• Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Fitness
  • Nutrition
  • |
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Brand partnerships
    • Nutrition Coaching
August 27, 2013

OutRun with Roam Fitness

47 comments
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

A couple months ago, I got an email from the nice people at Roam Fitness, inviting me to check out their OutRun program in DC. What’s OutRun? According to their website, it’s “a bad-a$$, challenging run mixed with cross-training workouts at compelling and historical sites offering amazing views and hidden treasures. OutRun embraces the idea that the city itself is our gym.” Um, sounds awesome, right?!

It was. 🙂

IMG_0058

You guys know I’m all about fun and different workouts, especially if the outdoors is involved. I love boot camps & HIIT workouts, but I don’t love that they’re sometimes indoors, especially on gorgeous days. So this workout was absolutely perfect for me! A run and a boot camp combined, all while out and about exploring DC? Best idea ever.

IMG_0046

Given that I’m currently marathon training, my schedule hasn’t been as flexible lately in terms of workouts, so it wasn’t until this past weekend that I finally got the chance to check out the program.

Roam Fitness is located in the basement of the Savoy Suites Hotel in Glover Park in DC; most of their runs leave from there, although they do offer a Wednesday night Arlington option, which I hope to check out soon. During the week, the Outruns are shorter (45 minutes to 1 hour and covering about a 5k), offered either in the early morning or evening, and on Saturday they offer a longer (4 to 6 mile) OutRun. Check out their schedule for more details – they also offer a ton of indoor strength/HIIT focused classes that sound great, too.

IMG_0069

I had 6 miles on my training schedule for marathon training over the weekend (since I’d already done my long run of the week – 12 miles – on Thursday, as usual), and I didn’t have any plans, so I figured it was the perfect time to try something new. OutRun: weekend edition it was! On the website, it said to “expect a longer run, a surprise location, and anything else we have up our sleeves.”

We all met at the gym, did introductions, and then set out with our fearless leader, Chris Geier, a former collegiate soccer player who is the brains behind OutRun, leading the charge.

IMG_0050

I was immediately impressed because I had no idea there were such gorgeous trails and big open green spaces in this area of the city!

IMG_0048

Every quarter to half mile, Chris stopped us for a different cross training exercise. Apparently every run is different, both in the routes he takes you on and the exercises you do to break it up. For each run, he carries a big backpack that’s stuffed with:

  • water (for us – yay!)
  • various strength exercise equipment (stretchy resistance bands, etc.)
  • a big speaker (to play music during the run – loved this!)

IMG_0063

One of my favorite strength moves during the run was a partner workout involving stretchy bands down on the C&O Canal trail in Georgetown.

IMG_0059

One person placed the band around their waist while their partner held the other end to make it a resistance workout. We alternated between running forward, running backward, and doing side shuffles (loved this – great lateral strength building)!

IMG_0061

It was hard but FUN! And a great workout both for the person doing the resistance running and for the person trying to hold them back. 🙂

IMG_0060

We also utilized a lot of body weight exercises, with Chris getting creative based on where we were.

We did dips and leg lifts on a log:

IMG_0053

Planks and side plank lifts in the grass:

IMG_0055

IMG_0057

A plank hold while the person on the end bear crawled to the other end; when they we done the next person went (we did this until everyone made it through 3 times):

IMG_0066

And partner leg throw downs:

IMG_0067

We also ran up the exorcist stairs in Georgetown (twice!), did burpees, and of course had fun actually running and enjoying the scenery while listening to the music blasting out of Chris’s backpack!

IMG_0054

By the time we got back to the gym, we were sweaty, dirty, and exhilarated. We had covered about 4.5 miles in an hour and 35 minutes and done countless strength exercises along the way.

I’ve tried a lot of workouts in DC by this point and I have to say, OutRun was one of my absolute favorites. The group was friendly and fun (and, funny story – at the end of the run my partner, Christy, realized that she reads my blog – hi Christy!), the route was interesting and unique, and the workout was awesome. Chris (on the far left in the photo below, next to me) was great, too – positive, encouraging, and challenging without being drill sergeant-esque or obnoxious. Thumbs up all around!

roam fitness ourun

A big thank you to Chris and the Roam Fitness team for inviting me out and waiving my class fee in exchange for sharing my experience. I can’t wait to go back – this is definitely going to need to be incorporated into my routine on the regular. They just started offering even longer “OutRun Adventures” once a month, too – excited to check that out next! 🙂

Have you ever done a running/boot camp workout combined? Does it sound like something you’d like? It was nice because it negated the need for everyone to run at the same pace, since we stopped so often! No one ever got left behind. One of the women there on Saturday has a 6 month old baby and is using OutRun to get back in shape – I was really impressed!

