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Women Run PDX
Strong runs. Fast friendships.
Women's training group in Portland, Oregon
Thinking about running the Holiday Half, 15K, or 10K this December? Women Run PDX is here to help you stay consistent, build your fitness, and get to the starting line feeling prepared.
Our 8-week training program is designed to give you the structure and accountability to keep showing up through the fall months when shorter days, busy schedules, and holiday plans can make it much harder to get out the door on your own.
Led by RRCA-certified running coaches Heini Tallent and Nikki Mueller, Women Run PDX brings together a supportive community of runners who want to enjoy running and work toward a shared goal. You’ll get a thoughtfully designed training plan, expert coaching and guidance, and teammates to keep you motivated along the way.
You don’t have to get through the darker, busier months training on your own. We’ll help you keep showing up — and have fun while doing it!
Is this group a good fit for me?
We want this to be a welcoming, supportive space where women can train together, have fun, and build confidence. Here’s what you can expect:
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This is a women’s training group (sorry, boys!). We welcome all women and gender identities who feel that a women’s group is a good fit for them.
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On our Saturday group runs, we offer pace groups ranging approximately 10–12 minutes per mile. Our starting distances will be 4-5 miles for the shorter race distances and 7-8 miles for the half marathon.
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You should plan to join us for two weekly group sessions: Tuesday workouts and Saturday long runs (see the schedule below). Of course, we understand that life happens and you might not make every single session. To help with planning, we offer both AM and PM workouts on Tuesdays.
Most importantly, we’re looking for runners who want to train in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Come ready to have fun, encourage your teammates, and meet some new running friends!
When does training start?
Our fall and winter program starts on Tuesday October 20th, 2026. We’ll meet every Tuesday and Saturday until race day on Sunday, December 13th.
When and where do we run?
Tuesdays: 6AM and 6PM
We offer two different workouts on Tuesdays. You’ll choose one as your primary session, with flexibility to change if needed. Both sessions run for about 45 minutes.
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6AM track with Nikki takes place at Fowler Middle School, Tigard.
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6PM tempo, intervals and hills with Heini meets at Westlake Park, Lake Oswego.
Saturdays: 8AM
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On Saturday mornings, we all get together for a social, longer run in various locations around Portland. These include the waterfront, Springwater Corridor, Fanno Creek Trail, Powerline Trail, and Trolley Trail.
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In week one, you should be comfortable running at least 4-5 miles if training for the 10K or 15K, and about 8 miles if training for the half marathon.
How much does this program cost?
$175 for 8 weeks of expert coaching and structured training, and a welcoming community of BRFs — Best Running Friends — that extends long beyond race day!
What's else is included?
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Training plan: You’ll get a plan that includes all our Tuesday workouts, Saturday runs, and a third easy run during the week. It’s flexible for different levels of experience, and we can help you adjust it for your schedule and goals.
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WhatsApp community: Share your training week, stay connected with your teammates, ask questions, and chat about all things running in our private WhatsApp group. The best part: you won’t lose access after the season is over. We encourage the group to keep in touch and organize casual runs between programs.
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Guidance from two experienced coaches: Your coaches will be by your side throughout the program, ready to answer your questions and help you train in a healthy and balanced way.
Note: Race entry is NOT included. Every participant is responsible for registering themselves for their chosen distance (10K, 15K or half marathon).
This is just what I need! How do I sign up?
To save your spot on the team this season, follow the link below to:
1. Complete and submit a runner questionnaire and intake form — this will help us build an awesome program that meets the needs of our group.
2. Choose either AM or PM as your Tuesday workout. You’re registered primarily for that session, but if your schedule ever changes you’re free to join the other one.
3. Make a payment for the full amount. (If you need a payment plan, please reach out and we can set that up.)
Meet the Coaches
Nikki Mueller
Nikki is the owner of Healthy Girl Fitness and has been an avid runner since 2005. She’s completed ten marathons, six 50ks, and hundreds of half marathons, 10ks, relays, and various other distances and became a certified distance running coach with the RRCA in 2018. She’s coached many runners over the years, most recently for the Foot Traffic Women’s Academy. She is also a certified personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and corrective exercise specialist. Nikki not only has a passion for running, but for bringing women of all abilities together to safely find and foster their love of the sport.
Heini Tallent
Heini is the owner of Elements Running Education. She has been a running coach since 2015, with a background that also includes 20 years in sports massage and a certification in functional medicine health coaching. She brings her experience and passion for holistic health and wellness to her coaching, and believes there's nothing more empowering than the magic of women supporting each other. Heini has raced just about every distance from the 100 meters to the marathon, including the Chicago and Boston marathons, though she loves the 10K and speed workouts most of all.
Questions?
Do I have to sign up for the Holiday Half to take part in this program?
No, you’re welcome to join our training even if you’re not running the race!
I’m a newer runner, is one of the Tuesday workouts a better fit?
If you’re ready for the mileage of the Saturday runs, you’ll be able to complete any of our Tuesday workouts.
The AM track sessions are more contained since we stay on the track, and it’s easier to run a little less if you need to adjust; the typical distance covered is 3-4 miles. The PM workouts are run on neighborhood streets, sometimes on larger loops, and add up to about 4 miles.
Do we run even in bad weather?
This is the PNW, so yes, we run in the rain! The group is always happy to share their recommendations for cold and wet weather gear. So far, we’ve only ever cancelled a session for ice or snow — if that happens, we use our WhatsApp group to communicate any changes.
Note that headlamps are required for ALL Tuesday workouts, and reflective running vests are also required at the evening workouts.