Off'N Running Tours, Los Angeles

I found out about Off 'N Running Tours by chance. In 2008, I had decided out of the blue to train for a half marathon. I never ran more than 3 miles in my life but I thought, "why not?" So I googled training groups because as determined as I was about running my very first half marathon, I knew I needed people to run with and a good trainer. So I signed up to train with Off 'N Running Tours. My experience with the training group was great. I met a lot of runners with the same goal as me and we encouraged each other along the way. When I came across an injury during the course of my training, Cheryl was very encouraging and supportive. Needless to say, I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon! I couldn't have done it without Off 'N Running Tours!

Hi there, Back in Sept of '07, my friend, an avid runner, signed me up for the 5 mile Nike Run Hit Remix race. I thought, "Great, I ran a bit back in high school, why not?" After running for 30 seconds, I realized I was in way over my head and ended up walking the entire thing! I was very disappointed with myself and realized I had to do something about my dilemma. I was 37 at that time and made a decision to start running. I had no clue how to run, where, what shoes, etc. basically, I was starting from zero. I came upon the Off 'N Running site after doing a google search. It stated that it had a Half Marathon training program for the Disneyland race for 8/08. I e-mailed Cheryl Anker and she was quick to respond to my email. Initially, I was intimidated; a Saturday morning group in Beverly Hills? I thought the group was full of Paris Hilton - types in their latest Armani running gear. But I decided to try it anyways and I was pleasantly surprised when I met Cheryl and my fellow team-mates! Cheryl is very professional, knowledgeable, and encouraging. The group was friendly, down to earth, and at all fitness levels. (Some people walk and others run.) I quickly blended in and made some friends. I love the courses, they are always different and give me a nice challenge (look out for Doheny though :) ) I even took a couple of tourists out one day for a Paparazzi tour. Along the way, I participated in her Paparazzi tours and interviews, including the LA Times. I also participated in some tapings (for the Travel Channel), which were super fun! Since joining Off ' N Running, I have run 3 half marathons and various 5Ks and 10Ks. I am more confident, happy, and truly enjoy exercising and being outdoors. Now when I vacation, I look for new places to run instead of just hitting the Buffets. My family and friends are proud of my accomplishments and I am known at work for being, "The Runner." Now, I encourage my friends to run with me. I've done the Nike Women's Half Marathon 2 years in a row in San Francisco and I love seeing my name outside of Niketown as one of the participants in their race. Never in my dreams would I have imagined that I could complete a Half Marathon! I am approaching 40 this summer and I can honestly say that I am in the BEST shape of my life since joining Off 'N Running! I owe it all to Cheryl Anker. Running has made me stronger in all facets of my life. This has been one of the best experiences of my life Please check out this group, you will not regret it! It's the best investment you can make for your health and future! Good luck!!

This was a really fun outing for a group of us. We all live in the area and thought this would be a fun excursion for the bunch of us. We got to run through Beverly Hills and see all the expensive stores and homes and get some exercise while we did it. We even had a star sighting. I would definately do this again.