Tired of the Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner?

How about these groups

Groups are great motivators to not only get people running, but to keep them running!   And runners are certainly not limited to one group.  Here are some quick facts about just a few of the running groups in this area.  Check one or more of them out.  For more information you can check out the information or like the GWTC – Training Groups on Facebook.

GWTC Training Group Waiver
Mile Warm Up Routine
David DeJesus Videos of an Evening with Jeff Galloway

GWTC Year-Round Training Groups

Winthrop Park Express – Mondays

  • Organizer or main contact: Keith Rowe
  • How to connect with group: web site: http://www.wpexpress.org. FaceBook Group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/202263663151219/
  • Main purpose or goal of program: This is a group of friends who simply love to run year round. Rain, shine, cold or hot – we are out there running almost every Monday night. We represent all age groups, experience levels and paces. We only ask that you can run more than a 5k before you come out. Other training groups will get you to 5k; we want to take you beyond that distance. Our stated objective is to get folks to run a half marathon for the first time, but many of us keep coming back after attaining that goal.
  • When and where: Monday at 6:00 p.m. at Winthrop Park
  • Typical work out. Most of the spring, summer and fall the group runs to a water stop through Betton Hills. It’s 2.6 miles out, 2.6 miles back, but you can add or deduct miles easily in that neighborhood.
  • Approximate number of people participating. Sometimes there are thirty folks, sometimes only about five. Each holiday season we run to see the Holiday Lights at Dorothy B. Oven Park which drawers upwards of forty or fifty runners and walkers.
  • Other notes: Each spring we move our group to Myers Park to support the Springtime Tallahassee Training Group. Each fall before Thanksgiving we move our group to SouthWood to support the Turkey Trout Training Group. We post any variations in start times on our FaceBook page and our web site.

Optimist Park Thursday Night Run Group

  • Organizer or main contact: Chika Okoro and Tom Biance
  • How to contact: Facebook
  • Main purpose or goal: A chance to run 3 miles through Indian Head Acres. We utilize the same course that is used for the Women’s Distance Festival and Nene Fest races. The turns are all marked. All paces are welcomed including Run/Walkers.
  • When and Where: Optimist Park on Thursdays at 6 PM
  • Number of participants: Usually 5 to 10
  • Additional information: We are a friendly group that likes to have fun and meets up for dinner several times a year at Vertigo Burger that is nearby.
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GWTC Tuesday Intervals – Morning and Evening Groups

  • Organizer or main contact: Gulf Winds Track Club, Gary Droze and Bill Lott
  • How to contact: Gulf Winds Track Club website at https://www.gulfwinds.org. email: Gary Droze or Bill Lott.
  • Main purpose or goal: planned, supervised workouts for runners intent on improving in distance races.
  • Typical workout: Workout totals 3 miles, but changes each Tuesday so that runners are not doing the same workout each week. Vary from 3×1600.6×800, 4×1200 and more
  • When and where: Tuesday mornings at Maclay School Track at 6:30 a.m. and Tuesday evenings at Mike Long Track on FSU Campus at 6:30 p.m.
  • Number participating: 20-30 in the morning at Maclay, 30-40 in the evening at FSU
  • Additional info: Open to the public, free of charge, and to runners of all abilities. The workouts are held all year around and runners should arrive early enough to warm up before the workout starts. Water is provided. Participants should be able to run at least 3 miles at moderate pace as a minimum fitness level.
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Wednesday Evening Interval Group

  • Organizer or main contact: Annie and Jeff Bowman
  • How to contact: email: Annie Bowman. Facebook
  • Main purpose or goal: Running Intervals for a variety of speeds and abilities -Improve 5 or 10k running times.
  • Typical work out: 3 miles of intervals on the track, with speed parts varying from 400s to 1 miles.
  • When and Where: Usually we meet Wednesday evening on the Leon HS track unless there is a conflict with the school. The time does fluctuate due the lack of lighting during the long winter nights is at 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. with daylight savings. See the Facebook group for the time and place for that week’s training run.
  • Number of participants: 6 to 3 dozen.
  • Additional information: We usually meet after work on Wednesdays at the Leon High School track for interval workouts. Come here to find out when and where we’re actually running!

GWTC Seasonal Training Groups

GWTC Goes Long

  • Organizer or main contact: Thomas Biance & GWTC
  • Purpose or goal of group: To teach newer runners how to up their mileage safely with nutrition provided, or to allow a place for seasoned runners to run distance in a large group safely.
  • How to contract group: Facebook
  • When and where: Check the GWTC Facebook Training Groups page for the location and time of the week’s run. We meet Sunday morning around town to provide runners a chance to have a supported long run with a group. There will be water and Gatorade provided along the routes with the goal of people train for a half marathon or marathon. In the fall we will have an official full marathon training group for the new Tallahassee Marathon course.
  • How many: Typically about 40-50 people show up. People rotate out each week but it seems to be steady.
  • Main purpose or goal: “This group was started because there are mostly only fast distance running groups or women’s only groups and I wanted to make a place where all pace/sex/age felt welcome. A place where people could come and learn how to up their mileage safely with nutrition provided and routes already picked out for them so all they have to do is show up that day…which in my opinion is the hardest part – showing up.” Tracy Taylor.

