{"id":25715,"date":"2015-07-22T08:05:05","date_gmt":"2015-07-22T12:05:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomeatathlete.com\/?p=25715"},"modified":"2019-11-13T16:14:24","modified_gmt":"2019-11-13T21:14:24","slug":"nma-okc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomeatathlete.com\/nma-okc\/","title":{"rendered":"A Look at No Meat Athlete — Oklahoma City"},"content":{"rendered":"

If our first two running group successes, Miami<\/a> and Virginia Beach<\/a>, have been surprises, our third is a complete shocker. Oklahoma City … that\u2019s beef country, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n

But continuing on the theme of our other successful groups, the lack of vegan options and activities nearby makes for strong, tight bonds among NMA OKC<\/a>\u2019s members.<\/p>\n

In fact, the first time I met some of them wasn\u2019t in Oklahoma City but at the Marshall Healthfest in Texas, to which three members (Gina, Jon, and Kaitlyn) had driven together — for six hours each way.<\/p>\n

The point was driven home when I visited the group in Oklahoma earlier this year and several members told me things like, \u201cBefore this group, I had never met another vegan in person.\u201d Or, \u201cI hang out with my NMA friends more than I do my other friends now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pretty crazy! Let\u2019s see what makes NMA Oklahoma City work.<\/p>\n

\"NMA<\/p>\n

Strong Leadership, Committed Members<\/h3>\n

Several of our other running group leaders have been frustrated by the difficulty of getting more than a few members to show up for runs when they see other groups getting 20 to 30 people for their biggest events. Here\u2019s the thing, though: OKC doesn\u2019t get huge numbers either, but makes it work nonetheless.<\/p>\n

So how do they do it?<\/p>\n

Gina Stone, the leader of the OKC group, says:<\/p>\n

I had no idea what to expect when I scheduled the first run in October. Honestly, I was fully prepared to run by myself that first day. As it turned out, five people and one puppy showed up!<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve continued to meet every Sunday since then. Although we have about 137 members in the Facebook group, participation for our runs is small, ranging from about one to ten runners each week. But the bond we have with one another and the commitment of our regulars is strong.<\/p>\n

It was so easy for us to connect each Sunday because we were just thrilled to finally have a conversation that didn\u2019t involve us defending our protein intake. We have an amazing group of people who probably would not have ever come together had it not been for the NMA running group.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

While the turnout varies each week, a few members form a rock-solid core that\u2019s consistently showing up for runs and other group events. Another group of more casual members rotates in and out.<\/p>\n

And it seems like it\u2019s been that way since the beginning:<\/p>\n

Even though I\u2019m the one that creates the event on Facebook and \u201cshouts\u201d directions as we meander through downtown each week, this group would not be what it is without the initial enthusiasm, support, and participation from Kris, Jonathan, Nelly, and Emily. As the group grows, we continue to acquire new, committed \u201cregulars\u201d who add layer upon layer of awesomeness to the runs and the veg scene in our city.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the people that make this group rock, no doubt. There is no better feeling than blazing through the odious Oklahoma weather every week with a mighty tribe of paradigm-busting, compassionate, inspiring athletes.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"NMA<\/h3>\n

Like Clockwork<\/h3>\n

Every week I scan through the photos that our running groups post in their Facebook groups, and early on, OKC stood out. It wasn\u2019t that they had huge numbers, just that every single week, a few people turned out. One low-turnout run didn\u2019t mean the end of the group; they\u2019d just have fun and show up again the next week.<\/p>\n

Same time. Same place. Every week. In Gina\u2019s words:<\/p>\n

Our group is consistent, welcoming, diverse, and reliable. We meet at the same time, relatively same spot, run the same course, and encourage all levels of ability and plant-based eating to join us. In a place like Oklahoma, it is easy to be a vegan freak, but it\u2019s even easier to latch on to those individuals who share your unique beliefs and lifestyle.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What Makes It Work<\/h3>\n

In a nutshell, it\u2019s:<\/p>\n