- anne
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

you might also like:

Cape May, New Jersey Weekend Adventures

Running D.C.’s Frozen Tundra + A Simple Lunch

A Snowy Morning Fitness Adventure

4th of July Weekend Adventures

leave a comment

Cancel reply

47 comments
  • Nicole Michael
    August 27, 2013 · 10:50AM:
    How versatile are the exercises, meaning, are they open to all fitness levels? Or do you already need to be in killer shape to do them?
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2013 · 11:04AM:
      I would say you need at least a decent base in running/fitness stuff, but I don't think you need to be in killer shape by any means. The running paces were varied and all the moves were modify-able!
      Reply
  • Desiree August 27, 2013 · 10:55AM:
    Sounds like SO MUCH FUN!! I wish they were in Philadelphia!
    Reply
    • Colleen August 27, 2013 · 10:59AM:
      Agreed, bring it to Philly! This running bootcamp sounds awesome!
      Reply
      • Graham King
        August 27, 2013 · 4:13PM:
        We'd love to bring this to Philly! Where should we start? -Graham King Roam Fitness
        Reply
  • Lindsay August 27, 2013 · 10:56AM:
    This sounds just like my morning outdoor boot camp in Arlington. I have to say that even though you think most boot camps are indoors, all of the classes I've seen and taken are outside. You should probably start scouting all your options, rather than the ones you just get for free! :-)
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2013 · 11:03AM:
      I've tried TONS of boot camps in the area, and not just those I've gotten for free considering I've lived here for 8 years post-college now and have only had my blog for a few of those! I know there are a lot of boot camps that are outside, but I haven't found many that incorporate running/exploring the city. Back in the day I used to do a morning outdoor boot camp that was from 6 to 7 a.m. that I liked, but it wasn't as fun because we just stayed in one spot the whole time and the moves got really repetitive. Glad you like yours!
      Reply
  • Courtney
    August 27, 2013 · 10:59AM:
    I've had numerous friends try them out and love it. Thinking I reallllly need to check them out :)
    Reply
  • Ericka @ The Sweet Life
    August 27, 2013 · 11:00AM:
    I had a great time when I went to Roam -- and hope to try it again soon. I just wish it wasn't in Glover Park! After marathon training, it'll be easier to fit in though!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2013 · 11:06AM:
      I know - I think I'll have to stick to the weekend option because Glover Park would be hard to get to during rush hour! I do want to try the Arlington option sometime soon though!
      Reply
    • Graham King
      August 27, 2013 · 4:17PM:
      We're open to new areas. Just let us know where a good starting place! -Graham, Roam Fitness
      Reply
  • Sarah (WhyFoodWorks)
    August 27, 2013 · 11:01AM:
    Yay you finally did this! So fun :) I'm also SO glad that my Outrun didn't include the Exorcist steps...one of the few movies that REALLY GETS TO ME. And you nailed it - they're tough but encouraging and not obnoxious!!
    Reply
  • Jojo @ RunFastEatLots
    August 27, 2013 · 11:12AM:
    Sounds fun and intense! The closest thing I've ever done to a fitness boot camp was picnicking on a big hill next to a bunch of people doing one of those fitness boot camps.
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2013 · 11:16AM:
      Lol! Sounds delicious. :)
      Reply
  • Christy August 27, 2013 · 11:40AM:
    SO nice to finally meet you!! Thanks for being a great partner on Saturday! I hope to see you soon! Good luck with the Tough Mudder and your marathon training!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2013 · 1:20PM:
      Great meeting you, too! Loved being your partner and thank you for the Tough Mudder tips! :) Hope to see you at OutRun again soon!
      Reply
  • Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean
    August 27, 2013 · 11:49AM:
    fun! this would be right up my alley!
    Reply
  • Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog
    August 27, 2013 · 12:18PM:
    This is such an awesome concept! I love that you get cardio/strength training in one workout and that you get to explore the city while doing so. This seems like it'd be the perfect workout to take out-of-town friends too. Site seeing and exercise in one!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2013 · 1:18PM:
      Love the idea to take out of town friends - sightseeing combined with a workout is the best!
      Reply
  • Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
    August 27, 2013 · 12:21PM:
    I don't know if this is a weird question .. but who always takes the photos of you and the group when you are doing all these activities?
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2013 · 1:17PM:
      Not weird at all! Chris (the instructor) snagged most of these for me while he taught. Any I'm not in I took myself!
