Words & photos: Carla Caruso

I’ve been a jogger for more than a decade.

As a kid, I always imagined that I’d get into running when I ‘grew up’, but I didn’t really know how to get started. Then, a friend introduced me to the Couch to 5K fitness app, where a virtual coach helps you move from the couch to the 5km finish line in nine weeks. I’ve never looked back!

Ordinarily, jogging for me is a solitary pursuit. It’s my time to listen to my favourite podcasts, get the heart pumping, and enjoy a dose of nature.

But lately, I’ve been noticing more running clubs popping up, turning this solo sport into a social activity. I actually wrote about a couple of clubs in your Park Lands in 2022, but since then, even more clubs have sprung up.

*Capturing the moment in* *Rundle Park / Kadlitpina (Park 13).*

So, I thought I would play investigative reporter and give a few a go. Along with helping to promote free Park Lands activities, I thought it might also (selfishly!) help me to improve my pace and be a little more competitive with my running. Because the problem with jogging alone is you’re allowed to slow down whenever you want, including to a walk…

First on the agenda in my endeavours is Stride Run Club. The club, which was started by a few mates this year, hosts Wednesday evening and Sunday morning runs each week.

On Wednesdays, runners meet at 6pm at 260 East Terrace (the Halifax/East Terrace entrance to Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi – Park 16) for a 3km run, with the option to also jog another 2km.

On Sundays, the club starts their run at 8am at Mascavado café and patisserie on Hutt Street, winding back there for an (optional) coffee and pastry afterwards. Sunday runners can do 5km or 10km.

*Striding past the new-look Rymill Park Lake area in Park 14.*

I joined one of Stride’s Sunday runs recently (it might’ve been the lure of the post-exercise pastries). Sunday mornings for me are usually reserved for sleep-ins, unless I have kids’ sport early. So, I have to admit it was a bit of a struggle getting out of bed for the occasion.

But, when I arrived at the café, I found a gaggle of runners (mostly 20- or 30-somethings) already waiting, looking incredibly well-rested and spry. A few had even been for a pre-jog run already.

The club welcomes runners or walkers, but a brisk pace was set as soon as we set off. (It’s the only time I’ve been grateful for pedestrian lights turning red, so I could catch my breath for a sec in between.)

From Hutt Street, we jogged down East Terrace, where it was actually rather lovely to see the sun hitting the buildings and mist rising over the Park Lands, including Rundle Park / Kadlitpina (Park 13).

Then it was back through the Park Lands, with features along the way including the revamped Rymill Park Lake area in Park 14, and the olive grove, skate park and disc golf course in King Rodney Park / Ityamai-itpina (Park 15).

En-route, we passed other running clubs, with whom we’d share secret smug looks about us all ‘seizing the day’ with some early morning exercise.

One member of our group did give up halfway through the run, unable to keep up the pace. (Beginners, beware!) Meanwhile, another member tried to get a passing fire engine to sound its horn by doing a few fist pumps in its direction. Alas, he was ignored.

*A pretty running path through* ***the timber pergola*** *in Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka (Park 14) .*

At the end of the run, the pastries at Mascavado were certainly a welcome sight. A reward for our early morning slog. (Banoffee tart, anyone?)

Writer/runner Carla Caruso.

While waiting for a coffee and jog-counteracting treat, I chatted to another newcomer about the experience – content management officer Daniella, 38.

She said: “I was nervous to join as a newbie, but I found the group to be quite friendly and inclusive.

“The organisers made sure not to let anyone fall behind [except for the jogger who quit] and were very conscious of our safety.

“A warning to new runners, though – the regulars are super-fit and go at a pretty fast pace. I run regularly but I was at the back of the pack.

“However, I did record my fastest time on Strava with this group, so running with others is definitely a motivator if you’re looking to improve. I will be back!”

And perhaps, so will I.