3 Miles an Hour of FUN!

The Larkspur Walkers was started 24 years ago by dynamo Nancy Spivey, a certified personal trainer. They meet all year round every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-10 a.m. (plus Saturdays in nicer weather) at Piper Park in Larkspur.  

Spivey originally worked as a Recreational Director for the Larkspur Recreation Department and continues her love of people, activity and fun with this tri-weekly walkers group. She has about 100 people on her mailing list and there are about 30-50 walkers each day. This walking group is sponsored by the Larkspur Recreation Department. 

They all meet at the east end of the parking lot, near the picnic area, at Piper Park at 8:55 a.m. for stretches and announcements of up coming events. They take off at exactly 9 a.m. for a one-hour, three-mile, brisk and lively walk through the paths and byways of Larkspur and Corte Madera.  

Jean of Corte Madera enjoys these walks three times a week. “It gets me out of the house sooner, other wise I would be doing my usual slow moving morning, in my bathrobe with another cup of tea.”

Robin of Greenbrae shares, “The first Wednesday of the month is a special walk.  We’ve gone to the city. We took the ferry over, then walked down around the ball park and back. We also go on other walks once a month here in Marin.”

She goes on to say, “It is much more than just a walking group. Anyone that has an announcement can share it before the group walk. It’s a great source of information. I’ve found low impact aerobic classes at the Larkspur Rec Dept and took the historical walking tour of downtown Larkspur. I have only been a member for a year and I met Betty and we go to the Marin Symphony together…After these walks, I feel energized, ready to do errands and take on the world!” 

I sprinted up to the front of the group to find Spivey and ask her why she started the Larkspur Walkers group.  She said, “I felt that older adults needed exercise and companionship. I thought they should not be running and this would be good activity… and it has proved to be so. A number of people take classes at the College of Marin or Dominican, they play golf together, they play bocce, go to movies together … a lot of friendships have been made.” 

Many of the members have relocated from all over the country to be closer to their grandchildren, and are extremely appreciative that they have found the Larkspur Walkers group.  

Ron, who does the “unofficial” photography for the group, told me, “I was very reluctant to join this group because I didn’t want to cop to my age and condition, but I’ve been delighted. It has been over a year and it’s been a wonderful experience.” 

Spivey is proud to announce the group's 24th anniversary is in September.  “Each year we take an Anniversary walk from Blackies Pasture into Tiburon, with a stop for coffee then back.  We started (24 years ago) with 4 or 5 people and then it just kind of grew and grew and grew. We have over a hundred now!”

Then Ron added, “I think it is in great part because of Nancy’s enthusiasm, always pumping, always encouraging people. It’s kind of infectious…” (many agreed!)

The walk ended back at the Piper Park parking lot. Some formed groups to stretch, some went on to Champagne Bakery, Rulli or Donut Alley for coffee, some went to classes at College of Marin and others went on to continue their day. But all of them were filled with energy, the glow of friendship, and the warm feeling of community.

So put on your walking shoes and get ready to join a joyous, energetic, welcoming and fun loving group of people. The fee is $10 for a year.  You are welcome to call the Larkspur Recreation Department for more details at (415) 927-5110. 

Thank you Nancy Spivey and all the Larkspur Walkers for three miles an hour of FUN!