Miami Running Groups

When I first moved to Miami there were a few running groups…now there are tons!! I have to believe my passion for running spurred on this growth, right?? As a newbie to any city it’s hard to find these groups unless you happen upon them or your local running store knows…of course you have to find the local running store first.

I thought I would compile a quick list for anyone new to the area or those of you who visit because these groups are a great way to get in your run and see the city.  I have been to each of the groups and guarantee you they satisfy ALL runners from walkers to speedsters.

Each club name in the list below is linked to a Facebook page or website with more details.

Nike Run Club - 7 PM and 3.5 miles all nights
Monday: Coral Gabels
Tuesday: Miami Beach followed by free yoga at Green Monkey
Wednesday: Brickell, usually along the waterfront (literally right outside my front door!)
Thursday: Lincoln Road, run is usually along the boardwalk (the original club)

Nike Run Club is a great group, but be prepared for it to be a very large group (200+). This can feel a little intimidating at first, but if you are willing to say hello, everyone is really friendly.  Because the group is so large, they have pacers and try to break up the group so everyone finishes around the same time.

The Thursday night run starts at Mr. R’s on Lincoln Road. They do punch cards so you can earn Nike gear, they do giveaways and provide discounts at Mr.R’s…plus we do crazy things like this piñata hunt or picture scavenger hunt to keep things fresh.

Flamingo Track Club
Monday: Flamingo Park, 6:45 PM. Intervals directed by certified coach Frank Green.

Group usually averages 10-20 runners, so you can encourage each other and get some great attention. Started by my fellow Odwalla Ambassador Tracy, this group will really help you push to the next level.
Form First Chi Running Club
Sundays: Moves around, but often at Southe Pointe Park 6AM 6-10 miles

Group is consistently growing, but averages 30 people. One of the friendliest groups around! Each run starts off with a short Chi Running lesson from Bryan Huberty a certified instructor.

Florida Running Company
Monday: 7PM 3 miles followed by Pilates frequently
Tuesday: 7PM 3 miles
Thursday: 7PM 5 miles
Saturday: 6:30 AM Long group run

All runs are held at The Running Company store, so you have a place to put your stuff and you get to run through the most beautiful area of Miami, Coconut Grove. This is one of the newest groups and therefore the smallest…personally I’m a little partial right now because I like not feeling so crowded on the sidewalks.

FootWorks
Tuesday: Sunset store 6:30 PM, about 3 miles
Thursday: Sunset store 6:30 PM, about 3 miles

FootWorks has a training program that focuses on the Galloway method. So those of us running straight through were the anomaly for awhile…but it is one of my favorite places to really push the pace because of some great friends and super speedy runners.  This is probably one of the best places for beginning runners too because there is always a great walkers group that is building up to running.

CHARITIES
Team World Vision,Team in Training and DetermiNation do a lot of training groups here, especially for the ING Miami Marathon.  So they are another great way to meet a lot of folks…as you know I tend to balk at training plans so I can’t speak from personal experience on any these. I do know a lot of people who have done them and really enjoyed the groups here, especially for the water support on long runs!

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Gratitude Journal
Aug 4
I am grateful for caller ID
I am grateful for voicemail
I am grateful for call waiting
I am grateful for not being put on hold
I am grateful for Internet on my phone