[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When I injured myself training for the Chicago Marathon, and ended up deep water running my way to a Boston Qualifier, I knew I had stumbled upon something pretty amazing. In January 2011, I started my very first deep water running class. It was just me and my one class. Later that year, I “branded” the class Fluid Running and even paid to have it trademarked because something told me I had something worth protecting. The class quickly grew in popularity and more people were asking for it, and I even had people interested in teaching it! I believed with my whole heart I could create a really special company called Fluid Running. I had these CRAZY beliefs of what it could be, who it could help, and the kind of press it could attract. I believed then and still do now, that what you believe you can achieve. So in 2012 I created a vision board. A BIG BOLD vision board with WAY OUT THERE goals like being in Runner’s World and creating an accredited training curriculum. I even had the NBC peacock on it. That one felt like a stretch, but if you don’t stretch, you can’t reach your goals. In the past month, Fluid Running was written up in a national NBC News article and then featured on NBC Chicago TV.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Left Side:
Joy – I wanted to create a company that spread joy – to others, and brought joy to me. This has happened 100%
Corporation – I knew someday I’d be more than a “one-woman-show”. We’re still an LLC, but we are indeed a corporation!
Yes-You-Can – Having a dream and building a business is hard, and oftentimes demoralizing. Needed a little “self talk”. I think I can now say “Yes you did!”
Accredited Training Curriculum – This was a big deal for me. I spent HOURS at the Library writing a Fluid Running instructor training curriculum that I submitted to A.C.E. (the American Council on Exercise). They reviewed it and granted CEC credits to fitness professionals who took the course. The manual I wrote is one of my proudest accomplishments.
Runner’s World – I knew this was a stretch, but I also believed of all publications, Runner’s World should talk about the benefits of Deep Water Running. And they did! Cindy Kuzma wrote a 2,000 word article about Fluid Running in August, 2018. I thought I had died and gone to heaven!
National Program – I was thinking big. We currently have people doing Fluid Running H2Go in 42 states, and 4 countries. We just got our EU trademark, so I should have thought even bigger! INTERNATIONAL program!
Lucky Me – I always feel lucky. I feel I was “chosen” to create this company. Lucky me.
Chicago Tribune – Living in Chicago, I thought this would be the coolest! I think we’ve been featured in the Tribune at least 3 times already! And Crains (just had to throw that in).
Balance – I never wanted my business to take over my life. When I created this vision board in 2011, I had 3 sons ages 15, 13, and 12. I pretty much managed to be home after school and put a decent dinner on the table every “school night” for sure. I was also fortunate enough to find Suite Spotte co-working in my hometown of LaGrange where I can work. It’s about a mile from my house.
Middle:
Logo – I wanted the Fluid Running logo to become a recognized logo. We’re getting there! I love our logo and name. It’s so perfect.
Train Hard Train Smart – This was our original “tagline”. I still like it. It was definitely focused on the athlete, but I think the message applies to life/work life. I’ve worked hard, and I’ve surrounded myself with some really smart people!
Bullseye – I wanted to believe I would “nail” it with this business. Hmmm – ask our Fluid Runners what they think!
Making A Splash – I knew this was the kind of business that would “disrupt” the fitness world. We’re definitely creating a current for sure!
Quote – Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get. This is what I wanted for my career. I am totally happy!
Right side:
New Fitness Phenomenon! – I believed this would be a new fitness phenomenon. I believe THIS IS a new fitness phenomenon!
Industry Leader – Considering we’re the “one and only” deep water running company, I’m gonna give us this one!
NBC – I’ve always watched NBC. I love the TODAY SHOW. I was literally running through my house doing the Rocky Balboa when the NBC.com article came out about Fluid Running!
Making A Difference – I wasn’t in this to just create a job for myself. I KNEW I could make a difference in a lot of people’s lives. And I have!
Helping Athletes – I can’t tell you how many injured athletes started Fluid Running and then went on to have their best races, competitions, etc.
Changing the way people think about water workouts – This is still an uphill battle. When I tell people about my company, they usually say “yeah, my grandma does that in Florida”. Ugh. We’re making progress.
Smiley face – Who doesn’t want to smile and be happy! I’m pretty smiley.
Success – As any entrepreneur out there knows, it takes a long time to start being profitable. We are doing well. The news coverage is helping tremendously! I am giving us a “check mark” for success! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
