Some Cool Material readers might be surprised to learn that when I’m not rounding up the best deals of the week or waxing poetic about the best coffee gear, I run a craft-beer bar and cafe in Durham, North Carolina. My wife and I opened The Daily Beer Bar about two years ago, and it’s been a thrilling adventure full of early mornings, late nights, and a really wonderful community. One of the highlights has been the launch of our Athletic Club, an outlet for friends and regulars to connect and enjoy a brisk run and/or bike ride. Our group of athletes has grown over the past year or so, and now we have a regular crew of at least 15 or 20 runners and 30 or 40 cyclists hanging out at our bar every Wednesday evening.
Of course, I didn’t invent this. The casual-run-club thing is gaining steam across the country. If you’re an active, young-ish, urban-dwelling person and aren’t yet a member of one, you may be missing out—I’d wager that someone you know is going on a weekly run with a dozen or so likeminded folks and then enjoying a couple pints at their local watering hole. For some, this is a way to reconnect with a more athletic self; for others, it’s a social activity that happens to involve breaking a sweat. Either way, it’s an opportunity to get a solid workout in and potentially meet new friends.
If you’re new to the run-club experience, you might have a few questions about etiquette and appropriate attire. Should you go out and purchase the most expensive marathon-running shoes? Should you sprint up ahead of the group to beat your PR? (The answer to both of these hypotheticals is no.) Your humble gear editor/bar owner is here to help. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite items for casual running (along with a few upgrade picks), and I’ll also share a few general tips for making the most of your local run club.
