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.

  • Angela Lee

    Running and Triathlon Coach

    A USAT triathlon coach and RRCA running coach, Angela was the 2022 USAT Olympic Distance National Champion in the Athena 55+ division. Competing in her first triathlon at age 47, her desire to get certified came from realizing there was a shortage of coaches focused on helping clients maintain balanced, healthy lifestyles rather than just winning races. She has completed 5 full marathons, 5 half iron distance triathlons, 4 545 mile AIDS/Lifecycle trips down the CA coast and countless shorter races.

  • Jennifer Roe

    Life Coaching

    Jennifer is a life coach dedicated to helping others clear out the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual blocks that hold them back from living their best life. Her journey began when she saw herself fall apart on screen during the documentary. After learning the tools to love herself she wanted to pass them on to th se who reached out to her. Before finding running Jennifer struggled a lifelong battle with obesity. She has run three marathons, including her hometown favorite, the NYC Marathon.

  • Rik Akey

    Head Coach

    Rik is a running coach, writer, and motivational speaker. Prior to finding running, Rik was a 275-pound couch potato who had to hold his breath when he bent over to tie his shoes. He has been an avid runner since 2009. As a certified Distance Running Coach through Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), Rik has successfully coached many runners, helping them discover the joy of running. He developed our Run Your 1st Mile program that has helped hundreds who thought they never could become runners.

Testimonials

  • Without the support, friendship, training, and resources that From Fat to Finish Line has provided me I would not only not be the runner I am today but I wouldn’t be the person. FFTFL is my tribe and thanks to being a part of this community I’ve crossed finish lines I never thought possible.

    Teri Brown
    Member

  • Nothing has meant more to me and my running journey than my FFTFL tribe. Without you all I would’ve never had the courage to even dream of completing a marathon. You encouraged me every step of the way and were there for me from training through to the finish line.

    Sarah Ward
    Member

  • I joined the group a few years ago and, thanks to the encouragement and support I received from the group, I became a runner. I tried taking up running in the past and would run a few times then quit. This group helped me accomplish things I never thought I could.

    Melissa Clarke
    Member

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