What an honor it is to present today’s success story- at the finish line of our series! Our guest today, Connie Austin, brings tremendous joy to the lives around her and has been instrumental in transforming more than a few of them. Among her many business endeavors, Connie created the popular Learn to Run classes through the FootZone in Bend, Oregon and has inspired hundreds of people to begin running. Her goal was to take a potentially intimidating pursuit and make it accessible and fun to non-runners. Some of her participants had never run more than a block when they started the program and many are now marathon runners! Her commitment to sharing a healthy activity with her community in a fun and connected way has caught on in a huge way and has spurred the development of several other businesses under her company Run Ready.  Today Connie is with us to share some information on these businesses and fill us in on what success means to her.

Q. Welcome Connie! Please describe your businesses for us:

A. Run Ready is the name I chose as an umbrella for health and fitness services serving Central Oregon and beyond. It includes the following programs:

1. The Learn to Run Program.  I’ve been teaching beginning running classes through the FootZone in downtown Bend.  I give people the steps and strategies to get started in their own running or fitness walking program, in an encouraging non-competitive, and very nurturing format.  Since April 2009, over 600 people have taken my class. I hope to continue this service to others, and add online education, private workshops and retreats, and curriculum for other retail stores to begin their own educational outreach program.

2. The Learn to Run Fun website . This site is meant to keep new runners inspired, involved, and informed in the world of running.  This site is evolving daily.  I have lots of work to do on this!

3. As tools to support the program and to sell online, I plan on publishing 2 books for beginning runners and walkers.  A fun “How to” guide for starting a running/walking program, and a health and fitness journal.  I have many testimonials and inspiring stories from class participants I hope to feature as part of these books as well.

4. Fitness retreats. The first will happen this September 23-25 at Mt. Bachelor Village.  It’s a women’s only retreat called FLOW – Fitness and Leisure Outings for Women. I’m working with a planning committee on this one, and it will include introductory fitness and leisure workshops, great food, wine, fun times with girlfriends, local discounts in the Old Mill District and local restaurants, and a celebratory focus on all the joys of being a woman.

Q. What inspired you to begin Run Ready?

A. After teaching so many people to run through my classes at the FootZone in Bend, I was encouraged by the participants and partners in my program to expand and create my own business. I have a strong background in teaching and have been a runner most of my life, so following my passion was easy. I’ve coached cross-country and track for 8 years, taught jogging at COCC, competed in numerous marathons and triathlons, and enjoy facilitating and helping others achieve their goals.  This class is a perfect match.  I also work in the meeting and event planning industry so it seemed natural to combine teaching and events.  I have always enjoyed creating valuable experiences for others.

Q. What is the most challenging part of running your business?

A. Doing something completely new.  It’s both a challenge and a thrill.  My Masters degree is in Education and Counseling, void of a single business class in college.  Now I’m gobbling up any info I can on business development.  I have so much to learn.  Having the clear direction of how I’ll get from idea to action to result is now up to me.  For instance, the idea for a beginner’s running class became a reality, so I believe I can put the same effort into the other areas of my business. I now have a website that will evolve, books to write, and a retreat to plan and administer. Every element is moving along, yet timing, finances, and oh yes… keeping the rest of my life balanced, can be a bit tricky.  Strategy, maximization, and staying positive are strengths of mine, so I’m confident I’ll see results.

Q. What is the most rewarding?

A. Seeing the people in my class succeed in so many ways brings me so much joy.  The life changes they are making inspire me, and I am touched by so many of their stories.  Some people have never tried running before and they overcome their fears one step at a time.  It’s incredible! Some of their successes include running a goal distance, losing weight, connecting with nature, realizing their potential, starting a running program in their 60’s, or creating new friendships. I feel good about facilitating a nurturing community for beginning runners and a supportive place for experienced runners. I also feel good about the partnership I have with the FootZone and how I can contribute to their success as an outstanding independent local running store.

Q. What advice would you give to those starting their own business?

A. Use the business resources available to you.  Not just books, but people who have been there and can share their wisdom.  I’ve found help from COCC’s business development program, I take COCC’s community education classes, I’ve joined a small business support group through Opportunity Knocks, and I’ve found a fun women’s group that meets monthly to support website development.  These are just a few of the many local resources available.  I love reading the Business calendar in the paper to seek out more opportunities for learning.

Q. What has helped you to stay strong during the economic ebbs and flows?

A. Partnerships and encouragement from others have been very important to me.  The thank-you e-mails and personal stories from my class participants make what I do feel worthwhile.  I have a supportive husband who is my best friend and fan. I am lucky to have a business that offers everyone positive skills and strategies they can apply to improve their own health and well being as they cope with the ups and downs of life.

Q. Is there any business or life advice you have received that has helped you along the way?

A. Lots of bits and pieces from caring friends and family have helped me along the way. Much of it boils down to keeping things simple and taking good care of myself.

Q. What has been the most important factor for you in the success of your business?

A. Partnerships.  In order for my business to flourish, I value the expertise and experiences of other people and business owners.  I partner with the FootZone to share space, knowledge, contacts, employee support, and customer base.  In turn, they are gaining new customers.  By inviting professionals from the medical and recreation industries into my classes to share their expertise, I keep learning the best information and they may receive new clients.  Through the support of the Redmond Oregon Running Klub and Rebound Physical Therapy, we’ve expanded the Learn to Run program to Redmond.   I’ve joined the Outdoor Industry Women’s Coalition offering more than a networking opportunity, but valuable education and partnerships. I believe in collaborating as often as possible.  That way, we can all share in the success of others as well as enjoy the support when we need it.

Q. How do you define true success- in life and/or in business?

A. Success to me is the satisfaction, enjoyment and rewards from doing my best work.

Q. Is there a book, blog, quote, piece of music, etc. that consistently inspires you creatively?

A. I love music and find that listening and playing music (I play the cello and piano) keep me fresh creatively.  I also keep this quote handy to remind myself of the potential we all have inside us:  ”The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are” — Joseph Campbell

Q. Is there anything else you would like to share today?

A. I am very grateful to the many people who have taken my class.  They continue to inspire me, and I am reminded to have the courage to try new things I’ve never done before.

There are certain people you meet who thrive on creating community and their enthusiasm is contagious, Connie Austin is one of these people. She cares deeply about people and wants everyone to feel comfortable and uplifted. Her positive and nurturing approach to teaching is a big part of the reason the classes have been so successful.
Connie inspires those around her and brings a collaborative energy to all of her pursuits– it is vital to her that the people around her succeed and this generous intention has helped ensure her own success as well.

Are you interested in learning to run? Her next class begins Wednesday July 6th– find more details or sign up at www.learntorunfun.com

We have officially reached the end of this season’s Small Business Success Series! Before the next series begins I will post a recap of the “Top 10 Success Tips” that the entrepreneurs in the series have shared. I want to say a big THANK YOU to all of the incredible participants, and to all of the readers for your engagement- I hope the insights shared have helped all of you on your business journey. It has been a privilege to share this series and to connect with all of you– I look forward to starting up another round in early 2012! ~Elena

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