RUNGRL x Mile High Run Club: Sweating in Style
by RUNGRL Staff
Recently, RUNGRL and Mile High Run Club (MHRC) hosted a private workout in New York City, where attendees got to experience the rush of an intense, dynamic, 45-minute treadmill workout.
We started out the session with welcome and intros, where each of the ladies shared who they are and how they got started with running. The room was filled with women that work in and across the wellness space. It wasn't about competition, it was about supporting and empowering each other to keep going despite the odds being stacked against us. All levels were represented, from casual runners to ultra-marathoners.
As we entered the NoHo location tread studio, MHRC coach Alain made sure that everyone felt welcome and gave a rundown of how to set up treadmills and what to expect. The next 45 minutes were a whirlwind of interval running, awesome ambient lights, cheers of encouragement and a dope playlist to help us push through. By the end, we were dripping with both sweat and pride.
“The mirrors in the tread studios are lit,” said RUNGRL co-founder Ashlee Lawson. “I'll always pick a treadmill that's front and center, nose to the mirror. It's a powerful reminder that I'm only in competition with myself.”
“I f***ing HATE running!” said Heidi Grandberry, 30, who biked more than eight miles to get to the class. “But somehow these women made it fun to for me to run 4 miles with them [today].”
Running is often thought of as a solo sport, especially on the treadmill. However, as with all of our events, RUNGRL hopes to inspire Black women to continue to commit to their wellness journeys through running together. By creating a safe space for Black women to be and run together and cheer each other on, we came out of class better for it.
In planning this event, the RUNGRL team learned (and was transparent) about concerns regarding the lack of Black women on staff at MHRC. We’re so thankful that MHRC was aware, concerned and receptive to our desire to see a change in representation. As a result of this conversation, RUNGRL co-founder Jasmine Nesi recently joined the MHRC team as a new coach. Talk about changing the narrative!
A super special thank you to the team at Mile High Run Club for making this event possible. We can’t believe we’re saying this, but thanks to this class, we can’t wait to log more treadmill miles!
Check out some flicks from this dope event below. Don’t just take our word for it, though. If you haven't taken a class at Mile High, you need to do so, girl!