Trophy Club mom and Instagram influencer Jessica Tondre knows the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Through her account, @JessRunsBlessed – which has about 50,000 followers, she shares her honest fitness journey, the balance of working out with two adorable little ones and how to keep moving forward through it all.
I FIRST GOT INTERESTED IN FITNESS… around the age of 15 or 16. I became interested in running and lifting weights because we did it in high school track. I also started watching what I ate about that age and stopped drinking soda. When I was in college at the University of Texas at Austin, I had a few friends that were very into nutrition and fitness and began researching more about macros (well before macros were a thing) and how to eat to live instead of live to eat. That’s when I began to run seriously as well. Not necessarily long distance but middle distance consistently.
RUNNING BECAME... a form of therapy. Several miles a day in college was very helpful for my anxious personality. It also helped after children. I needed that escape and it aided with postpartum depression.
WHEN I STARTED… “Jess Runs Blessed,” I originally wanted a place to share my running, fitness and health content in a “safe” environment that would be received by like-minded people. I knew people on my personal Facebook didn’t always want to see that content, and I wanted people to be able to choose to be able to see and support that. I understand that not everyone wants my elation about my 16-mile run or my weekly abs workout in their feed.
I BEGAN MY BLOG… in 2015 as a chronicle of my training, my thoughts, tips and a place for me to write down fears, goals and workouts. I felt like it might help me in the future and possibly help others.
I FEEL LIKE… we are an attention deficit “need it fast” world, me included, and I don’t even read the blogs I used to. That made me realize if I’m not reading them, no one is likely reading mine. Social media is where it’s at – less words, less clicks, easier to access and more at your fingertips. I still keep my blog up because it has sentimental value to me.
I NOTICED I WAS GAINING AN INSTAGRAM FOLLOWING… in early 2016. That was right around when my mother-in-law bought me a Go-Pro. My picture quality got better, and I learned the art of tagging, timing and the nature of the Instagram running/fitness community.
IN ORDER TO GROW… you have to engage with others, you have to reply back to comments and you have to spend time within the community you are trying to be “known” within. You must be authentic and ask for help. No one likes a know it all. When I began exposing my vulnerabilities and letting people get to know me a little bit, people became interested. They were interested in my journey and in my struggles. Whether I hit my goals or failed, they were along for the ride.
AS THE TIME HAS GONE ON… things have changed with my health. In 2016, I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease. I feel like I have been able to utilize the platform as a channel to raise awareness about CKD/organ donation. My kidney disease is stable, and I do not need an organ donor mind you, but I do feel compelled to speak on this issue as the disease is often silent in so many!
IF YOU WANT TO WORK TOWARD A FIT LIFESTYLE… start small. Find something active to do everyday even if it’s just a short walk. Turn everyday things into active things. For example, make brushing your teeth a calorie burn by doing squats for the duration. Don’t do something you hate, meaning if you don’t like to run, don’t run! It won’t be a “sticking” habit.
IF SOMEONE’S ASKING HOW TO BECOME AN INFLUENCER… I would tell them to be patient. Instagram has changed a lot in the past few years. There’s no rhyme or reason to the algorithm as it changes often. I would also tell them to find a niche (fashion, running, fitness, etc.) and aim to belong and set themselves apart. Also, you can’t be shy. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to take your photo! They don’t know you and most likely won’t care. And get good at setting your self-timer on your phone! Also, ask, ask, ask away! Ask people with experience on Instagram and social media what works for them, what times are best for posting, what editing programs they like best, what companies are good to reach out to and what influencer communities to join!
I HAVE… the best family! I’ve been married a little over 10 years to my wonderful husband Dustin who owns a financial planning firm in Southlake and have two amazing kids: Carleigh (9), who is into competitive cheerleading, and Parker (7), who loves rec baseball. It’s only fitting that we have a not so amazing dachshund, Miles (2), who is rotten to the core.
I FEEL VERY FORTUNATE… to be such a regular runner and to have had so many amazing opportunities. There have been travel opportunities, sponsorships by companies and race experiences that I wouldn’t have otherwise had. Heck, even a few features in magazines like this!