GWTC Tallahassee Marathon & Tallahassee Half Marathon Training Group

  • Organizer or main contact:Thomas Biance
  • How to contact: Thomas Biance
  • Main purpose or goal: This is a training group to help get you ready for the Tallahassee Marathon and Tallahassee Half Marathon on February 4th.
  • Typical work out: There are mapped options of 8, 12, and 16 miles. If you need to run more or less you can modify the run distance. We will not put out signs, however if you run with the Run Go App it will provide turn by turn directions. There will be Gatorade and water provided along the routes.
  • The map for the 8 mile training route is available at https://routes.rungoapp.com/route/URkBDoEBAg
  • The map for the 12 mile training route is available at https://routes.rungoapp.com/route/WTamk7Caai
  • The map for the 16 mile training route is available at https://routes.rungoapp.com/route/2tVYCGO1DK
  • When and Where: Additional information will be available in the Fall of 2018.r.
  • Number of participants: 20 or so
  • Additional information: Register and sign waiver at RunSignUp.

Trailblazers

  •  Organizer or main contact:Jim and Kristin Halley
  • How to contact: Facebook
  • Main purpose or goal: Train for the Great Potluck Bash 4 Miler Prediction Race while exploring Tallahassee’s great trail system over an 8 week period
  • Typical work out: Run a trail with Friends
  • When and Where: Summer 2019
  • Number of participants: 20 or so
  • Additional information: Great way to learn about some wonderful places to run.

Monday Night Springtime Tallahassee Training Group

  • Goal for group: Free Nine-Week Specific Training for Springtime 10K
  • Facebook
  • Duration: Approx 8 weeks; Starts February 4, 2019
  • Time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: Myers Park at the Picnic Pavilion overlooking the pool (904 Myers Park Drive)
  • Preparation: Please be prepared to run 2 miles at your own pace on the first day
  • Training plans: Training groups will be available for different groups based on the needs of the participants. It is expected to include groups for beginning, intermediate and advanced runners. There will also be a run walk group that will do a 2 minute run and 1 minute walk.
  • The training run will begin with a two-mile loop that all runners will run the first week. More advance runners may add on miles by running extra loop(s). Additional miles will be added as the training run progresses.
  • Helpful Hints: Be prepared to begin running at the starting time and be dressed appropriately with proper running shoes and reflective clothing. Running headlamps could be helpful as well. Running partners are encouraged, but solo runners are welcome as well. 
  • Requirements: No fees. We will be training on sidewalks and on the road on portions of the actual Springtime course. All participants are responsible for their own safety. Weekly run maps will be posted to the Facebook event page. All participants who follow the program will be able to successfully complete the Springtime 10K run.
  • Participants are responsible for their own Springtime 10K entry fees and are also encouraged to join Gulf Winds Track Club.
  • Contact: Zack and Rachel Scharlepp for more info about the race.
  • Have questions about GWTC Springtime 10K Training Group 2019? Contact Tom Biance or Zack and Rachel Scharlepp

GWTC Summer of Speed Sunday Intervals

  • Organizer or main contact: Thomas Biance and Paul Guyas
  • How to contact: email: Thomas Biance or Paul Guyas
  • Main phttps://www.gulfwinds.org/gwtc-training-groups-overview/Guyas.1@osu.eduurpose or goal: This is a training group to help get you ready for 5ks and peaking towards the Breakfast on the Track mile.
  • Typical work out: The workouts will vary each week. We will have a clock out there to help tracking paces and rest periods for the intervals. Please be ready and warmed up before we start running at 8:00 a.m..
  • Mile Warm Up Routine
  • When and Where: Summer 2019
  • Additional information: There is no charge to participate but we do ask that you consider GWTC if you are not already a member. However, an RunSignUp waiver needs to be completed in order to participate. The weekly events will be published in the GWTC Facebook Training Group page.
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SMIRF (Summer Mornings Include Running Fun) North Cross Country Program

  • Organizer or main contact: Lucas Williams (City of Tallahassee Parks & Rec), 891‐3825;: Lucas.Williams@talgov.com; Laura McDermott (GWTC), McDermottL779@icloud.com; David Yon (GWTC), – david@radeylaw.com or 850-425-6671
  • Main purpose or goal: The purpose of this program, sponsored by the City of Tallahassee Parks and Recreation Department in cooperation with Gulf Winds Track Club, is to provide runners aged 9 and up (emphasis on middle school/prep distance runners) with an off-season summer time venue to gain introduction to the sport of distance running as well as to offer a setting for those competitive runners to perfect their running skills and endurance.
  • When and Where: Elinor-Klapp Phipps Park and Tom Brown Park, starts June 3, 2019
  • Number of participants: 15-30 runers of varying skill level per day
  • Additional Information and Registration – RunSignup
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GWTC Beginning Running Group

