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When it comes to running, I am in it for the long run (pun intended). Getting in my weekly double digit run is easy, and I’m crazy about cross training too, however when it comes to my tempo training runs – now that’s a different story. I don’t know what it is, but something about pushing myself without someone telling me so is hard to commit to on a regular basis. Well that was until I discovered today’s new group fitness trend – treadmill workouts.

MUST READ: My Destiny Run: 10 Things Running A Marathon Taught Me About Life

As a group fitness instructor who also runs, this new addition to the group fitness family is a match made in FitGirl heaven. So if you are itching to try this new popular trend or just want to change up your running routine, then read this first beauties.

Runners Are Uniting Nationwide

While most runners only hop on a treadmill when the weather requires us to, many boutique studios like like Barrys Bootcamp have reincarnated the dread-mill by incorporating them into the group fitness experience. The trend is certainly on the rise and even larger fitness facilities such as Equinox have joined in on the fun. With the launch of their signature treadmill class, Precision Running (designed by popular trainer David Siik), you can find many group fitness fanatics getting their runner’s high on the gym floor with this interval based HIIT class nationwide.

High Five To Mile High Run Club

However here in New York City many of us are getting our #runnershigh at Mile High Run Club. As the first studio dedicated to group running classes, this RAD studio is already creating tons of buzz since it’s November 1st opening. Located at East 4th and Lafayette Streets in Noho, Mile High houses 30 Woodway treamills in one large studio and offers two different types of classes. One features 30 minutes of intervals on the treadmill followed by ten minutes of runner specific strength training exercises, and the other is a 60 minute continuous interval bases running experience. 

My Runners High Testimony

So clearly I had to give this studio a try. My first Mile High Run Club “RAD Experience” was in fact such a treat that I’m still pinching myself almost two weeks later. Not only did I love the electric energy that surges through this one of a kind studio, I also had a shockingly fun tempo run under the guidance of world renowned ultra runner and Brooks ambassador Scott Jurek.

His humble presence and motivational coaching made tempo running beyond enjoyable and his ability to seamlessly bind the common thread of “being a runner” (despite skill level) was my favorite part. In fact this quality is the overall mission of Mile High Run Club – to bring us all together as runners. And because I witnessed this for myself, I know that when casual and competitive runners hop treadmills in the same room the connection is truly sensational.

Overall I felt like I was able to push my self in a way that felt both manageable and safe – which is always my fear when tempo running. However Jurek’s cues on form and cadence were beyond phenomenal so now I approach interval based runs with much more confidence. I’ll never run the same and have a strong feeling that there will be many more Mile High runs in my future.

Enhancing The Running Community One Mile At A Time

Or maybe I’ll just drop in for a little runner’s inspiration. The motivation behind the founder’s (Debora Warner) decision to open the doors was to take her outdoor running coaching experience and make it an all inclusive indoor experience for many. When training outside it is easy to be left behind – however a running club that trains indoors automatically eliminates this potentially divisive component. Which is amazing since I remember the the feeling I had the day I ran my first mile without stopping many moons ago. I felt like I could conquer the world and therefore kept coming back for more. The addictive feeling of success is what we all know to be one of the many hidden gems locked inside running. So simply knowing that many more people will experience this feeling via group fitness makes me so happy – looking forward to a world of stronger runners worldwide.

This trend is certainly here to stay – people will never stop running!

Robbie Ann Darby (RAD Experience) is a professional FitGirl, Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer in NYC. Follow her sweaty life on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more fun health and fitness tips!

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