What are people saying about Lora?

“I grew up having a craving for running. I watched every track event on television, and competed on school teams as well as elite competition teams outside of school. As a junior in high school, I took second in state in the 55 meter hurdles for indoor track and attended many national events, such as the Simplot Games. I loved to run. It was my life. I was plagued by many stress fractures in my feet after my senior year of indoor track and was forced to sit out the entire outdoor track season. It is sad to say I never ran again until 11 years later. I of course gained a lot of weight and forgot all about the athlete I once was. Everything changed for me once I met Lora Erickson. Lora has taught me that there is life after high school sports. Just this year, Lora trained me in six weeks to run my first 5k in 11 years and I felt totally prepared. I went from doing nothing, to running 3 miles in such a short amount of time! Lora knows exactly how to train me and helps me work through some of the fears and insecurities I have about entering sports again after all of these years. I am pleased to say I have completed my first half marathon. This is a huge accomplishment for me and there is no way I would have ever been able to do this without the help of my coach Lora.”
- Suzanne W. – private coaching participant 2009

“Even though I’ve always enjoyed playing sports, I’ve never considered myself an athlete. Then my physical fitness level really dropped after having three kids and taking several years off from my formerly healthy habits. Working with Lora has given me great motivation to take care of myself, and she has helped me see my potential as an athlete at the level that fits into my personal circumstances. Lora showed me that healthy living is simple, enjoyable, and important. She teaches, coaches, and encourages me to keep going, and tries to make sure that I am having fun all along the way. Thanks to Lora, I have a wide variety of new training activities, I have competed in several triathlons and a half marathon, and I have come to enjoy a fun and fabulous new lifestyle!”

-Christy J. – Team Blonde Runner 2009 member

“You truly amaze me. If anyone is new to Lora, I can attest she has been this driven and ambitious her whole life. She is amazing.”
-Tara H. – childhood friend

“I just wanted to thank you for really being an inspiration to many women. There are so many women who give, give, give and never take time for themselves to feel better. For me, you have shown me that you can be a good wife, mother and athlete and make a contribution to society along the way. I appreciate that. It’s nice to know I don’t have to give up the things I love to have a family. I know I can do both.
Also, the team environment has been great. It’s motivating and fun to get to know other women who have your same goals and interests. Thanks you so much.”
- Mary C. – Team Blonde Runner member 2009

“Lora! Thank you for the info last night! It was very helpful and informative. You’re my new found inspiration for Triathlon training. THANKS!”
- Sara O. – triathlon clinic participant 2009

“When I contacted Lora Erickson about doing a triathlon in only 11 weeks, she was so optimistic! I am about 35 pounds overweight, but I can swim fairly well, bike okay, and I do not enjoy running at all. This did not deter Lora’s enthusiasm toward me and my success. The boot camps were so hard, but so empowering - if I could get up at 6:00 A.M. and really kick butt. I could do anything. She also had us play ultimate frisbee, flag football, and kick ball a couple of times. This was totally out of my comfort zone, but there I was with everyone else cheering me on. I found that the high fives, cheers, and laughter really made me feel a part of something. Lora is always coming up with new and exciting ways to teach and encourage. She goes over and beyond the call of duty. I have been dealing with an injury this year and she still checks to see how I am doing, even though I’ve had to slow things down. It is me she cares about, not which races I participate in. By the way, I have now done 2 triathlons and improved my biking quite a bit. Thanks Lora!” - Tiffiny A. – Team Blonde Runner member 2009

“I joined the team because I knew I needed better direction in my training and I wanted to have my most competitive year yet. Little did I know that after joining the team we would end up adopting our two girls 6 months earlier than planned. This threw a real wrench in my triathlon plans. I thought with my life so crazy I might not get much out of the team training but I was really wrong.

Not only did I get faster at all of my events, which shocked me since I haven’t even been able to give it 100% this summer, I also learned so much. I have learned more in the last 6 months about competing and being in shape than I ever did by reading all of my fitness and exercise books. You really helped bring it all together for me.

Lastly, you have been a great friend and emotional support. I have appreciated the emails and phone calls and the interest you have shown in my personal life. When I was going through hard times as a new mom to two Ukranian orphans I knew I could come to our workouts and you would make me laugh and help me see the positive side of everything. You have been such an inspiration.

It also, has been an amazing experience working with like minded women towards a common goal. I am going to take so much away with me this season - more knowledge, better skills and new friendships. Your program is awesome and you are changing lives! I have loved every minute of it! I am different because of you. I appreciate all you have done for me!”“ - Amy R. – Team Blonde Runner member 2009

“I was so happy that I felt really prepared, both physically and in terms of all the stuff I had to bring/do to make the race go smoothly. I knew I could finish the race, it was just a question of how hard I could push myself. I also had all the gear and was organized enough to have smooth transitions and feel confident before and during the race. This is all thanks to a fabulous coach who really helped us with all the small but important details. Thanks Lora! You are such a great coach!”

