In this edition of Get To Know Your Running Clubs we spoke with In Flight Running Founder and Head Coach Michael Merlino. Since 2004 he has been coaching the Houston running comunity, helping many reach their goals. You will find the club running around the Houston Texas Inner 610 loop area, passing through Buffalo Bayou Park, White Oak Bayou, Memorial Park, Hermann Park, and Rice University. 

Want to learn more about them? Read on!

Hi Michael! Tell us a bit about your club history, how long has the club been around?

Our Houston area run coaching and training programs have been serving Houstonians since 2004.

Tell us a bit about your membership? What level of runners do you cater to?

We welcome runners of all skill levels and paces from beginners to Boston qualifiers. In Flight Running coaches prepare runners for races from the 5K to marathon distance.

Where/when does your club usually meet/run?

Houston Heights area close to I10

Are your group runs mostly casual or more structured workouts?

Mix of casual runs and structured workouts

Any cost to be a member/join?

Yes. We offer multiple membership options for our "Distance" Marathon/Half training program and our "Launch" 5K/10K program. Visit InFlightRunning.com for details.

Is your group affiliated with any events?

Yes, we support two local Houston events:

Run in Texas Chupacabra Night Time 5K/10K Trail Run

Galveston Sand Crab Night Time 5K/10K Beach Run

Any cool routes/favourite areas to run in your city that you would like to recommend to other runners? Why do you like those?

Buffalo Bayou Park on the edge of downtown Houston. This park is now in the top 10 urban city parks in the nation with scenic running trails along Buffalo Bayou.

Do you have any favourite local races? Outside of anything that you're affiliated with of course :)

The Houston Half Marathon and the Chevron Houston Marathon / Half-Marathon 

Anything else that we should know?

Our group is very organized and focused on helping running learn the sport from the ground up or take their running to new heights. Along with fluid supported long runs on Saturdays, we offer Monday track workouts, Wednesday hill workouts and professional coaching. Runners have full access to head coaches any time they need help or have questions.

Thanks for chatting with us, Michael! Want to learn more?

Connect with the In Flight Running Club, or just learn a bit more about them! Check out their information below:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

Looking for runs around Houston?

You can find a full list of runs and races happening around Houston at www.runguides.com/houston/runs