Arete Women's Running Club

Arete Santa Cruz Season Launch: February 3rd!

November 16, 2017 By Mary Maleta Wright 1 Comment

Welcome to Arete Running Club!

We’re a group of dedicated and spirited runners, united by our love of running and our desire to share miles together. Our team is open to intermediate and advanced runners. (minimum: ability to run 6 miles without stopping and has a strong understanding of running and running concepts). Whether you’re looking to get faster, get a Boston Qualifying time, or just meet some cool people, this is the team for you.

If you are looking for the most positive group of women in a supportive and knowledgeable training environment, then we want you to lace up and join us!

The launch event is February 3rd and includes brunch, fun run, meet your teammates, day-of discounts on membership and the chance to stop by our sponsor booths! We’ll see you there. Please RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1601263606599103/

Here’s is some information on 2018 Santa Cruz Team Membership:

A Sisterhood in Singlets: Our Welcome Message to You

October 26, 2017 By Mary Maleta Wright Leave a Comment

Conversation with Mary Wright (Co-Founder & Director) and Melissa McConville (Co-Founder, Teammate, Visionary)

When Melissa and I kickstarted Arete in February of 2016 with a small group of trusty friends (our original “Legacy Team”), we knew something special was about to take off. We were a group of runners who wanted a collective of local women we could call teammates, but this was impossible to find. We were all busy in our own lives and seeking a group of fierce, no-fuss, fun ladies to share the road. Now almost two years later, in six different cities, we are proud to support and honor dozens of women on their running journeys.

As avid lifelong runners ourselves, we understand that running can help sustain health and fulfillment in busy lives. With a team, this positive impact magnifies and connects us to something greater than ourselves.

With an exciting 2016 start and women saying “we want and need an Arete squad,” inspired us to grow and continue to learn and improve. We have seen several personal records at races, witnessed women come together to overcome life challenges, push through tough workouts, and share laughter at teams socials.

oak3 — Arete Oakland bringing the energy, speed, fun, and support!

In 2018, we will be doing more running and having even more fun! We are excited to support our teammates in their running and beyond, and we are thrilled to welcome new teammates to our run family. If you are a female runner in one of our current locations who loves to connect and support other women in running and beyond, Arete might be the team of women you never knew you needed. Although we are not currently a beginners club or for professional elites, if you are an intermediate or advanced runner who loves the energy and empowerment that Arete offers, we invite you on board.

Today we announced our team locations and registration details on our public Facebook page: Arete Women’s Running Club & Community. We encourage you to RSVP and spread the word to runner friends. We will be using these event invitations for announcements and to update current and new members as the launch event gets closer.

I took a moment to catch up with Co-founder and Arete teammate Melissa McConville so you can have a peek into where we’ve been and what’s to come!

Why Arete?

I have never found an intermediate/advanced running group that I connected to, so we made one! No drama, no pressure… just good vibes! You can make the group of a part of your life in a way that works best for you. The track workouts are so clutch if you are someone who is looking to improve your speed and fitness. The long runs are a great way to have others to share the miles with. The team is a place to learn more about yourself and others. We don’t know where the Arete journey will take you, but we can guarantee you will be inspired to live a better.

Why is Arete something we need?

In childhood, we have so many spaces so open for community to support us. As adults, it’s challenging. We are busy and don’t have the same opportunities to join activities/groups as we did as kids.

Have you ever had that runner in town running towards you, that looks about your pace and thought as you passed each other, “Be my friend! We both like to do this, so we have at least that in common!”?! We have!

Arete fills that space we crave on so many levels: having a supportive group of women to meet with each week that share a common interest, to sweat together, set goals, and give ourselves space to grow in new ways.

I believe Arete should be in every town. If you’re a intermediate/advanced woman runner, I can’t think of any reason why you wouldn’t want to be a part of a group like this.

What are your hopes for the 2018 season?

