WHY MANY HAPPY MILES?
Chatting at an expo table with a runner who had just finished her first half-marathon on a hilly, challenging course, I—Dimity—asked her if she’d train for another.
“Yes,” she answered, “running just makes me happy.” By happy, she meant her whole self was more balanced, patient, strong, motivated, confident, and forgiving (both with herself and with others) after she ran. I signed her book ‘many happy miles’—a phrase since repeated countless times around these parts.
In 2018, we launched Many Happy Miles, the program: an annual membership that offers 365 days of fresh workouts, strong glutes, plenty of planks, and community galore.
Our sixth year is about to be better than ever with added in-person events and accountability buddies, all in addition to what you already love: fresh workouts that feature inclusive cardio sessions, a community that loves to (virtually) sweat together, and extras to enhance all aspects of your life.
FAQs
Many Happy Miles is an annual membership.
When you register in December of 2023, your membership runs from January 1 to December 31, 2024.
On January 1, 2024, your membership renews unless you have canceled it.
We’d love to.
Many Happy Miles focuses on consistency, so our workouts are both mentally engaging and not too demanding, time-wise. In 2024, we will continue to offer inclusive the cardio workouts. We’ll still have plenty of running workouts, of course, but we’ll also modify the workouts so they work if you’re a walker, or you’re using a piece of equipment at the gym like an elliptical or stationary bike.
Although the theme of each month varies, a typical week can include:
4-5 cardio workouts
- If you’re a runner or run/walker, cardio means a variety of runs, including easy runs, intervals, track work, tempo, and hill repeats;
- If you’re a walker, cardio includes intervals, varying intensities, and other ways to keep your pace brisk;
- If you’re a cross-trainer, cardio means pace changes, short + longer intervals, and form checks.
2-3 strength training sessions
- Every month, we have a fresh strength circuit: 8-10 moves based on a theme.
- Most circuits have the option of adding weights, but are also effective with simply body weight.
- We also offer live strength classes, taught by personal trainer Brandi Dockett and Dimity McDowell, 2-3x a week.
Restorative Activities
- Every month also incorporates a variety of restorative activities, including yoga, easy walks, and foam rolling
- 1 rest day
Length of workouts: We offer one longer cardio session on the weekends, where you can run, walk, or crosstrain up to 90 minutes; otherwise, no workout is longer than 60 minutes.
Love it! Head here and purchase a gift card for $235.
We want to keep the element of surprise alive, but we can let you know that certain months will focus on running with heart rate; Pilates for runners; yoga for runners; and mobility for runners. We’ll also have a step Challenge, team activities, as well as plenty of other ways to keep you motivated and connected to the amazing Many Happy Miles community.
Each month has a featured strength circuit. We record that at the beginning of the month, and share it both in your Many Happy Miles membership online portal and in the Many Happy Miles app so you can do it at your convenience.
In addition, we have two to three live strength classes weekly; they are held at 8:30 am ET/5:30 am PT or 9 am ET/6 am PT over Zoom. If your schedule allows, we encourage you to join us—few things better than getting in a workout before the day gets going.
In addition, we have a full library of videos that include tools like the BOSU, Swiss Ball, resistance bands, and steps to mix things up: you’ll never be without strength options in Many Happy Miles!
We design all of the circuits to be functional—and challenging!—without extra equipment, but there are a few pieces we recommend if you want to pick them up: a set of resistance bands and a 9-inch ball.
In addition, we include weights whenever possible, but we realize assembling sets of dumbbells can be expensive. If you see any at a garage sale or Craigslist—or your mom’s basement—grab ’em! A good place to start: 3, 5, 10, and 15 pounds.
Finally, if there is special equipment required for a certain month, we’ll give you a head’s up with enough time to borrow or buy it.
Yes! The Many Happy Miles program will set you up well to run a 5K or 10K. If you have a half-marathon or marathon on your mind, we encourage you to follow a specific training program so you can have a strong race day. (The yearlong 15% discount to the Train Like a Mother Club programs comes in handy there!)
That said, you can do the strength circuits and challenges in Many Happy Miles while you train, and we’ll be waiting for you after—and cheering for you as—you cross the finish line!
All Many Happy Miles members receive 15% off all training programs, including the seasonal programs like Fall into Fitness and (new this spring) Go the Distance!
All new and returning members have their choice of a membership gift with our fresh new logo: options include everything from a visor to a top, all of which come in a variety of colors.
After you register, you will receive an email explaining how to pick your item and have it shipped. We can ship to all international locations, including Canada.
Yes, we’d love to have you, and you’ll be able to receive your membership gift this year.
If you happen to have trouble registering, please email us at manyhappymiles@anothermotherrunner.com and we’ll help you get set up.
You will receive an email to choose your membership gift. Once you pick it, it should arrive within 7-10 days for domestic orders. International orders will take longer.
We are unable to provide any refunds after registration for Many Happy Miles. You may cancel your membership so it does not autorenew on the 1st of January.
OTHER QUESTIONS?
Check out this info session with Dimity, who discussed the variety, consistency, and community of Many Happy Miles, then previewed the year ahead before answering some questions.
CURRENT MEMBER INFORMATION
If you are a current member of Many Happy Miles and want to continue with your membership in 2024, you need to do…nothing. (Yay for easy!)
The credit card in your account will be charged $235 on January 1, 2024 for your annual membership. Shortly thereafter, we will send you an email with directions for picking the your membership gift of your choice. You’ll remain on the Facebook page, in the Many Happy Miles app, and your account will remain active with access to all the Many Happy Miles materials.
(Yep: you don’t need to do anything on the AMR site, except confirm the credit card in your account is current.)
If you are unable to join us for another year in Many Happy Miles, cancel your subscription in your account before January 1. (We will be unable to issue refunds if you forget to cancel.) On January 1, 2024, you will no longer have access to the materials in Many Happy Miles and you will be removed from the Facebook page as well as the Many Happy Miles app.
If you have any questions about your membership, please email us and we’ll be happy to help you out. Thanks!