Runners Just Wanna Have Fun

Running is usually a solitary sport—the lone jogger following his or her own path, lost in thoughts.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

The Lululemon Athletica Brentwood Run Club turns running into a social event every Thursday evening with its “Oh So Fun” run around the Brentwood Golf Course. All levels of runners are invited to attend the free event.

“It’s just a fun run to help people achieve whatever goal they have, whether they want to run a 5K or a marathon,” said Lululemon community leader Raine Mitchell. “We have some serious runners, some runners who have developed from beginner runners to more accomplished runners, and we have runners who are just starting out and who just need the motivation to keep going.”

The group is lead by running coach and Lululemon ambassador Blue Benadum. Benadum is an elite marathon runner and the national director of coaching and education for the Natural Running Network.

“What Blue wants to do for every runner is to help them run naturally and more effectively—not necessarily barefoot, but the way the body is meant to run,” said Mitchell, adding that running naturally can prevent injuries. “He’s just an inspiring fitness instructor and I think that’s what makes our club special.”

Derrick and Jennifer Alcaide originally began running to get in shape for their wedding a couple of years ago. They started running with the group at Lululemon because they get technical training and the chance to socialize with other runners.

“It’s a group running environment, which is nice, and it’s semi-coached because our leader is a professional running coach,” Derrick Alcaide said. “Plus people are just really nice here. It’s a fun run and it's something to look forward to toward the end of every week.”

The Alcaides ran in the L. A. Marathon in March and are training for either the Malibu half or full marathon. Jennifer Alcaide said she enjoys the camaraderie of the weekly runs with Lululemon.

“It’s great to see the familiar faces every week. You know, Los Angeles is such a big city. It’s so nice to have a small community of runners who enjoy doing what you’re doing,” Jennifer Alcaide said.

The runners meet at 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at Lululemon Athletica, 11920 San Vicente Blvd. There is stretching before the runners head out on a 2- to 5-mile loop and refreshments available when they return.

“People just need to show up and bring their energy and their tennis shoes,” Mitchell said.

For information about the “Oh So Fun” run or other events at Lululemon, call 310-442-3563 or visit www.lululemon.com/losangeles/brentwood.