By Olivia Carr | nwa media
Margie Moldenhauer is a goal-oriented person who normally accomplishes what she sets out to do, but losing weight was an exception.
“Every year I make a list of what I need to do, and the only thing I could never accomplish was losing 20 pounds,” the Fayetteville real estate agent said. “That changed when I started running with Fleet Feet’s No Boundaries program.”
Through a friend, Moldenhauer learned of the 12-week training program that culminates with a 5-kilometer run.
Fleet Feet co-owner Russ Gunnell said No Boundaries is designed for people who are currently inactive or are new to running or walking.
“Anyone, no matter what his or her level of fitness, can do this program,” he said. “Our coach understands that everyone is on a different level, and if someone can only make it halfway around the track, that’s OK.”
Three months before a local 5k race, No Boundaries kicks off with a breakfast meeting. The program includes guest speakers, a weekly training session, plus additional workout assignments that are monitored online by the coach.
Moldenhauer was new to running when she started the program two years ago, and she couldn’t make it halfway around the quarter-mile track without losing her breath. Two weeks later, she was walking and running with no problem.
Not only did Moldenhauer start her running program through No Boundaries, but she also hired a nutritionist who helped her change her eating habits. She has met her goal of losing 20 pounds and is now stronger and healthier.
When the 12 weeks had passed and it was time to run her first 5k, Moldenhauer was nervous, but she made it to the finish line.
“I was so nervous I thought I was going to faint when I crossed the finish line the first time,” she said.
These days, Moldenhauer is running half marathons (13.1 miles) and marathons (26.2 miles). Races in which she has competed include the Fayetteville Half Marathon, the Chili Pepper Cross-Country Festival, the Hogeye Half Marathon, the Dallas White Rock Marathon and Race for the Cure.
No Boundaries coach Mandy Alexander said participants benefit greatly from each other’s support.
“They find someone who is exactly at the same level they are, which gives them confidence,” she said.
Moldenhauer and friend Janice Harris met through No Boundaries. They were both new to running and have stayed with it.
“It was really encouraging to know that I wasn’t the only one who was just starting,” Moldenhauer said.
Alexander said friendships among group members is common, and many of them enjoy the social aspect of running. Moldenhauer is one who enjoys such camaraderie.
“It’s a lot of fun to run with your friends — it really passes the time to have someone to talk to,” she said.
Not only does having the support of a coach and group provide confidence, it also adds the element of accountability, Alexander said.
“If someone doesn’t show up on Saturday, their friends are going to ask where they are,” she said.
The staff at Fleet Feet tries to promote an active lifestyle to all customers — not just those who train with them.
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