Runner Moms: Where to find running clubs, programs across the Triangle

Whether you're just starting out or an experienced runner, there are programs for you across the Triangle.

Posted 12:40 a.m. Apr 1, 2013 — Updated 12:40 a.m. Apr 1, 2013

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

Since I launched our series on Runner Moms a few weeks ago, I've gotten emails from readers wondering how they can start running or get involved in a club to keep them motivated.

I thought I'd list some of the local groups. Many cater to women, offering special programs just for them.

Here's what I found, please include any I miss in the comments below:

I've written about Raleigh Running Mamas many times. The group trains participants for a 5K or 10K and, in the fall, a half marathon. It's designed for runners of all abilities. The spring session is going on now.
The River Run Club, which I featured last week, offers a regular Thursday evening run in north Raleigh. The social running club, started by two local moms, is for runners of all abilities.
The N.C. Road Runner's Club offers a Women's Beginner Running Program. The 10-week program prepares women to run a 5K in the fall. For its members, the club also offers a variety of regular runs and programs. If you're looking to start a regular running group, you can join the club for about $35 a year and reach out to other runners across the region on its forums.
The Raleigh Galloway Marathon Training program offers workshops, gatherings, runs and more based on running expert Jeff Galloway's run/walk system.
The Carolina Godiva Track Club has weekly runs in the Chapel Hill, Duke and RTP areas. It also offers a Running Start program for people who are just getting started or getting back in the game after time off. Training begins April 6, according to its website.
Wake Forest Area Runners offers weekly runs and other programs. Child care is available during the group run, according to its website.

Running stores also are a great resource for runners - new and experienced. They often organize regular runs and other programs. Here are a few:

Fleet Feet, which is headquartered in Carrboro, has stores in Raleigh and Carrboro. Both locations offer regular runs, clinics and more.
Bull City Running in Durham offers a variety of runs, workshops and other programs. They include RunBuds, a women's running clinic.
Raleigh Running Outfitters, with locations in Raleigh and Cary, offers a Raleigh Women's Training Group at its Raleigh location.

The YMCA of the Triangle offers regular training programs and walking and running clubs.

Ramblin' Rose is a women's only race ages 14 - adult. The first training session is April 8 at the A.E. Finley YMCA.
Run Like a Mother takes place on May 12, Mother’s Day. Training sessions are held at the Kerr Family YMCA.
Girls on the Run is a weekly program for girls age 8 to 12 that helps participants train for a 5K and build self-esteem. Programs are offered at the Durham YMCAs, Finley YMCA, Kerr Family YMCA and Kraft Family YMCA. (These sessions vary throughout the year.) Programs also are offered at schools and elsewhere.
FIT-Tastic, offered at the Alexander Family YMCA, is a run/walk club for beginners.
And most of the Y's branches offer less formal running clubs or multi-sport clubs. Click here for information.

And there are personal trainers who help people - especially women and groups of women - get ready for a race. Here are two that I've run into in the course of this series:

Lou Ann Bakolia, a mom of two, is a running coach and personal trainer who qualified and ran the Boston Marathon at age 50, according to her website. She coaches a Lake Lynn morning running group and the FIT-Tastic 5K training group for Capital RunWalk in Cameron Village, along with doing individual and online training for customers.
Paula Smith, a mom of two, is a personal trainer, who offers running groups and other services. Paula has completed six half marathons and two full marathons. In 2011, she joined the local Galloway Marathon Training Group and currently leads the nine-minute pace group.

Again ... I am sure that I must be missing some local programs. Please share if you know of others!

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