Mari Balow wants you to make friends while you work out. For over a year now she’s led and organized one of the city’s only weekly grassroots workout groups, the Portland Sweat Project, while maintaining a strong supporting role in the Runaways Run Club. Both of these clubs are free and open to everyone. Runaways is focused on running (obviously) and the Portland Sweat Project is all about free weight exercises, and they’re both designed to bring together active community members, holding them accountable to their fitness goals. After all, it’s tough to bail on an early morning run when a dozen or so of your friends are expecting your presence. The Portland Sweat Project meets every Wednesday morning at 6:30 am alternating between Portland’s Back Cove and City Hall, and the Runaways Run Club switches locations between Back Cove, the Presumpscot River trail, and the Old Port every Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Check their Facebook and Instagram for updates.
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