We are Your Running Community
Our mission is to change lives and empower tribe members of all shapes, sizes and experience. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and resources needed to find your inner athlete, become mentally and physically strong, and achieve a healthier lifestyle. Never run alone again. No matter where you are on your journey.
Where We Started
When we set out to make a documentary film about 12 people who’d lost an average of 100 pounds running we had no idea what the future would bring. Now, a decade after making the film, From Fat to Finish Line is so much more. We’re a community that has forged lifelong friendships and every day we’re crossing finish lines our former selves never could have imagined.
Our Story
It started back in 2010 when Jennifer Roe started blogging about her decision to train for a half marathon, which at the time sounded completely insane. She was quite overweight and hated running. What she thought would be another failed attempt at something ‘stupid’ turned out to be the best decision she ever made. She trained, ran, and crossed her first finish line with her friend and business partner, Angela Lee, by her side.
Fellow blogger Katie Foster of Runs For Cookies contacted her saying that she and friend Rik Akey were forming a very special Ragnar Relay team. The race would span 200 miles, from Miami, FL to Key West. Jennifer was in!
Filmmakers by trade and fitness enthusiasts at heart, Angela and Jennifer found the idea of documenting the team’s journey irresistible, so they set out to make the documentary From Fat to Finish Line.
The film premiered at our first convention in 2015 and ran on Netflix exclusively for two years. It is now available on several streaming platforms.
Community
"I absolutely love this group. Most everything I say I need, is usually a want. But I do need you. This tribe. You've made a difference in my life." - Erin Gaddie, member
Facebook Community
From Fat to Finish Line embraces an active lifestyle. Whether you walk, run, bike, or engage in any other types of fitness, our tribe is here to motivate you, support you, and celebrate your journey. Over 20,000 members strong, we chat online daily and meet all over the world to run together. We offer accountability, specialized training plans, fun-filled events, member discounts, and gear designed to get you to your finish line goals and beyond.
Featured Member
Facing a terrifying future of disease and deteriorating health Lorrie "Hellcat" Bamford made a decision to take control of her life. Her breaking point came when she weighed more than 300 pounds. Her doctor told her that without big lifestyle changes, Lorrie wouldn't be around to see her kids grow up. She made a decision to become a runner. Lorrie began running but questioned whether or not she could or should be running. She eventually found the From Fat to Finish Line tribe which encouraged her to keep going. Lorrie lost 130 pounds and got off nine different medications. She went on to run several races, including a few half-marathons and 26.2 miles at The Oklahoma Memorial Marathon.
Lorrie "Hellcat" Bamford
Train
From running your first mile to training for your first marathon. We've got a plan for you.
Our Training Methodology
Our uniquely adaptable training plans are designed to support runners of all levels. We take a community-based approach to training. Peer mentors and certified coaches who’ve been in the shoes of our members are always on hand to offer guidance and support. Additionally, we focus on the mental and emotional challenges that many runners face. We provide motivational email support, webinars on specialized topics, and access to the tribe for encouragement and friendship from like-minded people. Our goal is to empower members of all shapes, sizes, and ages to find their inner athlete, become mentally and physically strong and achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Run Your 1st Mile
Our flagship Run Your First Mile training program gets people running a mile nonstop. The easy-to-follow STEP-base program requires 3 days of running. Our training includes a private support group, weekly office hours with Head Coach Rik Akey, and a group of mentors who know what it’s like to make a big change that starts with one step. Best of all…
Meet Our Team
The founding management team not only lives the FFTFL lifestyle, they hold decades of experience in their respective fields of coaching, marketing, technology, operations and event management.
Testimonials
Featured In