June 2024
Lissa Willason
Goose's Acre Running Club
The Woodlands, TX
When did you start running? In 2012 but buckled down and got consistent in 2023. I was going through some stuff at the time and it was a way to get things off of my chest, then I just fell in love with it.
Tell us about your run club. They’re my people, their encouragement has helped me through my frustrating summer miles and got me to the starting line of my first marathon this year. It was through the club that I met some of my current best friends! I don’t think I would have stuck with running as long as I have or achieved what I’ve achieved without them, they give me a reason to show up & keep going.
Favorite moment about running or your run club? Run club is my favorite thing about running haha! I go to two — Goose’s Acre and Fleet Feet Hughes Landing — and they’re the majority of my social life. I love that my hobby has brought me to other active people because they not only get it but they keep me going when I sometimes don’t want to (some weeks I run just to see my friends!) & everything is easier to love when you share it with others.
You are capable of more than you think, so tackle that dream distance or chase that PR — you’ll get there eventually. Relentless forward progress, you got this!
May 2024
Katherine Cameron
Memorial Trail Running Club
Houston, TX
How long have you been running? I’ve been running on and off since high school, but really started focusing in on running in 2019. My stepmom and I decided to do the Aramco Half Marathon that year and it really stuck how much I enjoy running! I’m a professional equestrian so running has been a great way to just make my riding even better, stay in shape, and have something outside of work I can continuously improve on.
When did you start running with your run club? I started going to run clubs (shoutout to Memorial Trail Running Club, my first one ever!) in the spring of 2021, and truly found a community of amazing people! It’s so fun to come together to support, learn, and raise each other up.
What is your favorite part of being in a run club? Not a day goes by that I don’t hear from a running friend in some way, and it’s been a community to lean on during hard times. I’m chasing that sub 2 hour half marathon with the help of some great friends, even though those plans have been delayed due to a fractured pelvis, so hopefully in the next year I’ll get it done once I’m back to my normal running schedule! (PATIENCE is the hardest part of running)
I’m regularly at Memorial Trail Running Club (in Houston, TX) on Mondays, an awesome FFP run club! You can usually see me and Rothko there, even if we aren’t running.
April 2024
Michelle Williams
Dog Haus Running Club
Pasadena, CA
How long have you been running? I have been running for almost 10 years and ran my first marathon in 2015 – the LA Marathon. To celebrate my 10th year, I decided to run the New York Marathon as my 10th marathon. I did it by combining Fitness, Fun, and Philanthropy raising money for rare cancer research with The Brave Like Gabe Foundation.
When did you start running with your run club? I started running with Dog Haus Running Club on 12-3-2013 and through the club I found my tribe, found my inspiration, and it helped me create a new and better life.
What is your favorite memory from run club? I have so many favorite moments with DHRC I can’t pick just one. My “why” is everyone that shows up on Tuesday. They keep me going. They make me want to make each day better and each event better. My goal is to continue to create a safe & fun environment where everybody feels welcome, can be themselves, and can challenge themselves.
I believe that the sport of running can positively impact an individual & that by connecting individuals through running we can make a positive impact in our communities (and possibly the world).
March 2024
Regina Massingill
CityCentre Running Club
Houston, Texas
When I started running, I did it alone. I thought I needed to train first to maybe one day be fast enough to join a group. I thought I was too slow to fit in. I happened across City Centre Run Club on accident and decided to give it a try. Turns out I wasn’t the only “slow” one there; and no one expected me to be faster.
Having been a part of CCRC now for nearly 10 years, I’ve learned that these kinds of thoughts are not unique to me. Many of us have experienced this fear of inadequacy. But the running community here in Houston is one of the most accepting places imaginable. Don’t give up the solo runs, nothing can replace those. But if you want to gain confidence – and maybe a little speed along the way – find a tribe that you can mesh with once or twice a week.
I say I’ve been a runner since 2014, since this is when I did my first marathon – Chevron Houston of course. I honestly thought at the time it would be a 1-time thing, but I got hooked. I’ve done many more marathons since then, bringing my time down from 5:20 to 3:06 and finally making it to that most coveted of races – Boston – in 2021. My passion has increasingly led me to ultra trail running in recent years, progressing from 50k to 200 mile races, with a few FKT’s in between.
My advice? Enjoy the journey you’re on, smile through the pain, and pursue what makes you happy.
