At Cool Down Run Club, we zone in one what makes running fun. You don't have to be a “good” runner to join the club; it’s all about showing up, giving it a go and (most importantly) enjoying a coffee after.
I’m Nicole Lindsay, the founder of Cool Down Run Club: a running group based in Victoria, B.C. Having grown up playing sports and eventually going to university on a Track and Field Scholarship, Ive always felt like running was a big part of my identity. However, my favourite part of running has never really been the sport itself, but more-so the sense of community and being able to set and achieve my goals.
After university, the time that I spent running was mostly alone, which is both lonely and boring. I wanted to make something social out of my favourite activity to simulate the same accountability and sense of belonging that one gets from being in organized sports. Inspired by other running clubs across the world, my mission was to create an inviting atmosphere that motivated people to enjoy getting out for a run, whether they're a seasoned athlete or just giving it a go for the first time.
At Cool Down Club, we gather every Sunday at 10am to run 5 kilometres at a conversational pace. Afterwards, we head to a local coee shop to hangout on the patio with our crew. The group is compromised of dierent fitness levels so there's a pace for everyone and although fun is the main focus, we always encourage people to get out of their comfort zone.
Spending my Sundays with Cool Down Club has really displayed how running can be so beneficial for both your physical and mental health. Running with a group is much more motivating, so it’s a great excuse to push yourself whether you're just starting out or working on crushing your PRs. No matter how fast you go, the feeling of accomplishment paired with a coee is pretty unbeatable.
Cool Down has already fostered strong friendships and has quickly become a favourite Sunday ritual for many. With the Cool Down crew’s positive energy, the work feels easy and I'm always left with a full heart. As my favourite running quote goes: “If you want to go fast, go alone, If you want to go far, go together.”
