Have you ever wondered how a woman with children seems to always find to run, do yoga or go to the gym for a strength training session? Are you a runner and envy a mother that passes you on a race course while pushing a running stroller? How about the pregnant mother that is running while the baby is still in her belly! You no longer have to wonder how they do it! We gave you tips in last week's blog/podcast on how to train without a babysitter. To read/listen to episode #155 (Click HERE) The answer to the question of how these running/fit mothers do what they do is simple. They just do it, with a no-excuse mentality. In our first installment of a series entitled Hot Summer Series: Running Moms, we will meet the First Mom of Keep Calm; Chris Ballard. Chris Ballard is a mother of teenage triplets, a few grown sons, a wife, a sister of 5 siblings, and a dog mom. Running has become her therapy over the years 

Press Play to hear Chris explain for herself how she gets her running in around her busy life schedule. 

Read on to hear what others had to say about how this mother runner inspires us all every day. 

Coach Tadris:

Chris joined our beginners RUNA5K program at the age of 39. Chris only wanted to run one 5k before she turned 40 years old. Chris thought she would be a one-and-done runner. What she didn’t realize is that she would be bitten by the run bug. Addiction to the RUNNERS HIGH is a real thing. What Chris also didn’t anticipate would be my ability to keep selling this drug to her through consistent motivation to prepare for the next event.

Chris was also attracted to running when she would see people post on social media their post-race photos with their smiles from their sense of accomplishment. Chris ran her first 5k on November 4th, 2016. The Ocean City Sentinel newspaper interviewed her for running with her triplets! Talk about fanfare from the start. 

Chris went on to run her first half marathon on October 23rd, 2019.

Chris followed up that showing, by traveling to Disney to do her second half marathon in January 2020. 

Then Covid hit…… What did Chris do? Would she sit home and stress eat, and put on 30 pounds? Not at all! Of course, there was some stress & stress eating involved, but Chris never stopped coming to Run/Walk Club. Chris did not put on the Covid-15-30 pounds. Chris followed my craziness and trained for all the canceled races as if they were still active. Although our program dwindled in size, Chris kept coming and building up the community as they would slowly come in one at a time. The Lisa Diaz story (Click Here) began right as Covid-19 hit in 2020 and the first person to greet Lisa on the track was Chris Ballard. Jessica Young, the host of this week’s podcast, joined the RUNA5K program in 2021 inspired by Lisa Diaz. Guess who showed up to run Jessica’s first virtual 5k, yup Chris Ballard. It’s no wonder Chris has won the Keep Calm And Run To The Best You (Most Inspiring Member Award)  back to back years! Here is what other members of our run family have to say about how much Chris means to them. 

Marla R.

What I admire most about Chris is that she is committed, she's disciplined and she shows up and that’s the bottom line. She shows up!

Marie G.

What can I say about Chris Ballard? Chris is a true inspiration to our group and me. She is a mother of triplets and an older son. Chris works full time and still finds time to come to group activities. Chris is the organizer of our events and makes sure we all know when and where meetings and events are. She is also a true friend.

Lisa D.

Chris Ballard is truly a leader. She isn’t loud or explosive about leading but she is the ember burning so brightly that you just want to follow her. She is always present, no matter the weather, the workout, or if she has only had 2 hours of sleep. Each time I want to give up or think I just can't, I can hear her voice in my head; No Excuses.

Lisa P.

I am inspired by Chris as she is a constant reminder that you can balance being a mom and taking time for yourself to make healthy choices and run. She is a steady presence at the training and she does not complain. She even showed me how to enjoy running in the rain by simply just doing it.

Dylan B.

Chris is amazing! is an example to us all of what showing up every day looks like. Her example shows the level of success we can achieve when we show up every day for ourselves. Chris is an inspiration to those of us who might disappear for a few weeks, her example helps me to keep trying!

Jessica Y

For the past year, I’ve watched Chris Ballard inspire and motivate every new member to commit to their health journey. My very first 5k was a virtual race, and Chris met me at the crack of dawn to run it together. She didn’t want the newbie to run it alone. Chris not only shows up for our team, she shows up for herself and embodies her motto of “no excuses” each and every week. I’m so thankful for Chris’s presence, her wise words of advice, and her dedication.

Melissa S, Chris Ballard, & Jessica Y @

Bungalow Beach 5 Miler Atlantic City, NJ

Melissa S.

When I think of Chris, a smile comes to my face.

She shows up every time with what I call simple but powerful motivation.

1. You got this.

2. I run because I get to.

3. I show up for me, but I also show up for you.

4. Shows her strength by being consistent in her ability to run, but is not intimidated by seeing others run faster (new members or seasoned ones).

Jen B.

Chris Ballard is an inspiration. She sets an example for the group as someone who is consistent and dedicated to her goals. Seeing her manage being a working mom and still make it to practice helps motivate me to keep showing up. Thank you Chris!

Coach Tadris Final Thoughts:

I can sing Chris Ballard’s praises all day, night, week, month, and years and keep going as to how much she means to me. I wanted to get the thoughts of our community to let Chris know how people have been inspired by her. Those were some powerful takeaways from just a few members of our community. We all thank you for keeping us all running, including me!

If you were inspired by this article please consider leaving a comment below, and or leave a voice message to be played on our next podcast.

If you are ready to start your journey, let's set you up with a FREE 1-2-1 Call w/ Coach Tadris to go over your personal goals!