Last Updated on December 30, 2020
Margaret Spring is passionate about running, fitness, travel and living a healthy lifestyle. Based in Colorado, Margaret is also passionate about bringing women together and motivating people to be the best versions of themselves through running. Margaret, along with her friend Randi, created the Instagram account @womenofrunning, where they feature women runners. You can also follow Margaret on Instagram @runnerforcake.
Can you tell us a little bit about how you got into running?
I’ve been running since I was like eight years old. I did my first race, which was the Troll Stroll at like eight and won it. Was third overall pretty aggressive, little racer at that time. And I ran cross country and track in high school and junior high and then did steeplechase in college. So just been running ever since.
Do you have any running highlights?
Yes. I mean I got to run in Chamonix like a year and a half ago, which was awesome. And let’s see, I did the TransRockies race this past season, which is 120 miles stage race and my friend Randi and I won it. But above and beyond that we raised almost 15 grand for the leukemia and lymphoma society. So that was super awesome. And really you had to get down and get gritty for that one.
When was your “aha moment” when you realized that you are an influencer and that you had a platform?
Probably a few years ago I just started getting reposted by a bunch of different brands and it was pretty exciting for me. I was … Every time I got reposted I was like, “Oh hell yes, this is awesome.”
So I don’t know. I mean I guess when people started reaching out to me and asking me questions about like products and running shoes and running advice, that’s kind of when I was like, “Oh, I actually have a say with my community and I mean something to them.” So that’s been awesome.
What have been some of your favorite brand collaborations?
I’ve really enjoyed working with Salomon. I was an ambassador for them for the last year. I really love what they’re trying to do for women in sport and bringing that more to the forefront. Let’s see, I’m trying to think of who else. I’ve worked with you guys. I’m kind of a space hood right now. You know what, I’ve just established a bunch of relationships with women led companies that are kind of just getting off the ground and running and that’s been super fun.
So I have another account (@womenofrunning), which tries to like get everybody involved. I know there are a lot of people that get reposted frequently and then others who don’t have an opportunity to. So I feel like doing an all inclusive community’s been really important to me. And so finding brands that align with that as well and helping build what they’re trying to start, especially within the running community and empowering women. So yeah, so like the break active, sweat seats, repeat workouts, and then she’s independent. I’ve been working with them a lot recently to kind of help them get up and running.
Yeah. I really [love Salomon] as a brand. I think they’re doing a lot for the community. They’re trying to do more for the environment in terms of products and making shoes that are out of recycled products. I think they do a really great job building community, yeah. So they’re really awesome.
What advice do you have for aspiring influencers? Particularly in the running community who might be thinking of ways that they could inspire others through their posts, their social media activity, their blog?
I think actually the best thing to do is meet up with people in real life. That’s something that I was super hesitant to do before, but if the opportunity arises, it’s been really fun for me to meet like minded people and get their ideas and what they want to see and built in person relationships, but also just be kind.
There’s a lot of like… I just feel like there’s room for everybody to be as big as they want to be and there’s room for everybody to be encouraging and that’s what the community should be about. So, take time to build each other up. There’s room for everybody at the top to inspire in so many different ways that we can inspire each other, yeah.
Do you have any goals for this year as it pertains to running also as well as influencer marketing?
So my big goal for this year is the Leadville 100, it’s August 22nd and I got a golden coin by racing last year in placing in the Leadville marathon. And so, I’ve been working with the coach getting going on that. It’s a huge cookie, if you will. I might’ve been up more than I can chew, but I’m going from a trail marathon to a 400 mile run. So that’s my big goal for the year is getting that done. And then I have a few races leading up to it to keep me motivated. And then in terms of influence, I think just continuing to build up the community, inspire other women to get out there and get running and really promote companies that are like minded and want to do the same.
Andrew is the Head of Client Services for Intellifluence and has a background in communications. He is committed to helping brands get the most out of their campaigns and is the co-host of the Influencer Spotlight series.
