Run Club of the Month: Fleet Feet Seaholm’s “Chill as F***” Fridays
If you’ve ever wandered down to Town Lake on a Friday morning and noticed a group of people running, laughing, and generally looking like they’re having more fun than should be legal before sunrise, you’ve probably stumbled upon the Chill as F* Run** hosted by Fleet Feet Seaholm.
How It All Began
The club got its start in July 2018, even before the Seaholm store officially opened. Longtime friends (since high school, no less) teamed up with Paras Shah of RAW Running to create a perfect yin to the yang: a chill, social run to complement RAW’s famous “Hard as F***” Tuesday nights. From day one, the vibe was clear—this was not about splits, PRs, or crushing hills. It was about showing up, connecting, and maybe getting a few easy miles in while the city was still waking up.
The Vibe: Weird, Welcoming, and 100% Social
If competition is what you’re after, you’ll want to keep looking. This group is all about the social side of running. They bring in local partners, non-profits, and small businesses to join the fun, but the run itself is strictly “your run, your pace, your distance.” In fact, the group takes pride in being the biggest weirdos out there—so much so that first-timers (and long-timers) immediately feel at home.
When & Where to Find Them
Every Friday
6:30 a.m. (ish)
Fleet Feet Seaholm
That “ish” is important. This crew isn’t going to stress about a 30-second delay.
Why People Keep Coming Back
The secret sauce? It’s the mix of sarcasm, warmth, and spontaneity that greets everyone at the start line. Whether you’re blazing at sub-7 pace or rocking what they lovingly call “sexy pace” (aka walking), you’ve got a safe place in this group. And each week feels like its own little reset button heading into the weekend.
Memorable Moments
Over 7+ years, the Chill as F*** Run has stacked up quite the highlight reel:
Hosting shakeout runs with 400+ attendees
Sharing vulnerable life moments in front of friends
Grilling breakfast hotdogs on the 4th of July (yes, you read that right)
At the end of the day, it’s all about gratitude for the simple act of gathering and moving together.
Tips for Newbies
Nervous about showing up? Totally normal. The crew gets it. That’s why leaders Taylor, Dyson, and Mary work hard to make everyone feel welcome—whether you’re lacing up for your first 5K or just trying to shake off a tough week. As they like to say, running is just the excuse. The real magic is in the people.
Post-Run Ritual
While there’s no set snack lineup (adult ADHD doesn’t exactly lend itself to routines), one thing’s constant: coffee as the carrot. Pre-run, post-run, or mid-run daydream—it’s all fueled by a strong cup of bean juice.
Why We Love Them
At AOK PT, we’re big believers in the power of community, and Fleet Feet Seaholm’s Chill as F*** crew embodies that better than anyone. They’re proof that running doesn’t have to be serious, intimidating, or about logging the “perfect” miles. Sometimes, it’s about showing up, laughing with friends, and knowing you’re exactly where you need to be—6:30 a.m. on a Friday with Austin’s biggest weirdos.