Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracee Weinrieb
Hi Gracee, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My first LA Marathon was in 2004. I have continued running it amongst hundreds of other races for over 20 years I ran through my pregnancy, post partum, knee surgeries, during lockdown and creations of run clubs. I created a run club because women, especially mothers needed the space to feel good, stay healthy, recover from post partum and depression. It created a space for moms and their stroller to get a good work out and be a part of a community. Cafe Jam was called “cafe jam” because when I had my son, I needed to run or feel “normal”. It was because I had a tough post partum. My sons grandma helped me a lot, even though she too struggled with Parkinsons. When I dropped my baby at her house, she would ask if I want “coffee..cafe…cafecito.” I would respond, “ no thanks… I gotta jam!”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was a fun small run group before I became a mother. Then it was just 5-6 running moms afterwards. Then it spurted in 2015. It grew 2017 when we had an event for mom called Parkinsons Fox 5K. Then the world shut down! But the run crews and run club communities in LA, especially in the valley GREW, fast! Bigger than ever!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a jr high high educator and been in education for over 20 years. I was a vice principal at de la salle in the valley for a few years. However, I went back to the classroom to focus in a new full time job called. motherhood. I am a certified fitness and group exercises instructor. I taught classes at numerous gyms in LA. I coached jr high track, academic decathlon and an avid volunteer in various events/organizations. Even through pandemic, I continued to coach via Zoom or go to local parks.
After the pandemic, I am so proud that I founded Cafe Jam Run Club Sherman Oaks because its inclusive and it is for all ages and levels. My son runs with us and many other young people. Goodr Sunglasses awarded us Run Club of the Year-AND made hundreds of sunglasses …just for us!
On Run shoes made us recipients for their “Right To Run Initiative”. Runners were gifted shoes (hundreds of shoes) and running attire. Lastly, the county awarded us with a certificate for being a community run club that provides the love & care for its members.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality I believe that allowed us to be put on the map is the inclusivity of our run club. It is also the fact that on Mondays, we are strictly in Sherman Oaks and Saturdays we move around the city—Santa Monica- Griffith Park- Hollywood etc. additionally, I am an official pacer for LA Marathon, so people ask for advice in training for races and I enjoy having a tole model title.
Pricing:
- Shirts $40… funds go to the victims of Lahaina fires in Mauii
Contact Info:
Popular
-
What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
-
Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
-
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
-
What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
-
Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
-
What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
