nothing to talk about to talking about traveling the world and going places I could never dream of visiting in real life. iFIT and this community saved my life, and I am forever grateful. You inspire and engage with members of the iFIT Community with your posts. How has the community played a part in your perception of fitness? The iFIT community is a huge deal for me. Like I stated before, I was used to the world not accepting me. I had zero friends and no one to talk to other than the four family members in my home. I went without anyone to call a friend or a person to chat about life with for four years. I felt so alone and lost. I found myself in a really dark place. When I was in the Army, we had “battle buddies.” Battle buddies help each other deal with day-to-day stressors. That is why it is important to learn and know what pushes the group’s buttons. They also serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for one another. iFIT Trainers John Peel, Jesse Corbin, Casey Sines, and Ashley Paulson, alongside six iFIT members filled that hole in my soul and gave me a reason to show up every day. I mattered to people again, and hence we created the “SoleMates Battle Crew.” I am no longer alone and now get the chance to show others that same love and support through the SoleMates Battle Crew Facebook page. iFIT is more than a fitness platform. We are a big, imperfectly perfect family. Are there any upcoming events on the horizon for you? I am very excited to say that the outside world is becoming a little less scary, thanks to iFIT. In fact, I am taking the “trust the process” philosophy one step further and now have a service dog in training. The iFIT community helped me name him Max through the Official iFIT Member Page on Facebook. I'm excited to one day do all of the hiking workouts I've done virtually, in real life with Max by my side. On the horizon, my goal is for me and Max to make our way across the country running a race in every state over the next couple of years. I cannot wait for all the hugs from the iFIT community as I get to meet people in person. For someone who doesn’t know where to start, what tips would you give them to get going? Comparison is the thief of joy. I had to learn early on that we are all in different stages of our fitness journey. I’ve heard people say they are not runners or not good at being on the bike. They look at other members and get intimidated, not feeling good enough, fast enough, or strong enough. It all starts with baby steps—walking to power-walking, power-walking to jogging, jogging to running, and finally, running to whatever dreams you have for yourself. If you’re not a runner, that's fine! If you’re not a bike person, that's okay too. What if you can only do the walking series and have to stay low impact? That's awesome! No matter what form of exercise you do, as long as you do it with a smile on your face and good vibes in your heart, that's what matters. Do not be afraid to lean on the iFIT community for support and love. That's what we want to be able to do for you! Just like Mt. Everest, it takes a team to climb up mountains. When done alone, you may not succeed. When done as a team, you will reach that summit. One team, one dream! Who is your favorite iFIT Trainer? This question is like asking me which one of my kids is my favorite! Honestly, I think finding the right iFIT Trainer for you is like a vision quest. You may set out thinking you know which trainer is your favorite, but one day, you discover that you may have been wrong and find the one you connect with in spirit. I am going to break John Peel's great debate rule and say I have a tie. For me, John Peel is the light that brought me out of a very dark place. If it were not for John, my kids would not have their mom today. I love his energy, good vibes, big heart, positive messages, love of pizza, and that smile! John Peel is a bright light for me. Something that struck home that John spoke on is that I am worthy of being me. Jesse Corbin is the other piece to my puzzle, as he came to me when I least expected it. Jesse helped me learn to love and accept myself even though I do not feel worthy of it. His charisma and energy make a 30-minute workout feel five minutes long because they are so much fun. This past May, listening to him talk about how it is okay not to be okay spoke to my heart. Jesse emphasized that you are worthy of love and you matter. For a girl who felt broken, I soaked up every word. I am a Peelie and an everyday rockstar. That makes for one heck of a power combo. What is your favorite iFIT Series? iFIT Trainer Knox Robinson’s South Africa Foundations of Running Series How long have you been an iFIT member? Since March 2019. What do you like most about iFIT? It might seem silly, but my answer is the name of the company. What I like most is the fact that I found a place where someone like myself can say, “I FIT”—literally! I belong somewhere. Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment. Opinions of iFIT members are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.