Community Spotlight
Get to know the faces and stories that make our running clubs extraordinary. Every month, we shine a light on one dedicated member, bringing their running journey to life.
June 2025
Michael Phan
CityCentre Running Club
Houston, TX
How long have you been running? Back in 2011, I was 235 lbs and knew I had to make a change. I started by cleaning up my diet and focusing on healthier habits, and the weight started coming off. Once I lost the weight, I joined a CrossFit gym to stay active, and after a few months, I gave running a shot. What started as just a way to move turned into something I genuinely love. It’s been a journey, but one step at a time, it changed my life.
Tell us about your run club. City Centre Running Club has been around for 14 years, and back in 2011, it was the only run club I knew. I started going every Monday, and it quickly became a big part of my life. I stayed consistent until 2016, when I had to move further away for work. Over time, I discovered more run clubs and ran with different groups—but none quite matched the vibe of City Centre. The energy, the friendships, the community. it’s what brought me back, and why I still keep showing up.
What is your favorite memory from your run club? One of my favorite moments with City Centre Running Club was the first time I realized I wasn’t just showing up to run. I was showing up for the people. It was one of those random Monday nights, nothing special on the calendar, but the energy was just perfect. We laughed, we pushed each other, and after the run, we hung out like old friends. That’s when it clicked, this wasn’t just a run club, it was a community. And that feeling has stuck with me ever since.
Running doesn’t have to be about speed or distance. It’s about showing up. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been running for years, the most important thing is consistency. Some days will feel amazing, others will be tough, but every run adds up. Find your people, enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to start slow. Progress comes, and so does the joy. Just keep showing up. You never know how far it’ll take you.
April 2025
Jennifer Counts
Astral Running Club
Houston, TX
How long have you been running? I started running when I joined Astral Running Club in January of 2020, just before the pandemic hit. My friend Leann Sukman is a founding member of Astral, and she’d been trying to talk me into joining for a while. I was a resistant couch potato at the time, but I eventually showed up. A new year seemed like a good time to start. And I went from being a couch potato to a … road potato, I guess. 😆
Tell us about your run club. Astral Running Club is just a great, welcoming group of people. We’re a very come-as-you-are group. You run 6 minute miles? Awesome. You prefer to walk? Also great. We try to do a Social Saturday once every few months, and those are always a good time.
What is your favorite memory from your run club? I just marked 5 years since I started running by doing my first marathon (Chevron). 5-years-ago me would never have even imagined that. So running has shown me what I am capable of. I can say that joining Astral changed my life.
If you’re new to running (or, like me, fitness in general), just have fun with it. Don’t stress about pace, etc. If you’re new to running clubs, every one is different and has their own “personality”, so check out a few to find your people. And good running shoes are always worth it.
February 2025
Victor Quinonez
Dog Haus Running Club
Azusa, CA
How long have you been running?I started running in the Marine Corps in the early 90’s. Once my enlistment was over I stopped running until 2013 when I began training for my 1st marathon (LA Marathon). I’ve always ran alone until I found DHRC Azusa in 2023.
Tell us about your run club. Dog Haus Running Club (DHRC) Azusa is not just a run club but more like an extended family. You hear about “all paces welcomed” at all run clubs but with DHRC it truly lives by that. We have walkers, 1st time runners, and highly competitive runners in our club. Regardless of the pace you walk or run there is always someone sweeping to make sure no one is left behind. DHRC Azusa gives back to the community by spotlighting a local business at least once a month. They will reroute the course in order to finish or stop at the business being spotlighted that day. This is done in order to make the community aware of our local small family owned businesses.
What is your favorite memory from your run club? There are so many favorite moments with DHRC Azusa, however one stands alone. Since the city of Azusa is part of Los Angeles County. Some of our runners were affected greatly by the recent fires in LA especially the Eaton fire. One of our local businesses (halfsies snack shack) which we have spotlighted before started an emergency pop up to feed and help first responders and those affected by the fires. The pop up brought together volunteers from our DHRC Azusa as well as other running clubs and local communities. What started as a pop up became a call to action.
If anyone has ever thought about walking or running but felt like they would enjoy it more in a group setting then look for a run club in your area. Don’t feel intimidated by being new, and don’t feel like only those training for races are part of a run club.
December 2024
Hayden Lightfoot
BON Running Club
Houston, TX
How long have you been running? I began running in April 2021 as part of a weight loss journey. I was completely unhappy, unhealthy, and miserable. I knew something needed to change but wasn’t sure where to start. I decided to give running a try. At first, I really couldn’t stand it. After sticking with it for a while and learning more about it, I began to really enjoy it. Here we are; 3.5 years later, having lost 70+lbs, and I’m by far the happiest I’ve ever been! Now running is who I am. It’s such a huge part of my life, I wouldn’t want it any other way!
Tell us about your run club. BON Running Club is a Houston based run club that has weekly runs from Little Woodrow’s Rice Village. This club is my home base! They’ve always been welcoming to all runners(new or experienced). I’ll never forget how intimidated I was the first time I showed up to BON but it immediately felt like home. At BON, it’s not about pace or distance, it’s all about community and friendships!
What is your favorite memory from your run club? I will never forget the feeling of my first marathon (Chevron Houston Marathon 2022). The crowd support and the way all the runners support each other, it truly is amazing to see and to be a part of. Prior to this race, I was telling myself I was a “one and done” marathoner. However, the feeling I got during this race made that not an option. After finishing and realizing I might or could do just a little better, I decided to try again…. Several more times. With intentions of doing many more in the future! The feeling of qualifying for Boston for the first time in January 2024 was indescribable.
Slow down, trust the process, and enjoy the journey. You only get the live the journey once, don’t rush it! Find yourself a group because the running community is the best in the world!
