West Vancouver Run Clubs: Get Fit in 2014

West Vancouver might be considered the runner's capital of coastal Canada. But what if you could use some extra help as a resident to get the motivation to go out and run? Or you want some respectful allies to push you to improve your distance and time? For either of these reasons, finding a running club or clinic might be the best thing you could do for your health and fitness in 2014. Even without ambitions for heightened physical ability, the social element of group jogs through beautiful West Vancouver is sure to be worthwhile. There are lots of running clubs in West Vancouver – here are some of the best.



Pick Your Own Route with the Vancouver Running and Jogging Club

Check out this casual, friendly, free club on meetup.com/VanRun if you want to organize your own open-invitation jog or a series of regular group runs. It's not exclusive to West Vancouver, but with a membership of well over two thousand members and more 2 500 past meetups under its belt, there's a strong West Vancouver presence. The club focuses on supportive social activities, charity runs and collaborative training. There are typically at least 20-30 upcoming runs on the group's online calendar at any given time, and many of them pass through West Vancouver.

Pacific Road Runners is Supportive, Active and has Events for Every Level

Pacific Road Runners isn't West Vancouver-exclusive, but they do host runs, seminars and other events in the community with some frequency. The club is known for its inviting, supportive atmosphere and rare combination of non-competitive yet intense training opportunities. Regular meet ups are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at False Creek on Granville Island; if you're already downtown or nearby, it might be the perfect way to unwind after work. Otherwise, check out their website at pacificroadrunners.ca for many more events at their popular First Half annual race.

Running Room is Much More Than a Shoe Store

The closest Running Room store is just south on Denman and West Georgia, and the store hosts regular runs and events that wind north into West Vancouver. Training programs offered through the store range from beginners’ Learn to Run classes to advanced hill climb exercises through 10 Miler programs, all the way to intense Marathon and Triathlon speed training. They also offer women-only run classes, walking clinics and online training programs. The Running Room's biggest presence in the West Vancouver community is undoubtedly the West Van Run that happens March 2 this year; 5k and 10k routes start at Ambleside Park and twist along the gorgeous waterfront walkways through Weston Park to 24th St. If you want to train with dedicated, like-minded runners with a specific goal in mind, the Running Room is a great place to get started.

Forerunners Offers a Supportive Environment for Runners of All Stripes

Forerunners is another store that offers critically-acclaimed clinics and regular workout programs, including 7 pace groups for 10k runs ranging from 35 to 65 minute objectives, plus a beginners-friendly 5k Learn To Run group and half and full marathon training for serious athletes. Between their North Vancouver and West 4th stores (the latter of which hosts most clinics), West Vancouver residents can easily take advantage of the programs on offer.

Between the fresh air of the urban seawall, stunning views of the Juan De Fuca Straight and Howe Sound, nearby destinations like Horseshoe Bay and the beautiful greenery of Cypress, Whytecliff and Lighthouse Park, it's hard to imagine a better place to live than West Vancouver if you love to run. If your 2014 goal is to get fit, joining a running group is a great way to get – and stay – motivated. By taking advantage of the many free meetups, clinics and training programs offered nearby, you'll find yourself in a true runner's paradise.
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