McLean Woman Starts Club for Moms Who Run

Runner? Check. Mom? Check.

For mothers who run, there’s a new club for you in McLean.

McLean resident Deborah Brooks this week started a McLean/Tysons chapter of the national organization Moms Run This Town. It’s a “moms-only” running club, started and managed by moms, to encourage and support women with their running endeavours.

The group’s goal is to keep running mothers motivated, no matter where they are in running, whether it be walking or training for a marathon.

Brooks, who has run for six years and has two children, ages 15 and 12, first became familiar with the national organization when she joined the Vienna/Oakton chapter. She was looking for running partners closer to home, and the Vienna/Oakton chapter leader suggested she start her own chapter.

“It’s a great network of moms and runners out there that you can talk to about running,” Brooks told Patch. “It’s great.”

Nationwide, Moms Run This Town boasts more than 400 chapters. The Vienna/Oakton chapter has about 250 members, Brooks said. She often sees women running by themselves in McLean and wishes she could make contact with them. Now, she can through the group’s Facebook page.

“Having a group like this gives moms an opportunity to find out whom to run with, because I know they’re out there,” Brooks said. “I see them.”

Eventually, Brooks would like to involve local businesses in the club, as other chapters have done. The group provides training tips, information about upcoming races, offer giveaways and discounts, reviews on running gear, answers to running and fitness questions, articles from experts and help finding running partners in the area.

On top of that, the group offers a great way to meet neighbors, see your town, watch a sunrise or take a breather after the kids are dropped off at school.