Monday, July 25, 2022
Marty Malin, a longtime Milwaukee Recreation running instructor, has been running since he was a child. He used to run between his mother’s and grandmother’s homes. In the early 1970s, Malin was a sprinter at Greenfield High School.
“From running 50 yards to 24-hour races, I’ve done everything I can to maintain a closeness to the sport. I’ve taken exercise physiology classes and read many running books and magazines,” Malin said.
As an instructor with Milwaukee Recreation, Malin motivates youth and adult runners in the “Couch Potato to 5K” class. Through this program, Malin welcomes all beginners and inspires participants who are looking for a place to start in the sport. This fall, Malin will lead three sessions of 5K training for ages 18 and older:
- MacDowell: Sept. 26 – Nov. 14, Mondays, 5:45-6:45 p.m.
- Hamilton: Sept. 28 – Nov. 16, Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45 p.m.
- Riverside: Sept. 29 – Nov. 17 Thursdays, 5:45-6:45 p.m.
“Each location is a great venue. From the way the classes are set up to the staff, everyone is very helpful for both me and the participants,” Malin said.
Fall registration opens for city of Milwaukee residents on Aug. 4 at 10 a.m. Registration opens for non-residents on Aug. 11 at 10 a.m.
Malin discovered a passion for running early in life, and has competed in close to 300 races. He has participated in 17 triathlons, one marathon, and nine ultramarathons. He also teaches a Milwaukee Recreation “Running Speedwork” course for youth and adults in the summer, designed to help runners of all skill sets hone their craft.
With extensive experience in endurance sports, including biking and swimming, Malin has faced a range of injuries. Running can be hard on the body because it is a high-impact, weight-bearing, full-body activity. “I’ve had lots of injuries and even an injury that prevented me from running for years. But I stayed connected to the running community by volunteering at races and giving advice, when requested,” said Malin.
Giving advice is something at which Malin excels. He has been coaching runners of all abilities since 1998, including beginners, intermediate, advanced, and trail runners. His advice for a beginner runner? “Be patient with yourself. Don’t expect to be an Olympian after a few weeks.”
Malin thoroughly enjoys watching his participants grow over the course of his classes. “I like seeing previous participants take the same class again or seeing them running at a race years later.”
Milwaukee Recreation is offering a variety of programs for runners of all ages this fall, including Malin’s “Couch Potato to 5K” class:
Middle school students can also participate in school-based cross country leagues this fall with Milwaukee Recreation. Contact your child’s middle school to learn more.