D1 Smiles & Miles Run Club: How D1 Lakewood Ranch Is Building Community | D1 Daily

Looking to add onto the community at D1 Lakewood Ranch, coach Zach Mickelson came up with an idea for a walk/run club.

"We have a 2-mile walking route & a 3-mile running route. That way both groups can finish up around the same time," Mickelson said. "Then after we can use the facility to stretch out and talk/socialize and just become a family."

Being a triathlon runner himself, Mickelson also said the idea behind the club was to help others find their passion of running.

For now, the group meets every 3rd and 4th week of the month. 

But Mickelson said he's open to change depending on what his members say.

"I am a big believer in member feedback to make everyone is happy, so the days & times are going to be inconsistent," he said." But what is consistent is we’re having it every 3rd and 4th week of the month."

And at first, only nine members showed up for the first meeting, enjoying their time together.

But now, Mickelson said he wants it to grow.

"My future goal for this run club is to have it big enough to make it a big outreaching event. Where not just people from the gym but family and friends are also coming together," he said. "Once it’s bigger I want to start inviting vendors/food trucks to get involved and then it’ll become a big block party."

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