Run Club Spotlight: Social Stride FXBG
Another roadtrip for this week’s Run Club Spotlight as we head down I-95 to get to know the ladies who run Social Stride FXBG. They are a running club for women in their 20s and 30s, and they put community, connection, and good times first. It was great chatting with Michelle, the group founder, and hearing her passion for the community she has worked to build with her co-leaders Mikiahla and Sam.
When/Where does the group meet?
We host two to three runs a week in Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas! New members can reach out to us on Instagram to get our upcoming scheduled run time and location.
What makes the Social Stride FXBG different from other running groups?
The number one rule at our runs is no one runs alone. The focus is on community, not speed.
We honestly do not leave anyone behind. We do a buddy system and are here for a good time not PRs. We are the friend for someone else when they need to slow down.
Your 20s & 30s are full of change. New jobs, new cities, new adventures. Social Stride FXBG is where women come to stay active, make friends, and have fun. We host 2-3 runs a week for a community of 320 women and growing.
What is the mix of runners and who thrives in your run club?
We are a social running group for women in their 20s and 30s. We have all levels of runners, from walkers at the start of their journey to women training for their next marathon. Our average pace is a 10:30, but we make sure no one runs alone.
We have moms, new college grads, women navigating this crazy stage of life.
Ladies who show up for a good time, ready to be that friend for others, will fit right in. We lift each other up here, we are not a competitive group.
Walk us through a typical run.
We have all of our runs posted the month prior on GroupSpot (our community hub, interest based group chats, shared photo albums, an event calendar with RSVPs, all the fun).
We meet at the run location and chat while stretching and waiting for everyone to arrive. Everyone is great at RSVPing and updating if they run late or won’t be there, so we usually aren’t waiting too long!
Once everyone is arrived and checked in, we start with the most important thing, a selfie :)
A team leader gives a brief spiel about safety, running together, having fun, and an estimated time of when we are meeting back at the start location.
We then run and talk and have a great time together. Ladies take many photos and videos throughout the event to share.
Once we’re all back at the meeting spot, for our weekend runs we’ll go grab coffee or support another business nearby.
Do you do anything social before or after runs?
Yes! Social is the name of the game. We are not just a running group, we’re a community.
After weekend runs there is a social event from wandering bookstores, happy hours, the farmers market, running shops, and of course coffee!!
We also tend to have samples at (most not all) events from amazing brands in the fitness community.
Weeknight runs are a little more casual usually with us stretching and talking after.
What should first-timers know before showing up to your run club?
Interested women should join our GroupSpot, it is a free platform accessible via an app or website. Our invite code is: q8161
We have RSVPs attached to all events on our shared calendar. We also have themes for our weekend runs so keep an eye on the Groupspot for those!
For your first run: Comfortable running shoes, water if you want it, and a positive attitude!
Many women come solo to their first run. Our community is very welcoming, we are all in this together!
What do current members say they love most about running with you?
Many women have said they’ve found their village through social stride. Many women have shared that this community was exactly what they needed. This group has been so motivating for runs together and helping me achieve my goals.
We have a signature teal ribbon for ladies to feel connected! We tie it in our hair, shoes, wrists, running belts, or more!
How can people find Social Stride FXBG and get involved?
GroupSpot: https://get.groupspot.app/q8161
Instagram: @socialstridefxbg
TikTok: @socialstridefxbg
Facebook Page: @socialstridefxbg
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/socialstridefxbg/home
LinkTree for all links: https://linktr.ee/socialstridefxbg
Want to have your run club highlighted in the newsletter? Submit your group here.
