Running Medicine: Fun and Affordable Family Fitness

By Maclaren Keffer

​So your child is ready for sports? Naturally, you begin to investigate different options only to discover you’re required to spend 5 nights per week and hundreds of dollars to launch your child into athletics. As a parent, you value physical pursuits AND having a life outside of sports. And maybe, just maybe, you’d like to get some exercise yourself. Is there no middle ground? 

Yes! Meet Running Medicine, a running club organized around the idea that movement is medicine. Running Medicine was founded in 2016 as a part of the Native Health Initiative (NHI), which was designed to “create a culture of wellness through a supportive, loving community.” 

At only $15 per season, RM is an affordable alternative for anyone, especially families. The coaches run the club professionally and ensure a positive, injury-free experience.

​Running Medicine meets in two locations. The Westside group gathers at the Alameda Open Space on Monday and Wednesday, and the Eastside group meets at the UNM North Golf Course on Tuesday and Thursday. Collective meetings are held on Saturdays at varying locations with six fun Friday night runs scheduled over the summer. 

​One of my favorite aspects of Running Medicine is the pressure-free environment, designed to help members reach their goals while having fun. The club encourages everyone to participate. All ages, skill levels, life stages, and cultures are welcome. However, if you are, or decide to be, a competitive runner, RM has a place for you, too. The RM competitive adults participate in races around the state, while the youth interested in Track and Field enter USATF sponsored events in the spring. 

In conclusion, I have to admit that I wasn't too excited to run twice a week.   Despite my initial reluctance, I committed to the spring season, and I’m happy to report that it’s been a great experience. As a result, I’ve grown as an athlete and look forward to running Cross Country in the fall. Additionally, my brothers placed 2nd and 3rd in their first track meet, and my parents ran with us at each practice.

Consider joining our family this spring or summer, and get your dose of running medicine. Details are available on the Running Medicine Facebook page. 

Maclaren Keffer

Maclaren Keffer is an exclusively homeschooled freshman in high school.  When she isn’t at the ninja gym, reading, bossing around her three younger brothers, playing piano, or writing, she’s traveling the country from one national park to another. Her mom is currently accepting donations in the form of caffeine