LITTLE VILLAGE — A group of Chicago runners isn't letting the extreme cold get in the way of a good workout.
The Little Village-based Viento running club recently started a 100-mile contest challenging members to complete the task before Christmas.
"It is easy for our runners to keep active during nicer weather, especially since most of us train for fall races, but once those goals are met, we hit a slump," said founder Cristina Carreto, a Farragut Academy and University of Illinois at Chicago graduate.
Avid runner Justin Breen says it's not as hard as it sounds:
Runners are keeping track of their progress through the Nike+ running app. Prizes, likely running gear, will be awarded to those who run the farthest.
"This has motivated me to get off the couch and back on the street, regardless of how cold it is," said Viento member Frank Monreal, a Saint Xavier University grad.
The free club — named after the Spanish word for "wind" — debuted Oct. 9, 2012 as a way to "promote positive community engagement, and health and wellness," said founder Jessica Vergara, a UIC alumna. Viento, which runs as a group on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Sunday mornings, has about 40 members ranging in age from 16-59. Eighteen Viento runners finished the most recent Chicago Marathon.
Viento's main running arteries are 26th Street and 31st Street, which the runners take from Little Village into North Lawndale, Pilsen and Cicero. Runners also sometimes trek into Austin. The group usually starts from Rosario Castellanos Elementary, 2524 S. Central Park Ave., and finishes near Jacaranda Bar, 3608 W. 26th St.
Members said the club has provided several benefits. Monreal, who runs about 20-30 miles a week, said he's lost 87 pounds since he joined, and his blood pressure and cholesterol level also improved. Elizabeth Mejia went from not being able to run a block to "being able to do a 5K with ease."
"Even my 6-year-old son has done a 5K because he sees me running so much," Mejia said. "He is quite proud to wear his Viento shirt when he does his races."
Vergara said she's gotten to know her community better, "both inside and out."
"It's been rewarding to see people start from walking, to running 5Ks, to then running marathons," Vergara said.
Before Viento, Mejia said Little Village residents weren't used to seeing people running in the neighborhood. Carreto, who has completed six marathons, said Viento helped change the area's culture.
"There are younger runners out on the street, and there are more people during all times of day running through our streets," she said. "People live here, go to school here, shop and eat ... so why not run here?"
For more information on Viento and joining the club's runs and 100-mile challenge, click here.
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