I’m excited to see where 2018 takes us all. It’s only the 3rd year of Arete and there’s already been so much growth. I hope all the chapters feel supported, inspired, and feel the love that started with our Santa Cruz Chapter. It’s so great to see each location with their own flavor but with a common vibe! It would be rad to get one Arete chapter out of California to see how it thrives.

I’m also over the top excited to share some time in Santa Barbara (one of my favorite places!) at the Arete Summer Camp!

On a more personal note, 2017 my goal was mostly survival of all the life things. In 2018 I hope to continue to build my core strength, PR in a marathon and 10k, love my people, and keep having fun!

Thanks, Melissa! We’re just going to keep riding the awesome momentum and bring all the rad ladies along with us.

The team invitation is now OPEN to women in Santa Cruz, Oakland & East Bay, San Francisco Peninsula, Sacramento, Chico, and Santa Barbara.

RSVP on the Facebook event page (be sure to select your local city!) so you can stay in the loop, spread the word to your runner friends, and we’ll see you at the launch parties in 2018.

We are excited for all things Arete in 2018 and thrilled to welcome you into our not-so-secret secret club that’s having all the fun and getting faster every day.

With Gratitude From the Arete Sisterhood,

Mary & Melissa

0068_Rebecca-Stark-Photography-851 — We’re thrilled and honored to welcome new members on our team!

Meg Gudgeirsson: Part of Something Bigger

October 24, 2017 By Mary Maleta Wright Leave a Comment

This is part of the Arete Community Series leading up to our 2018 team launch.

We will be featuring Arete members from various chapters on the blog and social media in the next two weeks. Our teammates join us for various reasons: to chase personal best times, reignite their passion for running, or to lean into the challenge and satisfaction of racing. Although each of us show up for Arete for real life running community connection, each running story is different, authentic and inspiring.

In our lead up to announcing our 2018 chapter launch locations and dates, may these stories of our teammates inspire and excite us in our running and beyond.

meg1 — On her way to a strong 2017 Santa Rosa Marathon finish.

Meg, Professor, Mom to daughter “Mini Keg” and Arete Oakland/East Bay member from day one, brings so much dedication and energy to her Arete East Bay team. Meg’s story and commitment reminds us what we strive to build every day with Arete: a network of women who not only pursue their running goals together, but also join together to support each other in running and beyond.

Who are you and what is your running background?

Meg! I’ve been running for about 10 years and ran my first race back in 2008. I was the person who swore she would never run a mile let alone marathons. But since I started running it has become a part of not just my life, but my identity and my sanity.

Why did you join team Arete?

I moved to Santa Cruz in 2009 and after a couple years finding it difficult to make friends outside of my graduate class, I joined a running team. That provided me with some of my closest friends. When I moved again to Alameda, I again felt at a loss for community and friendship, especially after learning about a new running club in Santa Cruz created by some women who I look up to and am inspired by. So when I heard that club, Arete, was creating an Oakland chapter I knew I had to join! Before I joined I had made one great running friend in Alameda and I didn’t even ask if she wanted to join, I just told her we were doing this. Outside of friendship, I find running teams provide accountability and strength – especially when we are low on that by ourselves. And Arete definitely does this. Every run we have together I am inspired by my teammates as they go faster and further than they did the previous week. My favorite memories in our short history have not just been the runs themselves, but when we cheer for teammates or hang out in our non-running clothes. We have become friends who text about work, kids, life and meet up for drinks.

How has being a part of this team impacted your relationship with running?

Running with Arete has taught me the power of team. We often think of running as a solo sport but we are there to push each other and inspire each other. Running with Arete has inspired me to create new scary goals for myself and believe that I can actually achieve them! It’s also helped me explore new routes and trails all over the Bay.

meg2 — Meg & her running bestie Connie cheering at a recent race.

Best Arete memory so far…

It’s only been since July and I already can’t pick just one. So here are a few: At one of our first group runs, I ran with Teresa who that day ran longer and faster than she had in a while. I was so inspired by her grit and determination and pride when she finished. Running Wharf to Wharf was another favorite. While I fell (just short) of my goal of a top 100 finish, it was great to see Santa Cruz and Oakland teammates at the end. And cheering for Katie at her half marathon was so so much fun! I think cheering for team mates is just as much fun as running the race myself. And I can’t wait of the CIM and Christmas relays!

