A drinking club with a running problem

Last year about this time I was a couple months into my new running routine, which consisted mainly of 3 to 5 mile plods on the treadmill at the gym. I was getting bored and already wondering how many cupcakes I’d have to stop eating if I gave up my 4-times-a-week calorie burn.

Then a friend invited me to join her on a Flying Irish run. My first instinct was to say no because: #1.) It was still kind of cold outside; #2.) Even though I was bored, the treadmill was my comfort zone; #3.) I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get through three outdoor miles without turning an ankle or getting lost.

But I went against my better judgment and showed up. I joined about 100 people (a crowd that grew to roughly 300ish people by the time the season ended around Thanksgiving) on the sidewalk outside O’Doherty’s and off we went. After that first 3ish-mile run I was hooked because: #1.) Running through different neighborhoods is a great way to learn about this awesome city we live in, and a jillion times more fun than running in place on the treadmill; #2.) With so many people in the group it’s almost impossible to get lost, plus it feels kind of cool to take to the streets en masse; #3.) All the runs end where they begin, at O’Doherty’s, which means there’s beer at the end of every run!

The Flying Irish Running Club kicks off their 6 ^th season tonight, at O’Doherty’s. They run every Thursday at 6, no matter the weather. Except for March 17, which is St. Patrick’s Day … they’ll be running a day early (Wednesday, March 16) so the bar will be free of the sweaty post-run crowd on the most important drinking day an Irish pub will ever know. But other than that, it’s every Thursday.

It’s always a good idea to show up about 15 minutes early so you can mingle and sign the roster to get credit for your runs – after 6 club runs you’re eligible for a jersey, which will cost you $10 and a smidge of pride … you gotta get up on the bar and tell a joke before the jersey is granted … but said jersey entitles you to food and drink specials after each run so it’s kind of a no-brainer.

The runs are all about 3 miles, some a little longer … you can check this link each week to see which route the club is doing. You don’t have to pay any dues to be part of the club but you do have to be friendly and obey all traffic laws. Throughout the year several area businesses bestow special deals on the runners of the club, so on top of making new friends and getting off the sofa for a little activity, you’ll also save money.

No worries if you can’t run 3 miles … this club is open to anyone – walkers, stroller-pushers, joggers and sloggers as well as Iron Men and speed demons. It’s a casual club, so just show up and prepare to love it.

Seriously, I think you’re out of excuses. See you there.

Find O’Dhoerty’s Irish Grille downtown 525 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., across from the Looff Carrousel.

<<That’s me, telling my joke on the bar. Got the T-shirt to prove it.