      Reply
  • Lauren @ The Highlands Life
    August 27, 2013 · 1:05PM:
    Whew! Looks awesome but so tough. Kicks your booty into high gear, I bet!
    Reply
  • Roadrunner August 27, 2013 · 1:17PM:
    Terrific workout; another great fANNEtastic adventure! Well done --
    Reply
  • David August 27, 2013 · 1:33PM:
    Sounds awesome! Looks like great fun, teamwork, and great exercise! When you're up for more, try a GORUCK Challenge!! Sounds like the guy, Chris, would like it too!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2013 · 1:40PM:
      I was just reading about the GORUCK challenges in the Washington Post! Sounds... insanely hardcore. Have you done one?
      Reply
      • David August 27, 2013 · 1:56PM:
        I've done two! Dan R. is on board for his first later this year! It is hardcore, but an incredible event all about teamwork. You and Matt should check it out! I have a code to get a discount for first timers when/if you're interested!!
        Reply
        • Anne
          August 27, 2013 · 2:12PM:
          Oh no way - I didn't know he was doing one! I'll have to ask Jenny about it. I think for now I'll stick to less hardcore events and leave you to the GoRUCK, but props to you for doing it! Super impressive.
          Reply
  • Shel@PeachyPalate
    August 27, 2013 · 1:37PM:
    Looks like such a fun workout as well as a great way to meet new people!!!
    Reply
  • Kris S August 27, 2013 · 3:02PM:
    Sounds awesome! :)
    Reply
  • Jillienne @ ChasingRaspberries
    August 27, 2013 · 3:36PM:
    I love the idea of mixing running with outdoor cross training! Looks like a blast!
    Reply
  • Taylor Orr
    August 27, 2013 · 6:28PM:
    This looks so fun and right up my alley!! I hope they bring this to San Francisco. Plyometrics + running + being outside = a winner in my book!
    Reply
  • Kaitlyn August 27, 2013 · 8:55PM:
    Ahh! I totally think I saw you guys! Was this Saturday or Sunday AM? I was walking to the Whole Foods in Glover park and remember a running group about this size pass me going up Wisconsin Ave. and I remember thinking that I wanted to join. Sounds like so much fun!!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 27, 2013 · 11:13PM:
      Saturday a.m.!
      Reply
  • Nicole
    August 28, 2013 · 8:02AM:
    What a great workout! I'm sure the time went by quickly given the variety of exercises!
    Reply
  • Karen @ Runner Girl Eats
    August 28, 2013 · 8:44AM:
    I wish we had something like this in my area! Looks like sooo much fun! I used to hate partner workouts but they have really started to grow on me.
    Reply
  • Lea August 28, 2013 · 9:15AM:
    Well, I think I definitely need to try this when I have some flexibility in my training. I'm always surprised by all the different beautiful trails and paths in the city.
    Reply
  • Erin G. @ Treats and Sneaks
    August 28, 2013 · 10:20AM:
    This sounds like SO much fun! I wish there was something like it in my area :(
    Reply
  • Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
    August 28, 2013 · 10:40AM:
    LOVE this idea! Sounds like it kept you guessing constantly, which I totally enjoy in a class.
    Reply
  • Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats
    August 28, 2013 · 1:15PM:
    Wow this is the coolest thing ever. I would TOTALLY do a Wednesday night Arlington option with you if you decide to do one!
    Reply
  • Christina @ The Beautiful Balance
    August 28, 2013 · 11:19PM:
    This looks like SO much fun!
    Reply
  • Lauren August 29, 2013 · 11:03AM:
    Are there any additional details for the evenings in Arlington? I live in that area but didn't see anything on the website!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 29, 2013 · 2:26PM:
      It leaves from the Clarendon metro at 7 p.m. on Wednesday nights. It's on their schedule! :)
      Reply
  • Mar @ Mar on the Run!
    August 30, 2013 · 6:40AM:
    I just discovered your blog! I am in love with Roam fitness!! Their Outrun was incredible and I'm loving their barbell class now!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 30, 2013 · 12:05PM:
      Welcome to the blog!
      Reply
- next post
previous post -

about Anne

anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
Learn more

fannetastic reads

Top Posts
01

My Top 9 Most Popular Recipes + Posts

02

Why I Don’t Recommend Whole30

03

What Causes Sugar Cravings (+ How to Stop Them!)

04

How I Make Money As a Blogger

05

Blog Recipes We Make Again and Again

06

What to Eat Before and After a Long Run

07

What to Eat During Long Runs

08

7 Common Nutrition Myths

09

How to Love Veggies

connect with Anne

Email me
anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

follow anne:

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

back to top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recent Posts
  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ

© copyright fannetastic food - site by kc - exclusive member of mediavine