Any other tidbits you’d like to share?

I just want to thank our leaders for creating this club and helping to create community. I am so grateful for the new friendships I’ve made and goals I’ve created for myself. I hope we just keep growing and Arete is seen all along our state!

Us, too! Thanks, Meg!

Find out this Thursday, October 26 how you can join Arete Sacramento or an Arete chapter near you for the chance to share miles with many awesome women.

Elyse Garza: Let Yourself In

October 23, 2017 By Mary Maleta Wright Leave a Comment

This is part of the Arete Community Series leading up to our 2018 team launch.

In our lead up to announcing our 2018 chapter launch locations and dates, may these stories of our teammates inspire and excite us in our running and beyond.

Elyse, Flight Attendant and new Arete Sacramento team member, discovered running a few years back and is hooked. Because of the nature her career, she spent many miles running alone and craved the real life connection and accountability of a team. After researching Arete Sacramento,, she knew she had to be a part of the team energy, so she asked immediately how she could join. Catching up with Elyse reminds us that if we want something, let yourself in!

Elyse after the Urban Cow Half marathon where she ran a 5 minute personal best & raced in the Arete singlet for the first time.

Who are you and who is your background with running?

My name is Elyse and I am 30 years old. I was a year round 3-sport athlete growing up and after graduating from Sonoma State University (Go Seawolves!) and becoming lost at how I could stay in shape besides going to a gym, which to me was boring and post-degree kind of expensive, I started a new job that had offered CrossFit classes. I decided to give it a go and that led me to realizing the running sprints/laps was my favorite part of each session. So, I decided to sign up for my 1st Half Marathon in April of 2014 — ran a sub 1:50 — and the rest is history!!! I’ve been obsessed and running multiple races each year since then.

Although I travel for work as a Flight Attendant, based out of SFO International Airport, I find time to train, run, & eat clean each step of the way. I love staying busy, following a schedule, and the demand for getting hard work done — being a fit while flying person allows me to stay disciplined for each.

Why did you join team Arete?
I am part of a huge runners community on Instagram (@milestomedals) and after some research I found out that the team I had been seeing in other areas was finally coming to Sacramento! I was ecstatic and immediately talked it over with those closest to me. I knew it was exactly what I needed to do — be apart of a team once again and be able to run with experienced runners to better myself as well.

How has being a part of this team impacted your relationship with running?
Running with my new teammates has impacted how I see myself, how I feel about the sport, and how thankful I am that my body allows me to do it daily. I love the idea of having ladies in my inner training circle who are STRONG, INTELLIGENT, & INSPIRING, and although I am only able to complete my long runs with them (as I travel the other days,) I have already found how much fun it is to have others to chat the time away while getting miles logged.

What is your best Arete memory so far?
Hands down it has been experiencing the Urban Cow Half Marathon in October. I warmed up with some of the team and after feeling inspired, I believe it was one of the things that led me to a 5+ minute PR of 1:34:20!!! While I ran, I would see the other ladies in our ARETE Rabbit jersey tank tops and each time I did, I felt a special burst of energy that would push me through the next mile.

I was also able to run alongside Erin, who I knew previously and as soon as the race ended I told her all about our team. I’m happy to say she has joined and we are now teammates!

Overall, being able to experience the feeling of having others around to celebrate a race ran (no matter the outcome) is the best — it’s sincere support, and just plain awesome! I can’t wait to meet and experience CIM as so many of us (from all chapters) join together for one common love — running.

Find out this Thursday, October 26 how you can join Arete Sacramento or an Arete chapter near you for the chance to share miles with many awesome women.

Blair Martin: On Following Curiosity

October 20, 2017 By Mary Maleta Wright Leave a Comment

This is part of the Arete Community Series leading up to our 2018 team launch.

