You can do it on your own. That’s fine. But if you like company on your runs – someone to share in the hard but ultimately satisfying work for an hour or more – you’re set for the next six months.
Wednesday night trail runs, organized by the Durango Running Club and sponsored by various local businesses, began this week.
Two groups of runners left at 6 p.m. Wednesday from sponsor Backcountry Experience and headed toward Overend Mountain Park. One group went about 6 miles, and the other about 3.
Many runners find motivation in training with others.
“It does make you go more often if you know your buddies are counting on you,” said Sara Carver, one of about 50 humans and seven dogs who ventured out on a chilly evening jaunt. “Or you have to deal with everybody giving you a hard time if you don’t show up.”
Brett Sublett, a manager at Backcountry Experience, was one of the run leaders Wednesday. He said he often prefers running as a solo sport but confirmed that making plans with others gets you out there even when you’re starting to think about dinner or just being lazy.
“Five minutes into it, I’m really glad I came,” Sublett said. “And running in a group, the miles go quicker. It doesn’t feel like the drudgery of doing it by yourself.”
Scott McClain, who works for the city of Durango, made the short stroll over from River City Hall to participate. He hadn’t done a large group run before.
“I’ll see if it works out or not,” he said.
Run leaders and meeting places change each Wednesday. Check the Durango Running Club website for the schedule.
So, you may be asking: Where’d Durango Motorless Transit go? Known as DMT, the running group started around the late 1970s. In 2003, Durango Motorless Transit was voted “Best Name for a Running Club” by Runner’s World magazine.
But times change. Brendan Trimboli, recently named to the Durango Running Club board, explained that although the old name was unique, “folks didn’t realize it was a running club – especially the new folks in town.”
Different names were kicked around, and members voted on Durango Running Club. There are just over 300 members, Trimboli said Wednesday, and about 100 voted.
“We kind of saw it as an opportunity,” Trimboli said. “It kind of represents the evolution the club is going through.”
The club describes the trail runs as “fun, social outings, and runners of all abilities are encouraged.”
They’re also a chance for local outdoor-related businesses and retailers to get involved and get some exposure.
On Wednesday night at Backcountry Experience, vendors Tailwind (nutrition), Hoka (shoes) and Ultimate Direction (hydration packs) showed their wares in the parking lot. Then Backcountry, with an assist from Ska Brewing Co., provided burgers and beer for the apres run party.
The upcoming Wednesday night trail run will meet at the Horse Gulch trailhead at the east end of Third Street. It will be led by Brown’s Sport Shoe. Pine Needle Mountaineering also will host some of the runs.
The schedule even includes a trailwork day June 25 led by Trails 2000. The season’s 27th and final run is Oct. 15.
The runs will occur rain or shine, so keep in mind adequate clothing, including rain gear. Also, a water bottle isn’t a bad idea on warmer days.
johnp@durangoherald.comw
Weekly runs
The Durango Running Club organizes three weekly runs. The trail run and track workouts began this week.
Wednesday night trail run: Meets at 6 p.m. at various locations and goes for 1 to 1½ hours. The next run meets at the Horse Gulch trailhead.
Thursday track workout: Meets at 5:30 p.m. at Schneider Park, 950 Roosa Ave., from now until May 22, when the venue switches to Durango High School. Trainer Marisa Asplund will lead the hour-long workouts.
Saturday morning group distance run: Meets at 8 a.m. Saturdays at Durango Joe’s, 732 E. College Drive. Runs generally last about 1½ hours.
For a schedule of Wednesday night trail run meeting locations and for more information, visit http://durangorunningclub.org.