- Christy J. – Team Blonde Runner 2009 - triathlon program participant

“This was so much fun!! I am so glad that I had the chance to train with someone who really knows what they are doing. It felt awesome to finish and know that I did well. Your strengths certainly even out your weaknesses in a triathalon. That is what is so fun. I didn’t do so well in the swim, but overall I did well because of the bike and run. I am so glad that I was able to do it. I am looking forward to next season. Thanks for all of your help Lora, you are great!!”

- Kellie B. – Team Blonde Runner 2008/2009 - triathlon program participant

“Lora, having met you and working with you has truly changed my health for the better. My husband and I have pretty much always been healthy people: we eat organic, exercise and try, “try” to find some quiet time to help with the balance of things. Since meeting you, I am more aware of what I put in my mouth. I now write everything down and exercise is a priority, despite how crazy my day gets! I feel better and have learned sooooooo much from you with exercise, healthy eating and just over-all health! You are such an inspiration and I just wish more people knew about you….oh, the lives that you could touch and help change! :)”

- Karen M. - Fitness class participant 2009

“Lora! Thank you for the info last night! It was very helpful and informative. You’re my new found inspiration for Triathlon training. THANKS!”

- Sara O. – triathlon clinic participant 2009

“The class was worthwhile and enjoyable. Great attitude.”

– Diana K. – weight-loss class participant 2008

“I have really enjoyed the class. I’ve learned a lot.”

-Evelyn D. – weight-loss class participant 2008

“The class was awesome. The instructor is motivation and very energetic. Portion control and paying attention to what I eat have helped more than anything. I make it a point not to eat when I am bored. I don’t have to kill myself with exercise. ”

- Vicki R. weight-loss class participant

Lost 23 lbs, 7 ¾ inches, and over 2 % body fat

“l love how Lora motivate me”

- Aimee A. – class participant

“I’ve always thought triathlons were outside of my “athletic range.” I worked hard to prepare for this tri so it felt awesome to complete my goal. I just have one piece of advice—don’t think you can’t do it! If I can do it, anyone can! If you’re willing to train, you can accomplish your goal. It was my New Years Resolution to compete in a triathlon. This summer I did two and now I’m training for the third. They are so fun—I’m hooked! Thanks for your help, Lora!!!”

- Michelle B. – Team Blonde Runner 2008 - triathlon training program

Many people struggle to stay motivated, but finding inspiration in others can really help you stay on track. Here is an example of one of my clients, a real live person, that has been an inspiration to me as well as many others…

“With the approach of a very significant birthday, the big 50, I was forced to look openly at my health. I had steered clear of fad diets, quick fixes, and the like, trying to keep active and eating sensibly on my own. But somehow those inches and pounds just slipped on. So I did something that I had never done before in my life, I went to a personal trainer.

At first I didn’t know if it was possible to lose all the weight I wanted to, after all those pounds has been on for years. Each week however gave me hope, and I found that it was the small, consistent things that made the difference. I really didn’t make huge lifestyle changes all at once. I wanted to take the weight off, but more than that I wanted to keep it off, so that meant the changes had to be something I could manage and live with.

I was not, and am not a calorie counting person, nor did I want to be obsessive about exercise. I am a mother and grandmother, and I love being very busy with my family. Being thinner couldn’t consume my life. Gradually I started eating more healthily, adding in those fruits, vegetables, water and fiber really helped, and I made time to exercise. I found that good eating and exercise didn’t have to consume my life. I did the best I could eating and exercising, finding that some days were better than others. And slowly the weight, inches and body fat came off while my energy and strength increased.

After 21 weeks, it happened, I met my goals, but it happened to be the holidays. Not the big question was could I keep it off. Lora had always told me it was easier to maintain then to lose, and she was right. With the added busyness of Christmas, I found it harder to exercise and with all those tempting goodies around the house I thought I was doomed. But it was okay, in fact I had to eat more (healthy things that is), to keep my weight where I wanted it.

Now with the New Year, I find that I am right where I want to be. I exercise because I love how I feel when I do, and I eat better because I love how I feel when I do. The added bonus to my better habits has been the improvement to my families eating and exercise habits. It is a change for the better that has certainly been worth it.”

Custom Weight Management Program Results:

weight lost: 25 lbs, down 9 % body fat and 15 ½ inches

Inspire someone and share your success story….

Your stories, written in your own words, are empowering to others. If you would like to share your story, please email it to lora@blonderunner.com. Your story can inspire someone else and change their life forever.