10 Coolest Fitness and Foodie Events This Month: February 2016


Cupid's Undie Run | Photograph by Eddy Rhenals-Narvaez

Cupid’s Undie Run | Photograph by Eddy Rhenals-Narvaez

You know, for a month when the weather is usually pretty miserable, there’s certainly a lot going on in the fitness world, and that has us amped and ready to sweat. From the Open Streets PHL Distillery Run to winter yoga at the Horticulture Center to Valentine’s Day fitness activities galore, there’s no shortage of ways to keep yourself occupied. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

1. Open Streets PHL Distillery Run
When: Saturday, February 6th at 11;30 a.m.
Where: Meet at the Art Museum steps.We could not love this more: The folks at the ODDyssey Half Marathon are putting on a three-mile run to Olde Kensington’s New Liberty Distillery, all in support of Open Streets PHL, the group working to shut down city streets to create a car-free urban paradise for a few weekends year. Once you complete the run, you’ll get to sample some of the distillery’s goods before sitting down and soaking up some running knowledge courtesy of local running experts. Folks talking include Kelly Jones, director of nutrition at Newtown Athletic Club; Michael Ross, a sports medicine physician from Rothman Institute; and running coach David Wisniewski. When the event is over, everyone will go home with a commemorative whiskey glass. It’s $25 to participate.
2. #RunStreakPHL
When: All month long.
Where: Anywhere!For the month of February, Run215 is challenging Philly runners to pound the pavement for at least one mile every damn day. The incentive? If you complete the challenge, dubbed #RunStreakPHL, you get to join in on a big blowout party at the end of the challenge AND you get a certificate to hang on your fridge, like the good ol’ elementary school days. Oh! Plus you get to pat yourself on the back for being a kick-ass human, obviously. It’s free to participate.
3. Winter Yoga at the Horticulture Center
When: Sunday, February 14th from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Fairmount Park Horticulture Center, 101 North Horticultural Drive, West Fairmount Park.This once-a-month yoga pop-up at the Horticulture Center might be the perfect way to spend a Valentine’s Day afternoon. You’ll get your practice on among the flowers and greenery with instructor Emile Sorger leading the way. BYO mat and water; it’s $10 to participate.
4. Valentine’s Day Pop-up Vegan Dinner
When: Friday, February 12th at 7 p.m.
Where: Caffe Valentino, 1245 South 3rd Street, Pennsport.Wellness-focused chef Christina Pirello is whipping up a five-course vegan feast for your pre-Valentine’s festivities. She’ll cook in an open kitchen so you can watch, with a live pianist providing music for the intimate dinner. The menu includes saffron-scented red lentil and cauliflower soup, pan-fried tofu with baby bok choy and pineapple, and a dark chocolate and hazelnut brownie. The dinner is $69 per person and includes tax and gratuity; you’re welcome to bring your own beer or wine.
5. Dottie’s Donuts Run
When: *Tentatively* Monday, February 15th at 9 a.m. UPDATE: This run has been cancelled due to delays in opening. They’ll be rescheduling later down the line.
Where: The soon-to-open Dottie’s Donuts store, 4531 Springfield Avenue, West Philly.Last week, we told you that a new location for vegan donut shop Dottie’s Donuts is set to open in mid-February in West Philly. The Humane League of Philadelphia’s running club is planning to celebrate the opening in style, with a run and donut-eating challenge. On the first day the store is open — tentatively February 15th, which also happens to be President’s Day — the club will meet at the new location at 9 a.m. for a five-mile group run. After the run, the crew will chow down on five donuts a piece; everyone who finishes the run and the donuts will get a finisher’s certificate. You can also go for extra credit, by running more miles or eating more donuts (or both); every extra mile or donut earns you an extra point. The person with the most points will be dubbed the Double Donut Challenge winner and will receive a Team Humane race medal, a free Team Humane entry for 2016 and a dri-fit t shirt. As store openings often change at the last minute, keep up with the specifics of the run by joining the Team Humane League Facebook group. The run is free to join, but you’ll need to bring cash for your donuts.
6. Valentine’s Day Singles Run
When: Sunday, February 14th from 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: Meet at Philadelphia Runner Center City, 16th and Sansom.On the hunt for that special someone who loves running as much as you do? This three-ish mile group run from Philadelphia Runner’s Center City ends at Raven Lounge for a night of dancing and drinking. The $30 entry fee gets you two drink tickets, light food, dancing and all the mingling you can do. Find out more and snag your ticket here.
7. Happy Hour Yoga
When: Friday, February 12th at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Yoga on the Ridge, 493 Domino Lane, Roxborough.The latest installment of Yoga on the Ridge’s popular Happy Hour Yoga series will include a one-hour, all-levels yoga class, followed by an expert-guided beer tasting of warming, spicy, fragrant beers, including — for Valentine’s, of course — a chocolate brew. It’s $25 to participate.
8. Free Classes at RippedPHL
When: February 19th through 21st.
Where: 1519 Walnut Street, Center City.RippedPHL, a new fitness studio, is opening this month with a weekend of free classes — some with DJ accompaniment. You’ll also score free healthy cocktails and a chance to take a peek at the new space, which is promising to pack a cool nightclub vibe. Keep up with RippedPHL on Facebook for more information.
9. Cupid’s Undie Run
When: Saturday, February 20th at noon.
Where: XFINITY Live!, 100 Pattison Avenue, South Philly.Strip down to your undies to pound the pavement (for charity!) in this one(ish)-mile fun run around the Sports Complex. In addition to the run, there’s a post-run after party at the bar. It’s$45 through February 5th, and $55 after that, with incentives for extra fundraising. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
10. CorePower Yoga’s Yoga-and-Run Club
When: Mondays at 6 p.m.
Where: 1616 Walnut Street, Rittenhouse.Up for a two-for-one challenge? CorePower Yoga just launched a new running and yoga club that’s, well, exactly what it sounds like: a 45-minute group run followed by a Yoga Sculpt class, a yoga class that works in weights. The run is free, but you’ll have to pay for the class ($23).

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