Martinus Evans, a motivational speaker and founder of Slow AF Run Club, shares his inspiring journey from an alarming doctor's visit to becoming a marathoner. He emphasizes that everyone starts from zero and the importance of building supportive communities, especially for back-of-the-pack runners. Martinus discusses overcoming self-doubt and the evolution of his community, focusing on inclusivity and genuine connections. He highlights that true success in both running and business comes from prioritizing relationships over quick wins.
Building a community from scratch, as exemplified by the Slow AF Run Club, fosters connection and support among individuals feeling isolated in their journeys.
Failures in traditional business approaches revealed the importance of engaging directly with a community to drive sustainable success and meaningful relationships.
Deep dives
Building a Community from Scratch
Starting a community can often seem daunting, especially without prior resources or a large following. The journey began with the realization that there were many runners, particularly those who finished races much later than others, feeling isolated and unsupported. This led to the creation of the Slow AF Run Club, which was built from the ground up, initially involving just twenty members. The emphasis was placed on shared experiences and pain points, fostering an environment where runners could celebrate their journeys together, regardless of their pace.
Lessons from Failed Endeavors
Experiences with failed email lists and courses showcased the challenges of relying solely on traditional business advice. Despite investing significant time and resources into building courses that attracted minimal interest, the speaker learned valuable lessons about community engagement and direct feedback. These failures highlighted the importance of connecting with a community rather than focusing solely on sales funnels or marketing tactics. It reinforced the idea that success often comes from the relationships formed within a community rather than the initial numbers.
From Community to Opportunities
The growth of Slow AF Run Club opened doors to numerous opportunities, including a successful book launch that sold over 30,000 copies. This success was attributed to the strong community foundation which provided support, promotion, and loyal followers who became passionate advocates for the work. Engaging directly with community members during live sessions allowed for immediate feedback, making it easier to refine ideas and offerings. The ultimate focus remained on helping individuals transition from inactivity to running, reinforcing the belief that community-driven efforts lead to sustainable success and growth.
Martinus Evans is a motivational speaker and resilience coach dedicated to inspiring organizations and individuals to embrace personal and professional transformation. With a powerful message rooted in overcoming adversity, Martinus turns challenges into relatable, actionable lessons that drive change in everyday lives.
His own journey began ten years ago when a doctor told him to "lose weight or die." Refusing to accept the stigma, Martinus boldly declared, “Screw walking, I’ll run a marathon.” Since then, he has completed over 100 races, including 8 marathons, graced the cover of Runner’s World, become a spokesperson for Adidas, and founded Slow AF Run Club, the world’s largest inclusive community for back-of-the-pack runners, reshaping the perception of what a runner can be.
ABOUT MIGHTY NETWORKS
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