Let’s face it: we’ve probably all indulged in one slice of panettone too many over the holiday season. The good news is that Florence has many ways to burn off the Christmas calories, from gyms to dance academies.
Among the most recent entries to Florence’s fitness scene is Donne Sempre di Corsa, Florence’s women-only casual running group. The group started 18 months ago when three friends, Paola Gianno, Paola Bagnoli and Tullia Caballero, felt the need to stay in shape but didn’t have the time, money or desire to go to a gym. The group, which is growing in number all the time, meets every Sunday at 8:30am in front of the Canottieri Comunali canoe club along lungarno Ferrucci.
Caballero explained: ‘We wanted to do something that was fun, not competitive and supportive of all skills and abilities. Indeed, in the beginning we could only run for about 10 minutes at a time. Now, the group has grown and acquired a Fitwalking section, which meets at Tuesday lunchtimes and on Sunday mornings, for those that feel running is too demanding and want to start off walking. Plus, most of our group speak English and many of us are busy, working moms.’
It’s not all about fitness: the fun side of the group recently made itself clear when Donne Sempre di Corsa met up on January 6 for a ‘Befana run,’ sporting head scarves and hag-like outfits in honour of the popular Italian Epiphany figure.
On January 24, women are welcome to join Donne Sempre di Corsa for a run as part of the nationwide initiative against domestic violence Women in Run. There’s no set route, so you can run or walk as much as you like. The run will begin at 9am in piazzale delle Cascine. Wear something red.
For more information, email donnesempredicorsa@gmail.com or see their Facebook profile.
