San Diego – The Running Club

ABOUT THE RUNNING CLUB

THE WORKOUT
The Running Club in San Diego was created for those who love to run or power walk but tend to skip out on post-workout stretching. Since stretching is an integral yet often neglected component of running performance, the Running Club was created in 2010 as a means to increase flexibility and prevent running injuries by combining yoga and running, while also providing a social element. The workout begins at 8 a.m. every Saturday morning, where two groups of exercisers–one running and one power walking–leave the studio and head out on a 45-minute route planned by an instructor. The two groups of exercisers then meet back at the Little Yoga Studio for a powerful 30-minute yoga stretch designed to target all of the body’s tight spots. The result is a 75 minute session that boosts the heart rate, strengthens and stretches major muscle groups, and captures the beauty of San Diego in a dynamic group environment.

THE SCENE
The Running Club begins at The Little Yoga Studio, an exotic yet contemporary yoga locality in downtown San Diego. The instructor typically chooses one of three beautiful and scenic routes–Balboa Park, Harbor drive or the Convention Center–for the runners and walkers to complete. Requiring only running shoes, comfortable workout clothes, and a positive attitude, the Running Club is enjoyed by San Diego natives, out-of-towners, fitness enthusiasts and novices alike.

THE INSPIRATION
After a 7-year stint in marketing and advertising, Maria Camacho moved to the United States in search of greater opportunity. However, a year later, in 2001, while on a yoga mat, Camacho found more than opportunity–she found herself.

“When I discovered yoga in 2001, a whole new world opened before me,” recalls Camacho. “I knew immediately that I wanted to devote my life to yoga and to helping others practice.”

After receiving her instructor certification through a 200 hour teacher training program in November 2007, Camacho opened The Little Yoga Studio with the intention of creating a space for personal growth and to share the gift of yoga with her community.

“The Little Yoga Studio is my dream come true,” said Camacho. “I am grateful for every single student and teacher that has come through our door. I acknowledge how we all learn from each other and how we are all connected somehow.”

Recognizing the many benefits of yoga, specifically in terms of preventing running injuries, Camacho teamed up with one of her instructors, Deborah Ignacio, a graduate of Federal University with a degree in Exercise Physiology, to introduce the Running Club to the San Diego community. In less than a year, the Running Club has blossomed into an indispensable program celebrated by both existing and new members of The Little Yoga Studio.

“For those that only participate in yoga at our studio it is a great way to add a cardio workout to the mix,” said Ignacio, a native of Brazil. “And for the runners that live in the neighborhood, we are introducing them to yoga,” she added. “It’s a great combination!”

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