Why Running Clubs Are the New Happy Hour (And Why You Should Join Us Mondays)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you use the code LILO at checkout for the products mentioned below, I may earn a commission. I only recommend supplements I actually use to fuel my runs.
There is a misconception about fitness in your 30s. We tend to think of it as a solitary act. You go to the gym, you put your headphones on, you keep your head down, and you grind. It’s effective, sure. But it’s also isolating.
For a long time, I treated cardio like a chore—something to get done before the “real” day started. But recently, I’ve shifted my perspective. Cardio isn’t just about burning calories or training for a marathon. It’s about community. It’s about replacing the traditional bar scene with something that actually adds years to your life instead of taking them away.
If you are in the Melbourne, Florida area, you might have seen us. A massive group of people taking over the streets of the Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) every Monday night. We aren’t just running; we are building a culture.
This is why I run with Fitness Society, and why you should meet us at Pineapples next Monday at 6:30 PM.
The Death of the “Lone Wolf” Mentality
In our 20s, many of us fell into the trap of the “Lone Wolf” mentality. We wanted to prove we could do it all on our own. But as we transition into our 30s, the priorities shift. We realize that discipline is easier when it’s shared.
Running alone requires 100% internal motivation. If you are tired, stressed, or busy, it is incredibly easy to talk yourself out of a solo run. But when you know there are 50+ people waiting for you at a specific location at 6:30 PM, the accountability changes the equation. You show up not just for yourself, but for the tribe.
The Monday Ritual: Pineapples & Pavement
Monday is usually the most dreaded day of the week. It’s the start of the grind. It’s emails, meetings, and stress. That is exactly why we run on Mondays. We flip the script. Instead of ending Monday on the couch, we end it with endorphins.
The Details
- Who: Fitness Society (and you).
- Where: Pineapples EGAD (Melbourne, FL).
- When: We start the run promptly at 6:30 PM.
- The Vibe: All paces are welcome. Whether you are a sub-7-minute miler or casually jogging and chatting, there is a spot for you.
We meet at Pineapples, which is a staple in the Melbourne scene. The route usually takes us through the scenic parts of EGAD and along the water. It’s beautiful, it’s humid (this is Florida, after all), and it’s electric.
Fueling the Machine: My Recovery Protocol
Running in Florida heat hits differently. You sweat more, you burn more, and you deplete your glycogen stores faster. The biggest mistake I see new runners make is finishing the run and then grabbing a beer immediately without addressing their nutrition first.
If you want to perform like an “Operator”—someone who can run on Monday and still hit the weights on Tuesday—you have to prioritize recovery. You cannot drive a high-performance car on empty.
Why I Use Rule One Proteins
I am extremely picky about what I put in my body. A lot of protein powders on the market are filled with “amino spiking” (cheap fillers) or massive amounts of sugar to mask the taste. I need something clean, fast-absorbing, and effective.
I use Rule 1 Proteins. Specifically, I stick to their R1 Isolate.
Isolate vs. Concentrate
In your 30s, digestion can start to get a little finicky. Whey Concentrate contains lactose and fat, which can leave you feeling bloated—the last thing you want after a humid 5K run. Rule 1 Isolate is hydrolyzed, meaning the protein is broken down into smaller particles for faster absorption. It has virtually no sugar, no fat, and no gluten.
My post-run ritual is simple:
- Finish the run at Pineapples.
- Hydrate with water immediately.
- Drink a shaker of Rule 1 Isolate (I usually keep a scoop in my car or bag).
- Then hang out and socialize.
If you are looking to upgrade your supplement stack, you can use my code LILO at checkout on the Rule One site. It helps support the blog and gets you the best quality protein I’ve found.
Why “Fitness Society” Matters
We are living in a time where people are more connected digitally than ever, yet more lonely physically. It is rare to find a “Third Place”—a place that isn’t work and isn’t home—where you can just exist and connect with people.
Fitness Society isn’t just a clever name; it’s a mission statement. It’s about creating a society of people who value self-improvement. When you run with us, you are running with realtors, engineers, artists, parents, and students. You are networking without the awkwardness of a “networking event.” You are bonding over shared suffering (the humidity!) and shared victory (the finish line).
Breaking the “I’m Not a Runner” Myth
I hear this all the time: “I’d love to come, but I’m not a runner.”
Here is a secret: Most of us didn’t start as runners. We started as people who wanted to lose 10 pounds, or people who wanted to clear their heads, or people who just wanted to get out of the house. If you can move one foot in front of the other, you are a runner.
The group dynamic pulls you along. When you are running by yourself, it’s easy to stop when it hurts. When you are running in a pack, the energy of the group carries you. You run faster and further than you thought possible, simply because you are caught up in the momentum.
The Gear Check
You don’t need much to join us, but you do need the basics dialed in. Good shoes are non-negotiable. I also recommend moisture-wicking gear because the Florida humidity is no joke. I personally wear Hayabusa shorts (Code: LILO) because they are designed for combat sports, meaning they don’t chafe or ride up, no matter how much I sweat.
Conclusion: Just Show Up
The hardest part of any run is the first step out the door. The hardest part of joining a new group is the anxiety of walking up to a crowd of strangers.
But I promise you, this is the most welcoming group in Melbourne. We start at 6:30 PM at Pineapples. Come for the run, stay for the community, and don’t forget to fuel up properly afterwards.
See you on the pavement.
Have you ever joined a run club? If you are local to Melbourne, FL, are you coming next Monday? Drop a comment below and let me know!