Local Walking Groups
Looking for a walking partner? Walk About did some walking around Oregon and found some great groups to review. Some programs might have a start date that has already passed, visit the program that your interested in for more information.
There are groups that meet on weekends and some that meet during the week. There are groups that are led by a group leader and there are groups that just get together to walk. There are groups that have set goals and train for 5k’s, 10k’s, half marathons and marathons. There are groups that train together to racewalk. If any of these groups sound enticing enough to join then you are in luck. Below is a list of groups, clubs, and organizations that walk together.
Team in Training
Team in Training (TNT) is forming in April and training for the 2009 Portland Marathon or the Nike Women’s marathon in San Francisco, on October 18, 2009. Team In Training trains for full and half marathons. TNT is the world’s largest charity sports training program. TNT supports the worlds leading researchers investigating the causes, treatment, and cures for leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and myeloma. For more information, call 503-245-9866 or visit www.teamintraining.org/or.
Portland Fit
Portland Fit offers training for walking a half or full marathon. The first meeting is April 4 in Portland and April 5, 2009 in Vancouver, WA. Portland Fit meets on Saturdays to walk downtown Portland and Vancouver Fit meets at Beaches Restaurant and walks on beautiful trails every Sunday. You receive a training schedule each week, a technical T-shirt, and a discount at all three Portland Running Company stores. There will be group coaching each weekend plus free massages. For more information visit www.portlandfit.com.
Get Fit Live Fit
Get Fit Live Fit Walk/Run program starts May 6, 2009. This is the second of three sessions offered throughout the year. This program trains for 5k, 10k, and half marathons.
They provide a customized 12-week training program. Coach and pace leaders lead the Wednesday and Saturday walks. You receive a technical T-shirt, a water bottle, and discounts at Fit Right NW. They also offer online programs offering information on nutrition, injury prevention, strength and conditioning and more. For more information call 503-525-2122 or visit www.getfitlivefit.org.
Wonders of Walking
Wonders of Walking (WOW) now offers a walk club along with events for walkers. Become a Woozer and join this group each Saturday. They meet at REI in Portland and in Clackamas. Judy Heller is the organizer, she’s so passionate about walking that she is the only organizer to offer events for walkers only. As a club member you will receive coaching by Heller and her staff, a T-shirt, weekly email tips, retail discounts, and discounts to WOW events. Beginning April 26, 2009 you can Put Your Step to the Test and train to walk a 5k, 10k and a half marathon. Visit www.wondersofwalking.com for more information.
Foot Traffic University
Foot Traffic University is the only half marathon-specific training program in Portland. They have a 300-registrant limit. The group meets three Saturdays per month at a variety of scenic courses. Everyone receives a technical T-shirt. Informational seminars, food, and prizes are offered when the group meets.
In addition to the weekend workouts, members receive a full schedule with recommended weekly workouts and cross training ideas. For more information call 503-284-0345 or visit www.foottraffic.us.
Gallagher Fitness Resources
For those living in the Salem area, Susan Gallagher of Gallagher Fitness Resources hosts a 12-week women’s beginning walking and running clinic. Each week includes a 30-minute fitness talk. Experienced leaders will guide you through your workout/walk. The program runs from March 3 through May 19, 2009. Group meets on Tuesday evenings, rain or shine. For more information call 503-364-4198 or visit www.activesalem.com
Everything4walkers.com
For those on the go that cannot commit to groups, Ellie Hodder offers personal online coaching whether you’re brand new to exercise or striving to complete a marathon. You can create an account to keep track of your training and receive training schedules plus a newsletter. Walker-friendly events are always posted. Visit www.everything4walkers.com for more information.
American Volksport Association
Volksporting offers noncompetitive walks, hikes, bike rides, and swims. You choose your time to start within the start/finish “window” and participate at your own pace. Walking also called “volkswalking,” is the most popular of all the volksporting activities. Walks are generally 10k (6.2 miles) in length. Routes are marked or guided. This is an event for the entire family. Visit www.discoverywalk.org for more information.
Racewalkers North West
If you must go fast then check out Racewalkers North West. Founded in 1993, this group is dedicated to physical/mental fitness through competition. The club members represent all ages and racewalking abilities. They meet every Saturday at designated locations throughout Portland, at 8 am. For more information visit www.rwnw.org. |
