The title of a 1962 film directed by Tony Richardson captured one dimension of the runner’s life: “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner.”
Running can be a solitary pursuit, but it doesn’t have to be. Those who want to experience the benefits of running with other people have a new option: the Lauderdale Running Club.
Sponsored by the Lauderdale Wellness Center, the club, which is free to join, meets Saturday mornings at 7 a.m. at the center, 2443 Larpenteur Ave., just east of Hwy. 280. It’s the brainchild of Matt Caldwell, a chiropractor at the center and an avid runner.
Caldwell said the club is open to runners of all abilities. For those interested in training for a race, the club will offer a program to prepare for either a marathon or half marathon.
“But you don’t have to be pointing to a race to be in the club,” Caldwell said. “It’s for anyone who wants to improve their fitness.”
Routes will change weekly, Caldwell said, and will increase by a mile each time.
“We’ll go out and back, rather than a loop,” he added. “That way people can easily extend or decrease the distance if they want.”
Caldwell has been at the Lauderdale Wellness Center since 2008. He’s run several marathons, a triathlon and an ironman competition.
“Running gets in your blood,” he said, “and doing it with a group is a great way to keep motivated. The key to success with any wellness program is setting realistic goals and maintaining consistency.”
Lauderdale Wellness Center, which opened in 2005, offers chiropractic services, massage therapy, acupuncture, relaxation training and life coaching. Besides the running club, other free services they provide for businesses are health talks, ergonomic evaluations and stress relief breaks.
For more information about the Lauderdale Running Club, visit lauderdalewellnesscenter.com and click on Community Services, call 917-9800
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