Endurance & Fitness Coaching›Walk Club / Run Club
ThriveWise Walk Club / Run Club
Walk Club & Run Club in Charlotte, NC
Meet to Move!
A coached weekly run and walk at Freedom Park for every pace and starting point. Build strength, improve your fitness and train with good people who are ready to keep moving forward.
Wednesdays · 5:30 PM–6:30 PM · Freedom Park Bandstand · All Levels Welcome
A Coached Run or Walk for Every Pace
ThriveWise Walk Club / Run Club combines the energy of a group with the direction of a coach. Each Wednesday includes a warm-up, a planned workout and a cool-down. Coach Kristi provides clear instructions and options for different paces, fitness levels and experience.
You can run, walk or combine the two. You do not need to arrive fast or experienced. You only need a willingness to begin and keep showing up.
Run or Walk
Choose the pace and movement option that works for you. First-time runners, walkers and experienced athletes are welcome.
Train With Purpose
Each session has a clear focus, with workouts that develop speed, strength, stamina or consistency over time.
Meet Great People
Move alongside encouraging people who value health, progress and a positive way of spending their time.
What Coaching Looks Like
The club is more than meeting at the park and following the crowd. Coach Kristi explains the purpose of each workout, leads the warm-up and cool-down, and provides appropriate options for runners and walkers at different levels.
The coaching gives each session structure while leaving room for you to work at your own pace. Over time, the changing training focus helps you develop greater fitness, confidence and consistency.
- A planned training focus for every session
- Coach-led warm-up and cool-down
- Run, walk and run-walk options
- Adjustments for different paces and experience levels
- A different emphasis across speed, strength and stamina
- Encouragement, accountability and a consistent weekly rhythm
How a Wednesday Goes
Coach Kristi Ray leads every session from the first step to the last stretch. She calls each pace change out loud, so you never have to watch a clock.
Start
15 minutes
Warm-up and light stretching, together as a group.
The Work
20 minutes
Intervals. One minute at an easy pace, one minute at a faster pace, ten times through.
Finish
10 to 15 minutes
Cool-down and a full stretch before everyone heads home.
Run it, walk it, or mix the two. Walking the whole session is a real workout, and a faster pace simply means faster for you. If anything does not feel right on the day, ease off and tell Kristi. She will give you a version that fits.
Strong mind. Strong body. Strong finish.
Your Walk Club / Run Club Coach
Meet Coach Kristi Ray
Kristi Ray is a six-time Ironman finisher and USA Triathlon Level 1 certified coach. She brings extensive endurance experience to a format that remains welcoming, practical and accessible.
Kristi coaches the person in front of her, not an idealized version of an athlete. She gives participants a clear session, appropriate options and the encouragement to build from their current starting point.
Choose How You Join
Start with one Wednesday or make Walk Club / Run Club part of your weekly routine.
Single Session
Try One Session
$25
per session
Join one coached Wednesday session with no ongoing commitment.
- Coach-led run or walk
- Warm-up and cool-down
- Options for different paces
- No membership required
Monthly Membership
Join Walk Club / Run Club Monthly
$79
per month
Build consistency with one coached Walk Club / Run Club session each Wednesday.
- Weekly coached run or walk
- Changing training focus throughout the month
- Options for runners and walkers
- Cancel anytime
Before Your First Run
When
Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.
Where
Meet at the bandstand at Freedom Park, Charlotte, North Carolina.1908 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Who
Adults at all fitness levels. Runners, walkers and first-time participants are welcome.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable athletic shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Bring water.
Weather
The club meets rain or shine. Sessions are cancelled or rescheduled when lightning, thunder or unsafe conditions are present.
Registration
Reserve your place before arriving so the coach knows who to expect and can communicate any session updates.
Walk Club / Run Club Questions
Is ThriveWise Walk Club / Run Club suitable for beginners?
Yes. Walk Club / Run Club welcomes first-time runners, walkers and people returning to regular movement. Coach Kristi provides options based on pace, experience and current fitness.
Can I walk instead of run?
Yes. You can walk, run or use a combination of both. The session is structured so participants can work at an appropriate pace while remaining part of the group.
What happens during a Walk Club / Run Club session?
Each session includes a coach-led warm-up, a planned run or walk workout and a cool-down. The training focus changes throughout the month and may emphasize speed, strength, stamina or consistency.
Do I need to maintain a certain pace?
No. There is no required pace. Coach Kristi explains the session and provides options for different experience levels.
Where does ThriveWise Walk Club / Run Club meet?
The club meets at the bandstand at Freedom Park in Charlotte, North Carolina. The address is 1908 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203. See the location photo on this page for a visual reference to the bandstand meeting point.
Does the club meet in the rain?
The club meets in ordinary rain. Sessions are cancelled or rescheduled when lightning, thunder or other conditions make outdoor training unsafe. Registered participants receive any schedule changes directly.
Can I attend only once?
Yes. A single coached session is $25. Monthly membership is available for $79 for participants who want a consistent weekly practice.
What is the difference between Walk Club / Run Club and Race Prep Coaching?
Walk Club / Run Club is a weekly group run or walk with a planned session and coaching for different levels. Race Prep Coaching includes an individualized training plan built around a specific event, schedule and goal, with ongoing feedback and plan adjustments. Weekly Walk Club / Run Club is included with Race Prep Coaching.
Join ThriveWise Walk Club / Run Club: Meet to Move!
Choose a single session or make Wednesday Walk Club / Run Club part of your routine. Run, walk and build your strength with a coach and community behind you.
Move Together. Get Stronger.