Dark evenings and cold temperatures make it tough to stay active in the winter, so if you need group accountability, consider attending a pub run at BBay Running in Downtown Bellingham. The runs take place every Thursday, and participants enjoy both an endorphin boost and a refreshing brew at the finish line.
“My objective with BBay Pub Runs is to have an activity that inspires healthy lifestyles,” says BBay Running Owner David Penrose. “Group runs, by themselves, are effective. Though, the social aspect of our post-run gathering helps make our recurring runs even more appealing.”
Penrose began offering diversified weekly runs in 2016, and he notes that their motto is not “run and done”– rather, it’s “run, then spend social time with running friends.” Better yet, pub run participants don’t need to have each route memorized. Each run is safely guided by BBay Ambassadors who know the route and maintain one of three paces: 8, 9:30, or 10:30 minutes per mile.
Different paces open the runs up to a wider range of skill levels, and while Penrose says the core age demographic is 20-35, he also sees participants in their 50s and up. Most participants are either competitive or “lifestyle” runners, whereas others are newer to the sport. But no matter their level, all participants are invited for a post-run brew to swap stories, advice, and support.
“I really value probably that 10 to 20% [of participants] that are just trying to either reintroduce running to their lifestyle, or getting into it for the first time in their life,” Penrose says. “So that’s the most important element to me.”
BBay Pub Runs take place every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m., and route information can be found on the BBay website or on Facebook @BBayRunning. Bellingham, 1431 N. State St., 360.738.6900, bbayrunning.com
