Member Success Story: Mandy

We think there is nothing more powerful than real life testimonies from our members, and we are so excited to share Mandy’s story with you. Mandy shares how she went from being exhausted, on blood pressure and heartburn medication, and using nightly wine to cope, to making the decision to start walking, then running, and then completely transforming her health. When she realized she needed strength to support her running, she found confidence and community at Rise, now she’s medication-free and training for her first marathon in 2026.

Here’s Mandy’s story.

“Two years ago, I was a different person. I was on blood pressure and heartburn medication and drinking wine most nights to cope with stress. I was exhausted, foggy, and feeling stuck.

Then I made a decision that changed everything: I started walking. Just walking. Every single day, no matter what.

That one small habit led to another. And although I loved walking I wanted to go faster so I started running. 

Running became like therapy for me. I fell in love with sunrise runs, racing, and the running community. 

But I learned something along the way: You can't outrun a weak foundation.

The more I trained, I found I could run the miles, but I’d get so sore and tired after long runs and I was always worried about getting hurt. I knew I needed more than just cardio. I needed strength.

All three of my kids trained with Chase at Rise and really enjoyed the workouts, the energy, and how he pushed them to be better. So when I realized I needed to add strength training, Rise was the first place I thought of.

I'll be honest - I was nervous walking in. Gyms can be intimidating when you're new to lifting. But from day one, Rise felt different. It felt like a place where I belonged. As soon as I walked in the door the trainers were shouting, “Fire up Mandy!” and giving me high fives and “knucks.”

I'm lifting weights I never thought I could and learning movements I didn’t even know existed before (split squats and get up to knee drives- yikes!) This year, I have a goal of finally being able to do a pull up. In my entire life, I have never been able to do one!

I have learned that running all by itself isn't enough. You need mobility, strength, and balance. Rise has taught me how to move well, not just move often. The mobility drills and functional movements have made me a better, more resilient runner. I feel like I'm building a body that will be able to handle running for years to come.

There's something about lifting heavy that changes you. When you do something new that you didn't think you could before, it builds a lot of confidence. That confidence doesn't stay in the gym. It follows me into my job, my relationships, and my life.

Rise isn't just a gym - it's a community. Chase and the crew genuinely care about your progress, your goals, and your life. That kind of support matters more than you know.

Two years ago, I was on medications I thought I'd need forever. Today? I’m happy to report I don’t take any. My blood pressure is lower than it's ever been in my adult life, without any medication at all.

Rise is a huge part of that story.

Running gave me the cardio foundation I craved. Rise gave me the strength foundation I didn’t know I needed. Together, they're helping me live the life I always imagined! My big goal for 2026 is to run in and complete my first marathon. I’m so excited to tackle Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth in June. 

It’s never too late to start. You’re never too far gone. Your whole life can change. Mine did.”

Mandy, we are so grateful to have you as a part of the Rise community and so proud of all the hard work you’ve continued to put in. There’s no doubt that your hard work is paying off in so many ways! We can’t wait to continue to cheer you on as you keep crushing your goals. Grandma’s Marathon, here we come!