In our lead up to announcing our 2018 chapter launch locations and dates, may these stories of our teammates inspire and excite us in our running and beyond.

Blair, Product Manager for Pandora, is a determined and passionate member of Arete Oakland. After watching the team from afar, she decided to follow her instinct one day and, on a whim, signed up for Arete. Catching up with Blair reminds us to follow our curiosity and dive into the community that feels right.

Who are you & what’s your background in running?

Blair Martin, originally from Lexington, KY and have lived in the Bay Area for the past six years. I grew up playing soccer competitively in club, ODP (Olympic Development Programs), and eventually in high school and college at Williams College. After 16 years of soccer, I finally burned out and retired before my junior year in college. I studied abroad and ate and drank my way through Spain, and then came back and trained for a marathon my senior year in college. It was that fall, running through western Massachusetts training for NYC, that I learned to love running. Always before, running had been punishment or a means to an end with other sports, but when I tackled a training program, poured over running articles, and talked to other runners, I began to understand the common bond runners share. Moreover, I developed a new understanding and appreciation for my dad and his dedication to the sport for over 40 years. Since graduating from soccer player to adult athlete, my dad and I have had numerous long conversations about training plans, the ups and downs of injuries and mental toughness, and have shared great runs together when I’m home visiting. Though he had to stop running when he was 68, he still works out most days and has always been my best athletic role model. I love sharing stories of my Arete runs with him these days!

Blair & her original inspiration: her father.

Bay Area joy runnnimg.

Why did you join team Arete?

I kid you not, I stalked before I joined. I had thought about joining a running team many times before, but never had the courage to do so. I tried a few workouts with my faster running friends when I lived in NYC and always left the group feeling intimidated. After following @runarete and @runarete_oakland on Instagram for a couple of months and seeing all of the great posts and runspiration, and coupled by missing a morning workout one day and being mad at myself, I impulsively joined the team on my phone from bed one morning. I’m SO GLAD I did!

How has being a part of this team impacted your relationship with running?

Wow, where do I begin? My running…and my fitness in general… had been lacking for well over six months and I had been struggling to find motivation to get back into shape. I wasn’t feeling great about my attitude, my body, or my health. Fast forward three months after joining the team and I’m completely energized and excited about running again. Not only that, I have a whole badass group of powerful women who share their goals, trials, and tribulations alongside me. I can’t wait to see what we all accomplish together!

21761904_10107484270453836_9143510060231982930_n — Blair (second from right) and some East Bay teammates closing out a track session with a beautiful sunset.

Best Arete memory so far…

I’ve never had a track wife before, but I’ve found mine in Teresa Hopkins! All of the women on the team have been great, but it’s pretty special to find someone who not only is your pace, but also is willing to bust her butt on the track alongside you week after week as you both strive to hit new PRs. A couple of weeks ago, after going out too fast on our first set of 400 repeats, we were discussing pace on the recovery and trying to figure out what our goal half marathon pace should be. Teresa convinced me that we should save a little gas in the tank to go all out on our “reward set” at the end. It seemed logical during a breathless recovery, but somehow thinking about the 13-16th 400 repeats as a “reward” still seems a little crazy to me. The term has stuck though! We now talk about our “reward set” when we’re trying to mentally break up a workout so it seems easier. Bring on the reward sets, Coach Mary!

22552308_10100208732470290_3194820725924173562_n — Blair and Team Leader Teresa Hopkins after crushing a long tempo run.

Any other tidbits you’d like to share?

If anyone is reading this and wondering if you can hang on this team, or if you’ll find someone like you, the answer is yes! This is a diverse group of women who share in one common goal: the desire to participate in a community of encouraging, spirited, fun, and welcoming women. My husband tells me I come home saying, “I’m so glad I joined this team!” effusively all the time. Go Arete!

Find out next week how you can join Arete Oakland or an Arete chapter near you for the chance to share miles with many awesome women.

Leslie Haverstock: Leading with Heart & Style

October 19, 2017 By Mary Maleta Wright Leave a Comment

This is part of the Arete Community Series leading up to our 2018 team launch.

