CCWF launches running club

Members of Central California Women’s Facility’s (CCWF) newly established PACE running club took their first laps around the track on March 13. Approximately 20 incarcerated people showed up to attend the first two-hour group session. 

CCWF Recreational Coach G. Martinelli is the club supervisor. Amy Cameron and Leo Pershall, coaches from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center’s 1000 Mile Club, joined the runners for their first day and plan to attend group sessions regularly going forward. 

Club members chose the name PACE because they see it as a metaphor for life. Just like running, life requires that we pace ourselves. We must know when to slow down, when to pick up the pace, when to push through, and when to stop. 

The biggest reason for why people wanted to participate was mental health. They shared how running helped them to cope with anger, anxiety, and stress.

“I’m excited to be out here for my mental health, which is so important. I’m glad to have the accountability I need to keep me going,” said runner Hannah Habibi. 

Participants were delighted when they were joined on the track by Lieutenant Monique Williams and CCIII F. Singleton. 

Runner Brittany Fields shared, “I enjoy working out…it gives me a peace of mind. I enjoy feeling this peace. I’m going to come every time I get a ducat.” 

Pershall ended the day’s session by telling the participants to journal about how they felt after running for 30 minutes, and to look back on it in October. 

“It is really inspiring to validate progress,” he said. “You’ll be surprised how far you’ve come.” 

The running club plans to meet once a month on a Friday 10-12. Runners are invited to run the Main Yard track on other Fridays. On off-days, members are encouraged to train independently through the week, following a written workout plan. 

For anyone interested in participating, submit a form 22 to Coach Martinelli.