Why We Built a Run Club at a Strength Gym

February 20, 2026 | By

When people think of DEUCE Gym, they think of barbells, heavy lifting, and building strength.

So why the hell do we have a Run Club?

Good question.

DEUCE Isn’t Just About Lifting Heavy

Yes, we’re a strength gym. But here’s what DEUCE is actually about: community.

We’re not just here to make you a better athlete. We’re here to build a place where people show up for each other, support each other, and push each other to be better:  in the gym and in life.

And sometimes, the best way to build that community isn’t under a barbell. It’s on a run together.

DEUCE Run Club isn’t about racing or hitting PRs.  It’s about conversational pace.

You should be able to hold a conversation while you’re running. You’re not gasping for air. You’re not pushing max effort. You’re just… running. Together.

This is Zone 2 cardio – the kind of aerobic work that builds your cardiovascular base, improves recovery, and supports your strength training.

But more importantly, it creates space for conversation. For connection. For community.

Who Shows Up?

Everyone.

We’ve got people who run marathons and people who’ve never run more than a mile. We’ve got fast runners and slow runners.

None of that matters.

What matters is that you show up, move your body, and connect with people.

The pace is conversational. The vibe is chill. No pressure.

After 30-60 minutes, we circle back. Some people grab coffee. Some hang out. Some head home.

It’s low-key. It’s free. It’s open to everyone.

Why This Matters

DEUCE isn’t just a place you go to work out. It’s a place you go to belong.

Run Club is one of the ways we build that sense of belonging – outside of the gym, outside of structured classes.

You don’t need to be a current DEUCE student. You don’t need to be fast. You don’t even need to like running.

You just need to show up.

Want to Join Us?

DEUCE Run Club meets every Saturday at 9am at the gym.

Follow us on Instagram @deucerunclub or join our Strava group.

All levels are welcome. Conversational pace. Good vibes only.

See you Saturday.

2/20/26 WOD

DEUCE Athletics GPP

Complete 4 rounds of the following:
6 Sumo Box Squat

Complete 3 rounds for quality of:
12 DB RDLs
10 KB Front Rack Step Ups (ea)
20 yd Alligator Walks

AMRAP 4
1 2 3…
DB devils Presses (40/20)
50 yd Sprint

— Rest 2:00 —

AMRAP 4
1 2 3…
DB Man Makers (50/35)
50 yd Sprint

 

DEUCE Garage GPP

6-6-6-6
Sumo Deadlift

Complete 3 rounds for time of:
8 Tempo DB Box Step Ups – Left (50X1)
8 Tempo DB Box Step Ups – Right (50X1)
200’ Sled Drag

Then, complete 3 rounds for reps of:
2:00 Max Cal Assualt Bike
2:00 Max Wall Balls (20/14)
-Rest 2 Min-

Born in Melbourne, Jess grew up playing all different sports including AFL football and soccer. She spent 16 years Irish dancing and has performed across Australia, as well as internationally throughout Europe and Asia. Her love of training and fitness developed further at the end of high school, where she discovered how much of an impact a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise routine can have on people's physical, mental and emotional health. This led to her studying her Certificate III & IV in Fitness, then continuing on to complete 2 degrees: a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, and a Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy). She has devoted her last 12 years in the fitness industry to developing her skills through practice, study, workshops, courses and multiple coaching internships. These experiences, paired with life experiences, have developed her into the coach, and person, she is today. Jess has spent the last few years practicing and studying NLP, DNS, powerlifting, running, coaching, human behavior and is also a certified yoga teacher. She is passionate about helping people develop strength, confidence, life skills & healthier habits, through fitness.