  • Organizer or main contact:  Chika Okoro and Sarah Thompson
  • How to contact:  gwtc_coaches@yahoo.com
  • Main purpose or goal: To prepare the beginning or returning runner to complete a 5K (3.1 mile), either using a run-walk-run method or by continuous running
  • Start Date: September 25, 2019
  • Duration: We will meet as a group each Wednesday through November 13, 2019.
  • Time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: FSU Track, corner of Spirit Way & Chieftan Way
  • Who: Everyone is welcome! We’ll start with the mile then gradually increase the goal distance each week.
  • 3 Groups each week
    • Run-Walk Only Group: Starting with 1-mile distance, these runners complete the goal distance each week using a set ratio (e.g. 1:1), which doesn’t change from week to week.
    • Run-Walk-Run Group: Starting with 1-mile distance, these runners gradually increase run-walk ratio and distance each week to progress towards continuously running 3 miles by the 8th week.
    • Running Only Group: Starting with a 1-mile run in Week 1, these runners progress towards running 3 miles continuously with little to no walking by the 8th week.
  • Note – Participants under age 14 must be accompanied on all runs by an adult.
  • Register: Register and sign waiver on RunSignUp
  • Training Plans – TBA
  • 10 minute After Workout Stretching Routine. Free Online Flexibility Video
  • For more information email gwtc_coaches@yahoo.com
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Turkey Trot Training Groups

  • Organizer or main contact: Thomas Biance and David Yon. Special thanks to Trail and Ski Shop for their help, including leading the 8, 10 and 12 minute running groups. Keith Rowe and the Winthrop Park Express have promised to join this group as well to make sure no one gets lost or has to run alone. a mighty thanks to this outstanding group. There will also be a run-walk group that will run 2 minutes followed by a 1 minute walk.
  • How to contact: Facebook pages: GWTC Training Groups;Thomas Biance; David Yon
  • When and Where: The Turkey Trot training group starts Fall 2019. The group will meet at the Southwoood Town Center, on the race course. This will be a great way to familiarize one’s self with the course.
  • Main purpose or goal: GWTC and Trail and Ski will work with runnners to help them prepare for the Tallahassee Turkey Trot. The goal is to have at least three groups going at different paces.

Non-GWTC Affiliated Seasonal Training Groups

Sunday at Forest Meadows 

  • Organizer or main contact: Unorganized. David Yon or Felton Wright
  • How to contact: email: David Yon; Felton Wright; Mary Jean Yon
  • Main purpose or goal: Medium to long run.
  • Typical work out: Group 1 5-6 miles, 10 minute pace, some walking. Group 2 10 miles at 8:00 minute pace. A lot of variation though
  • When and Where: Start at Forest Meadows Tennis Club 4750 N. Meridian Rd. 7:30 a.m. on Sunday
  • Number of participants: Group 1 – 4-6. Group 2 3-8
  • Additional information: Run is mostly trails on Lake Overstreet Property, Maclay Gardens and the Phipps Park Property. Runners should either have a state park pass or contribute $2 to run around Lake Overstreet and Maclay Gardens.
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Sunday Streakers

  • Organizer or main contact: Jack McDermott and Sue Kelly
  • How to contact: Email – Jack McDermott or Sue Kelly
  • Main purpose or goal: Get a long run in and have a good time simultaneously!
  • Typical work out: 10 miles. People are often training for a marathon and run “extra” miles so there is often a variety of distances from which to choose.
  • When and Where: We have one person pick a route each week and that person sets up two or three water stops for us. Therefore, we run in many different places around Tallahassee, both street and off road.
  • Number of participants: Anywhere from 3 to 15
  • Additional information:

Imitation Adults

  • Organizer or main contact: Jay Silvanima and Nancy Stedman
  • How to contact: Facebook.
  • Main purpose or goal: Long run support for those doing near marathon training distance and longer
  • Typical work out: Everybody does whatever they need to do according to their training program. We don’t run as a pack and there is no set pace, which allows for a wide variety of runners.
  • When and Where: Sunday mornings, usually at 7:30. Where is announced each week on Facebook and GWTC list serve.
  • Number of participants: Typically 15 – 30 people show up on Sunday mornings
  • Additional information: We usually have a team or two at the local races that do the team thing.

Workaddict(s)

    • Organizer or main contact: Worth Corn and Erik Davis
    • How to contact: Facebook ; http://www.workaddicts.net
    • Main purpose or goal: To push and support others into reaching their goals and/or striving for goals they never thought possible, whether it’s on the run, the bike, in the pool, etc. All paces and levels are welcomed, including Beginners and Run/Walkers.
    • When and Where: Mondays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Capital City Runners (Midtown). Many Sundays, location varies (announced in Facebook  group). Other times/days/disciplines as well, as announced on Facebook.
    • Number of participants: Usually 5 to 15 for runs. Other disciplines may vary.
    • Additional information: workaddict(s) started as a community with a focus of encouraging and enabling individuals at various points of the fitness spectrum to achieve their goals. That community has become a family of folks who push each other, support each other, and celebrate each other’s successes as much as their own.