In our lead up to announcing our 2018 chapter launch locations and dates, may these stories of our teammates inspire and excite us in our running and beyond.

Leslie is an Arete Santa Cruz OG, an educator, dog mom to Rosie, and has the most generous heart. She also keeps us country bumpkins in Santa Cruz in the fashion loop (check out her blog lapslungesleather.blog). Catching up with Leslie reminds us of the power of vulnerability and connecting with our running family.

14102200_10209584449981888_4764453909909833155_n — Leslie (center) and teammates Becky (left) and Margaret (right) at a PAUSATF cross country race.

Who are you?

My name is Leslie Haverstock. Growing up in a small, rural community my high school didn’t offer much in regards to running other than a very short (and often frigid) track season. As a basketball and volleyball player, my coach (a runner himself), strongly encouraged me to join the track team. I liked track, but honestly never ran more than what was required. After high school, I had a scholarship for basketball and volleyball at a small college. I played for 2 years and after that, I quit because the college experience was passing me by (or so I believed). Going from team sports to a sudden stop, I used some running to stay fit. However, this was also the time that step aerobics was on fire so, of course, I became an aerobics instructor. Cue up 6 years post step aerobics (need I mention this was also back in the day where a thong leotard over leggings was all the rage) I was teaching a Body Pump class when the ladies in class asked me to join them on a run. I did… and 18 weeks later, I ran my first marathon in Chicago. While I don’t recommend training for a marathon without a base, it was during this time that I realized the importance of a #ladygang and just how much my body was craving the good vibes from running.

Why did you join team Arete?

Once I first heard Mary and Melissa dreaming of starting this team there was never a question of would I or wouldn’t I join… I was on board from the start. When women support one another, inspiration abounds and incredible things happen. Arete has done this time after time for me and for that I’m forever grateful.

How has being a part of this team impacted your relationship with running?

I have been on other teams in the past and each has been helpful in my development as a runner. However, each has had it’s share of drama that didn’t serve in lifting anyone up. The last couple of years have been incredibly difficult suffering through infertility and miscarriage, health issues with myself and family members, and sad losses within my family. My exterior appears pretty solid, but my heart is easily broken. Arete came along at the perfect time. The women on the OG team in Santa Cruz didn’t know it at the time, but each week they motivated me to show up and through their kindness, conversation and their stories of strength, pieces of my heart were picked up and mended bit by bit. Everyone has sh*t happen in their life and this team only encourages… the drama is seriously saved for your mama.

Best Arete memory so far…

Wharf to Wharf 2017 has been THE BEST Arete moment so far. I’m 7/7 for the Top 100 in the Wharf to Wharf, but it’s honestly one of my least favorite races due to my own mental course demons. This year though… after being at the track and doing Saturday runs with the ladies leading up to the W2W, it was insane to see the stellar performances from teammates. We racked up some serious Top 100 jackets, but we racked up even bigger smiles. We set the bar pretty high this year and Arete is just getting started.

Any other tidbits you’d like to share?

Take it or leave it, but here’s my new found philosophy on running. To my knowledge, there isn’t a single Arete member that gets paid to run. It is our hobby… it is the thing that relieves stress, gives us personal goals to strive for, develops relationships, and allows for extra calorie consumption (more wine and mac & cheese, please). Therefore, don’t take it so seriously! We GET to do this and if running starts not being fun, step back for a moment and reevaluate things. Running is a privilege that many can only dream of doing. So when it’s not fun any longer, ditch the watch and head out to your most favorite place to run and remind yourself why you started to begin with.

14457431_10207633049039466_7517169724530825702_n — From laps to leather faster than a fartlek (check out lapslungesleather.blog for more Leslie-infused inspo).

Find out next week how you can join Arete Santa Cruz or an Arete chapter near you for the chance to share miles with many awesome women.

Blog

I took a moment to catch up with Co-founder and Arete teammate Melissa McConville so you can have a peek into where we’ve been and what’s to come!