Meet Wolf Pack Runners

Welcome to the fourth edition of the Run Malibu Editorial! While it may not feel like summer is behind us yet (and yes, we are fully embracing the "endless summer" mindset) the days are getting a touch cooler and fall race season is on the horizon. We are feeling the energy building now, with Run Malibu just over a month and a half away! This is a great time to start planning your race weekend experience such as where to stay, where to eat, location for the expo and start line, and more. If you're participating in the half, now is also a great time to dial in your fuel plan (gels, chews) and make sure you're hitting those longer runs consistently to prepare for the distance ahead. If you haven't already, be sure to drop into a run with last month's featured crew, Movement Runners, and read on for the schedule of runs with Wolf Pack Runners and other community events. It goes without saying but for anyone that needs the extra push to get in those miles, training is easier (and far more fun) with friends and community.  Read on to meet our Run Club of the month, get inspired by our local heroes and check out an awesome local business (that you've likely seen in your grocery store)!

First up... Meet Wolf Pack Runners

Wolf Pack Runners is a nonprofit fitness club based in Studio City, California, dedicated to empowering the community through sport and connection. We believe running has the power to bring people together, improve wellness, and create meaningful impact beyond the miles. Through weekly runs, community events, and charitable initiatives, we provide an inclusive space where people of all fitness levels can build relationships, challenge themselves, and grow stronger together.

Movement Runners Schedule

Every Monday at Lululemon Studio City at 7PM. Follow Wolf Pack Runners for

updates follow them on Instagram here

LOCAL HERO ROUND-UP

MEET Cezamee: Founder of Wolf Pack Runners

Cassidy: Why do you run? What does running mean to you? 

Cezamee: ”I run to maintain both my physical and mental health. For me, running is an opportunity to use my body the way it was intended to be used, it's a way to strengthen my mind and body and prepare myself to do difficult things. Running goes far beyond the physical aspect of the sport. It conditions me to become the best version of myself. It teaches me to show up in spaces I may not want to be in and to do things that aren’t always comfortable or pleasurable, because growth doesn’t always come from comfort.
That’s what running truly means to me: building the strength, discipline, and resilience to keep showing up, even when things get hard.”


Cassidy: What is your favorite time of day and place to run, and why?

Cezamee: “I’m definitely more of an evening runner, and I love running in rural areas and along the beach. I’m all about scenery when it comes to running, that’s half the fun. One of the most exciting things about running is seeing new places and taking in sights you’ve never experienced before. Exploring somewhere new on foot is unlike experiencing it through any other mode of transportation. You’re able to truly take in your surroundings without the distractions that come with driving. There’s something special about moving through a new place on your own two feet, taking in every detail along the way.”


Cassidy: What does community mean to you, and how does community support your running and your goals?

Cezamee: "Community means having a network of people who are all striving to become the best versions of themselves while coming together for a greater purpose.
Some of the greatest feats are accomplished by people working together. Once you truly understand the power of community, you realize how much is possible when you don’t have to do everything alone.
Wolf Pack Runners would not be the club it is today without community. While I may have started the club, there has been so much input, collaboration, and support from others that has helped us grow. I can’t imagine still trying to do all of this on my own.
When I created Wolf Pack, the community gave me purpose, and that relationship has always been a mutual exchange. I’ve received so much love and gratitude, and I’ve learned so much about myself throughout this journey. I genuinely would not be the person I am today without the running community."

Cassidy: If you've run Run Malibu before (or volunteered!), what was your favorite moment and why?

Cezamee: "My favorite moment volunteering for Run Malibu was seeing so many of my friends from the running community come through our hydration station. Watching their faces light up when they recognized us was such an amazing feeling.
That part of the course doesn’t have many spectators, so you could tell that seeing familiar, excited faces cheering them on was a breath of fresh air. Being able to give them that extra boost of energy and encouragement, even for just a moment, made the experience incredibly special. I loved being able to show up for the community that has shown up for me in so many ways."

Cassidy: What are some mantras that have been helpful for you?

Cezamee's Mantras: 

• “The only person you’re in competition with is yourself.”

  • “One more mile.”

MEET Marriah Kern



Cassidy: Why do you run? What does running mean to you?

Marriah: “I run for health, community, and connection to friends and family. My sister and many of my friends are runners. I owe a lot to running and the running community. It has gotten me through a lot of high and low points. The only thing that got me out of bed in the midst of the grief of losing my mom was running—I had to get up before it got too hot out.”

Cassidy: What is your favorite time of day to run, and why? 

Marriah: “I mostly run at night with different run clubs, including Wolf Pack Runners on Mondays, because it's nice and cool out. But a long run first thing on a Saturday morning is great because I can take a nice nap afterward and still enjoy the rest of the day.”

Cassidy: What does community mean to you, and how does community support your running and your goals? 

Marriah: ”I would have never run my first half-marathon or marathon without the support of the running community. I have received so much great advice over the years that has made my training blocks and races much easier, whether it's advice on gear, nutrition, stretching, or cross-training.”

Cassidy: If you've run Run Malibu before (or volunteered!), what was your favorite moment and why?

Marriah: ”A volunteer group from Wolf Pack Runners and I assisted at a water station during last year's race. We weren't sure the race would happen because the rain was so bad, but the weather cleared just in time. Handing water to those speedy first runners was a trial by fire. I definitely messed up those first few handoffs.”

Cassidy: What are 2–3 mantras you use when running?

Marriah: “My favorite thing about Wolf Pack Runners is that we're a "no runners left behind" club, so we stop every half mile or so for everyone to catch up. I've taken that mindset with me over the last few years and intentionally slowed my pace to connect with new runners so they don't feel left behind. I also realized I could get much faster and go much farther by being my own positive inner coach. Anytime negativity creeps in, I replace it with encouragement: "You've got this. Stay strong. Keep moving forward." to help maintain my form and pace.”

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