Group training is great for running, walking, riding and other sports for those looking to get better, meet others and achieve goals. Athletes in the Tennessee Valley Outsider footprint are blessed to have many groups and club to join. Whether it’s an established track, tri, swim or bike club or a “come hang with us” group, plenty of options exist. Elizabeth Dietrich of Huntsville wrote the following for TVO:
I first discovered the benefits of group running in the Michigan winter of 2019, and have been active in the Huntsville running community for more than three years. The people I have met here have inspired me to be a stronger runner. They have taught me about running off effort versus pace, shared their favorite hill routes, encouraged me to enter local races and so much more.
The opportunity to participate in group runs and group training events should be open to people from every economic background at zero cost.
It is not necessary to pay hard earned money for access to routes, coaches, or a supportive community. Several free alternatives are listed on local Facebook groups such as We Run Huntsville, We Run Downtown Huntsville, Rocket City Runners and Run256. Unfortunately, ads for races and paid programs often dominate these Facebook groups. For readers who have been unable to weed through pictures of smiling faces, or those convinced that paid programs are the only option, here is what you need to know.
Lots of Options
First, most group runs in the area are shared each week by their respective moderators. These 3-5 mile runs are free to join. You will see many familiar faces of beginners, new parents, athletes, retirees, endurance runners and lightning fast sprinters among the crowds.
Second, meeting times accommodate almost any schedule or run preference. My first group run in Huntsville was with Rise and Shine on Sunday mornings. It typically has about 25-50 participants. If weekday evenings work better for your schedule, the Wednesday Pub Run is a popular choice. More than 180 runners and walkers attended a recent pub run event. For those who want something a bit different, check out the 3 A.M. group — not a typo — on Tuesday mornings.
For longer run options, a new group recently formed. The Huntsville Track Club Saturday Long Run (SLR) was founded with the intention to be inclusive for those from different backgrounds and various experiences. It is free and does not require membership or affiliation with any other association. The goal is to unite the runners of Huntsville into one larger gathering. The power of numbers makes the long runs much better and allows ample time for best practice sharing.
This group is led by Tommy Morris, who borrowed the idea from Birmingham Track Club. Morris has been running for eight years.
“Running is a social sport for me,” he said. “I will run with any gal or guy, fast or slow, from any background. I love to hear peoples’ stories while I run and the HTC SLR is a way for me to give back and meet more runners.”
Morris, a local race director, is known in the Huntsville running community. He knew he could grab a training program offline, create his own routes and invite friends to join him. He wanted to share his experience for free and for the benefit of all area runners, which spurred the creation of the SLR.
Since its first run on June 22, the group has expanded from five to 35. Runners, walkers and canine friends join for 3, 5, and 10 miles, and have paces fast and slow. The routes, aid, friendly support and coaching community are provided at no cost. The hope is this long run enlarges rather than divides the greater running population.
Let’s keep the joys of running accessible for all. Please help spread the word that the Huntsville running community has free options that fit every pace and experience level. You can enjoy the camaraderie, share training tips, ask for advice on thelatest gear and map new routes for free. The moderators of several groups listed above exposed me to everything I know. A big thanks to them!
Free marathon training with HTC SLR begins Aug. 24. Hope to see you soon!
