Phoenix’s race calendar is heating up faster than you can say “caliente!” The season kicked off today with the Women’s Half-Marathon, followed by the Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon & 5K December 2 , the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k December 9 and, the mother of them all, the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and Half-Marathon January 20th.
I’ve been seriously thinking of signing up for the P.F. Chang’s … and by “seriously thinking” I mean I sometimes look at my running shoes which are collecting dust in my closet and think: I really should go for a run. Needless to say, I’m lacking some get-up-and-go gumption. The prospect of running alone can be tough, especially for someone like me who thrives on buddy-up calorie-burning. But I’ve finally found the fire-me-up motivation I need: Run Clubs!
Phoenix is full of them, free and friendly group runs that lace and loop across the Valley. They cover the gamut from happy hour runs (totally my style) to speed-building track workouts—and even trail runs. Best of all they’re free and a great way to meet new folks.
Time to dust off the old running shoes… or maybe buy a new pair. No more excuses! Here’s a rundown:
Lululemon Biltmore Monday Run Club at 6:00PM, 5k run along the canal
Wednesday Morning Running Club Wednesday trail run at 5:15AM at Phoenix Mountain Preserve
Meet at the top of Squaw Peak Drive parking lot just past the base of Piestewa Peak. All abilities welcome, from beginner to ultra-marathoner.
Nike+ Run Club Nike Scottsdale Quarter Wednesdays at 6:00PM
3-7 mile run that sometimes incorporates interval training, track workouts or a mini boot-camp. BONUS: The Nike store will even set you up with a running log.
iRun
Runs start from the store at 48th Street and Indian School. All levels and abilities welcome.
* Tuesday at 5:30AM, 3-6 miles
* Tuesday at 7:30PM track workout at Arcadia High School track
* Thursday Happy Hour Run at 5:30PM, 3-6 miles
* Saturday at 6:00AM, 5-10 miles
Sole Sports Group Runs
All runs start and finish at the three store locations. Pace groups range from 7:00/mile to 11:00/mile and everything in between.
Glendale store:
* Wednesday at 6:30PM, 4-6 miles
* Saturday at 6:00AM, longer run (typically 6-10 miles)
Scottsdale store:
* Tuesday & Thursday at 6:30PM, 4-6 miles on the Arizona Canal
* Saturday at 6:00AM, longer run (typically 6-10 miles) on the Arizona Canal
Tempe store:
* Monday & Thursday at 6:30PM, 4-6 miles
* Wednesday Track Workout at 5:30am at Corona Del Sol high School. Meet at Sole Sports at 5:15am and everyone does a warm up run to the track.
* Saturday at 6:00AM, longer run (typically 6-10 miles)
Loads of great information about run clubs. I’ll checkout this blog again. Keep up the good work. cf