Meet Natalie Baerwaldt of Mom On A Tangent in Richardson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Baerwaldt.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Natalie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Mom On A Tangent originated in 2017 while I was crushing the Chicago Marathon. My finish time of three hours, 48 minutes and 39 seconds to complete 26.2 miles in a world major marathon was a triumph.

I began running when I was 32 years old after my second daughter was born. I trained for my first 26.2 with my husband and we ran the Fort Worth Marathon together in November of 2013. Since then I have completed 10 full marathons, and numerous half marathons and races of shorter distances.

Mom On A Tangent is my running brand that embraces my full spirit.

In running, the term “tangent” means to run the straightest path on the racecourse between curves. During a marathon, running the “tangents” is essential to race performance to complete with the best time, and to minimize extra steps which can add mileage creating a longer distance <- something that is absolutely not necessary when running a full marathon.

In linguistics, to “go off on a tangent” is an idiom that means to digress suddenly from one course of thought to another.

Mom On A Tangent is the expression of my greatest contribution to people. It defines me as an efficient runner staying on the tangents, and as a mom/professor/public speaker who tends to “go off on a tangent” when presented with an inspiring topic.

Mom On A Tangent came to be during the Chicago Marathon because at the start of the race I got separated from my running buddy, whom in previous marathons I had depended on to complete the race. As soon as I realized that I had lost my running partner, I remembered a conversation with a runner who mentioned that the race course in Chicago had a blue “tangent line” on the ground to follow. I knew if I was going to shoot for a PR for this marathon, I would need to stay on that tangent line to focus during the 3+ hours of this race.

After the marathon and in celebration of my race, I spent much time reflecting about the experiences that led me to Chicago. In the weeks to come, the idea for Mom On A Tangent emerged during a run and I knew that this term, this name, clearly shared who I am and what I have to offer.

The idea was authentic because in my professional life I perform as a public speaker to connect with people about child development. During my speaking presentations, I have been known to “go off on a tangent” as I share stories to inspire and educate. As a runner, I have always been efficient and direct ensuring to run the tangents.

Today, Mom On A Tangent offers personalized + group run coaching (for kids and adults), weekly social runs in Richardson, public speaking performances for groups locally + nationally, and my blog where I share information for runners, moms, and about life as a lululemon ambassador.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road to get to where I am has been uneven. I would describe this journey as one that is full of curious lessons and charming opportunities.

I spent almost 20 years as a subject matter expert in my non-profit career teaching others about early childhood trauma; a topic that completely fatigued my mental health. When I began running in 2013 it helped me physically and mentally as I continued to work in social services to support abused children. Running has been an outlet that has helped me make sense of senseless situations.

I have had many professional + personal struggles throughout the years where running has been my sanctuary. Running provides a space to re-think experiences and feelings to organize my thoughts toward a positive contribution.

In 2019 I chose to redirect my attention to Mom On A Tangent full time as I departed from my social work career.

Mom On A Tangent has become a place in the community where people can connect to run, and where kids can learn proper running form. As I continue to grow and develop my brand I am excited about the organic value that Mom On A Tangent will bring to people.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Mom On A Tangent is my running brand.

I coach personalized + group running for children and adults. I also provide guided 5K’s for large corporations visiting the Dallas area. Additionally, Mom On A Tangent social run club is a free, weekly run where people can gather for fitness and friendship. I also perform public speaking engagements for child development professionals, and I teach locally at The University of Texas at Dallas <- where I tend to “go off on tangents.”

I am most well known for coaching elementary age children who want to learn proper running form. I work with my running club, and with recreational soccer teams to improve performance + endurance.

I am definitely most proud of my ability to connect with people who are learning to run. I offer easy to understand strategies that connect with people as they think about running. This is something that comes through me as my greatest contribution. I work hard but the work isn’t hard. I love what I do and so doing incredible things in this space comes naturally, easily and instinctively.

I am unique to other running coaches because I am me. My style is different than anyone else’s style because all humans are unique. I hope to influence and help many people, and I know that I am not the solution for every person. I am excited to connect with those who resonate with my story.

Running is my thing and if you want to make it your thing, then let’s chat.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck – something to consider.

I would say that I am lucky to live in Richardson, Texas and to know all of the amazing and supportive people in my neighborhoods. Richardson is an innovative city that supports small business, and I am lucky to have landed in settings where I have met and become really good friends with successful entrepreneurs in my area. My friends in this space are incredible and have influenced me with their seeds of inspiration through words and actions.

I suppose the family I have been blessed with can be considered luck. I have the most supportive husband, daughters, parents, in-laws and extended family. I can call on my family to help with anything we need and we have very strong bonds in our relationships.

I consider all luck – both good and bad – as encounters that have brought me to where I am, so in a sense, all luck has supported my progress.

Pricing:

• Guided 5k + Run Adviser

Contact Info:

• Website: www.momonatangent.com
• Phone: 214 232 5658
• Email: coachnatalie@momonatangent.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momonatangent/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momonatangent/
• Twitter: @momonatangent

Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.