As parents, it’s hard to carve out time for yourself while you’re busy taking care of everyone else – but it’s so important. If you want to get fit, make friends and enjoy some much-needed “you” time, the City Sneakers walking and running club in Mount Clemens could be the best fit for you.
This club, which is celebrating its third birthday in May, meets every Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. at various locations in downtown Mount Clemens – and occasionally in Harrison Township.
The Macomb YMCA and the Macomb DDA joined forces to establish this group, which offers a non-competitive way for both runners and walkers to stay active all year round. It is free to participate each week.
Plus, it gives community members the chance meet new people with a common interest.
“It’s a great opportunity for parents to get a night out of the house that’s social and engaging – and meet a great group of people,” says Lauri Cowhy, a City Sneakers committee member.
Cowhy has been a part of the walking and running club since it was founded. Here, she shares some information on the once-a-week meet-ups.
Fitness and fun
Each week, participants gather at different locations, which are listed on the group’s website. The walk/run kicks off at 6 p.m. and club members can choose among a one-, two-, four- or six-mile route.
“It’s an organized activity. There’s routes that they follow,” Cowhy says. “You can walk or run any of those or you can kind of create your route.”
No matter what route you choose to take, you’ll never be walking or running alone.
“There’s always somebody else to walk with or try and run with,” Cowhy says.
After the walk or run, members regroup to share dinner and/or drinks with one another.
“Part of our objective is to support local businesses,” Cowhy says. “We hope that by exposing members to new places to eat and drink, they will return again with friends and family.”
The group, she says, has turned into a way for people to develop friendships. In fact, Cowhy has established relationships that extend beyond the once-a-week meet-ups. Some of the club members even participate in local races together.
In addition to their weekly walking and running club, the group maintains a flower garden in Mount Clemens. “We’re always looking for ways to give back,” she says.
Kick-off event
While City Sneakers meets weekly – even in the wintertime – the official kick-off event takes place on May 21, 2019 at Orleans Sports Cafe, located at 100 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens.
During the kick-off event, people are welcome to come check out what City Sneakers is all about – and they’ll even get a chance to win some prizes, Cowhy adds.
If you’re looking to get fit as a family, you can bring your kids along to this weekly club, too. While many parents consider this weekly walk/run a date night, Cowhy says children are always welcome to participate.
For more information on City Sneakers weekly meet-ups, visit the City Sneakers website, follow the group on Facebook or check out their Instagram page.
For more information on living and learning in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.