I wasn’t always a runner. I didn’t grow up with parents who logged countless miles a week or siblings who loved to go out for a run just for the fun of it. I never participated in track and field in high school and, other than running the mile for the physical fitness test in elementary and middle school, running was only something I did while playing tag as a kid or if I was late for class in college.
I only started running after college because a friend made it sound fun and even then running on a treadmill was pretty mundane and unsatisfying. Eventually another friend mentioned she was running the Gate River Run here in Jacksonville. At the time I was living in South Florida and the farthest I had ever run was three miles. I decided the Gate River Run would be the perfect way to up my mileage and give myself the challenge I was looking for. About two miles into the run I had a strange feeling come over me. Through the huffing and puffing and cheering crowds I could feel myself changing. By the end of the race I was completely infected.
More runs were needed to feed the hunger of running. Three years later I had run five marathons, two half marathons and numerous 5 and 10k’s. But before the Gate River Run I had no idea what was inside of me. And for all you know, you could be infected with the running virus too and not even know it.
If you’re curious to see if running could turn into an infectious hobby, Jacksonville has a great running community. There is a running club in just about every area of the city as well as several other infected runners to hook up with. I cannot express enough how helpful these can be in keeping you motivated and on track (no pun intended) with things like mileage, speed and even nutrition. Plus, the people you meet will become lifelong friends and that’s worth all the mileage in the world.
To help you get started here are a few Jacksonville running clubs:
For those in the St. Augustine area try Ancient City Road Runners
If you have daughters interested in running check out Girls on the Run
If you’re already running and looking to add a little speed to your workouts try Jacksonville Track Club
Jacksonville Running Company also has group runs on Sunday at Tapestry Park at 7:30 a.m. and in Neptune Beach at Jarboe Park at 7:00 p.m.
Mellow Mushroom Jacksonville Beach often hosts Tuesday night runs, some of which are beer runs!
Plus, on any given Saturday or Sunday morning you can find runners meeting at One Ocean in Atlantic Beach and the tennis courts at 16th street in Jacksonville Beach.
You can also search for running clubs/runs on Meetup.com and Facebook.
Once you’ve found your running club and/or running buddy and have begun logging a few miles you might want to test out your new skills in one of Jacksonville’s many races. If running a race is important to you make sure you find one that fits your interests and/or benefits a cause you support. My husband and I have a little bit of an obsession with zombies so when we heard about the Zombie Buffet 5k it was a no-brainer. This past Saturday we spent the day dipping, dodging and ducking from the undead and were giggling (and sometimes screaming) the entire time. It was definitely a unique date day and one we will never forget. In November we’ll be running McKenzie’s Run to benefit the McKenzie Noelle Wilson Foundation to help young people recognize their full potential. What are some things you’re interested in? I’m sure Jacksonville has a race to feed your passion!
If you’ve recently been infected by the running virus I’d love to hear from you. Tell Jacksonville moms how you were bitten by leaving a comment below or emailing me at [email protected].
I was bitten! I started running for “fun” after playing years of soccer and needing another way to stay in shape. Once I discovered races and the thrill of beating my best time, I was infected with the bug. Even more so when I started running with buddies!
Yes, I think running with friends is key to keeping it fun!
I just started training for a 5K. I am not sure which one I will do, but I will probably do my first one in December. I started running because I needed a way to get my exercise in, plus I figured it would be good for me to get a little “alone time” in the evenings after my 1 and 3 year old went to bed. So far I am really enjoying it and wished I had got into it sooner. I still have a long way to go but love it! I am doing it on my own, but would love to start running with a group in mandarin
Congratulations, Mayling! It’s the best alone time and if you find a group to run with it becomes the best girl’s morning out! 1st Place Sports is a great place to look for December races http://www.1stplacesports.com/calendar.html. Let me know which one you pick!