Looking for a free run club in Austin? Every Wednesday night we run from Sauna House North Loop. We meet at 7:00 PM, head out at 7:15 PM and cover about 3 miles. All paces are welcome.
In this post
The details
When: Every Wednesday. Meet at 7:00 PM. The run leaves at 7:15 PM.
Where: Sauna House North Loop, 1507 W North Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
Distance: About 3 miles
Cost: Free
Who: Runners of all paces
Hosts: Sauna House and Free To Run
What to expect at this free run club in Austin
We gather out front at 7:00 PM, say hello, and roll out at 7:15 PM. The run is about 3 miles and it starts and finishes at Sauna House. You don’t need to be fast, and you don’t need to be one of my coaching clients. This is a social run. Come by yourself or bring a friend.
The group spreads out by pace once we get going, so there is usually somebody to run with whether you run-walk, jog or push the pace.
New to running? This Austin run club is a good place to start. Use run-walk intervals, keep to a pace where you can still talk, and turn around whenever you need to. Nobody is keeping score, and I’m glad to give you a pointer or two before we head out.
I’m Spencer. I’m a certified POSE Method coach and I’ve been coaching runners since 2009. If you have a question about your running form, your shoes or a nagging ache, grab me before or after the run. I’m happy to help.
After the run: sauna and cold plunge
This is what makes the Sauna House run club different from every other Austin run club. When we get back, you can stay for the sauna and the cold plunge. Heat, cold and good conversation are a great way to finish a Wednesday.
Sauna and cold plunge access is through Sauna House and is separate from the free run. If it is your first visit, ask the front desk about the first-timer discount for run club guests. If you would rather run and head home, that is fine too.
Running is easier to stick with when somebody is expecting you. That is the whole idea behind our Austin run club: same place, same time, every week, at no cost. Show up once and you will know a few faces by the second week.
Who this Austin run club is for
- New runners who want a friendly group to get started with.
- Runners coming back after time off who want an easy run with no pressure.
- Experienced runners who want relaxed midweek miles and good company.
- Anyone new to Austin, or just visiting, who wants to meet people.
There is no membership, no fee and no minimum pace. A free run club in Austin should be easy to walk into, so we keep it that way.
What to bring
- Running shoes and water.
- A light or something reflective. It is dark by the time we finish this time of year.
- A towel and a swimsuit if you plan to use the sauna and cold plunge.
- A friend, if you have one who has been meaning to start running.
Three things to try on Wednesday’s run
You don’t need a lesson to enjoy a social run. But if you want something to play with while we’re out there, here are three simple cues I give runners all the time.
1. Take quicker, shorter steps
Most runners overstride. Shorten your stride and let your feet turn over a little faster. Your foot lands closer to your body instead of out in front of it, so you stop putting on the brakes with every step.
2. Pull your foot up instead of pushing off
Think about pulling your foot up off the ground toward your hip, rather than pushing off behind you. It keeps your legs moving quickly and your running feels lighter and quieter.
3. Lean from your ankles
Stay tall and let your whole body fall forward slightly from the ankles, not from the waist. Gravity does some of the work for you, and a small lean is all it takes to pick up speed.
Try one at a time. If something feels strange, find me after the run and I’ll take a look.
How to join
It’s free, and you can simply show up. If you RSVP on Sweat Pals, we’ll know to look for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is the run club really free?
Yes. The run costs nothing and there is nothing to buy. The sauna and cold plunge afterward are optional and are handled by Sauna House.
How far and how fast do you run?
About 3 miles. All paces are welcome, including run-walk.
Do I need to RSVP?
No. You can just show up at 7:00 PM. An RSVP on Sweat Pals helps us know who to look for.
Do I need to be a Free To Run client?
No. This free run club in Austin is open to everyone. It is not part of my running clinics or the 9-week training program.
Where does the Sauna House run club meet?
Out front at Sauna House North Loop, 1507 W North Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78756. We meet at 7:00 PM and leave at 7:15 PM.
Want to run faster, farther and injury-free?
The Wednesday run is for fun. If you want to work on how you run, that happens at a Level 1 POSE Running Clinic, where we film your running and teach you the drills that change it. See upcoming clinic dates.
Until then, come run with us. This free run club in Austin meets every Wednesday at 7:00 PM, and we would love to see you there.