What started as a small get-together with friends has grown into a community event where runners, joggers, trotters, and walkers of all ages and all paces can join together for a safe and fun active experience where motivation, not speed, is key.
Established in early spring by Sergio “Gio” Chavez, the concept actually began much earlier while he was in high school after regularly getting together with friends and going out for a run. The camaraderie that came with a small group of people pushing themselves to reach the finish line was inspirational, and Gio wanted to expand it further into the community.
“I basically wanted to start this because it’s a great way for people to get together and get more active and not feel like they have to do it alone, we all motivate each other,” he said. “We all have different goals we want to achieve, whether it be to get healthier, get more steps in, lose weight, or whatever it may be, and no one has to do it alone and you don’t have to tell anyone why you’re here. We’re all just here for each other and to do this together.”
Whatever an individual’s goal may be, the point is to move and keep moving, and it’s something that Gio believes those of us who are able to take for granted far too often. Our ability to move is a gift that should be appreciated through utilization.
“Our bodies are more than just an aesthetic. Getting to move is an ability that many of us take for granted. Getting to walk or run, something that is so second nature to most of us. We should move not because we have to or have an obligation to-it’s because we have the privilege to.”
Lyndsey Ellis is the co-organizer for the club, joining Gio on his first run and falling in love with the cause, finding it to be much more than folks coming together to reach their fitness goals in a safe environment-it does something to both the body and the mind.
“It feels like a bit of a social outlet too,” she said. “While they’re walking, some of them are also dancing. And I think anyone that is trying to overcome grief or anything mentally, moving and socializing and grouping together with other people is such a good outlet. Everyone should come and feel like they’re welcome, whether they’re running or walking. There is no judgment here at all.”
With each meet they have, there’s always a few new faces joining the group, and there are many familiar faces who show up rain, wind or shine who have embraced everything the club stands for.
So if you’re interested in joining a group of go-getters who will walk (or run) right alongside with you to motivate you in reaching whatever health/fitness goals you may have, or just to get out of that mental funk you’ve spent too long in, come by the Pampa Youth & Community Center, located at 1005 W. Harvester Avenue on Tuesdays at 8 PM.
Gio and Lyndsey plan to expand days and times, so be sure to check their Facebook page, PtownScrambedlegs to stay up to date!
