Oakland’s Ryan Wiemer Finds Health & Community through Running

Ryan (third from left) and his Oakland Track Club teammates at CIM in December.

Just 18 months ago, Oakland’s Ryan Wiemer would not have called himself a runner. And he definitely would not have said he was a member of the running community. As a Type 1 diabetic, his doctor had prescribed an activity, any activity to manage his long term health. Ryan chose running and signed up that day for a half marathon. But he did that first race on his own and wasn’t sure about joining a run club. When he finally did the latter, about a year ago, he found more than just an activity to keep his body healthy — he found a community in the Oakland Track Club. 

Name: Ryan Wiemer

Age: 36

Where are you from and where is home now?

I’m from Arizona and have been living in Oakland for the last nine years.

What’s your local run club or training group and tell us about it?

I run with the Oakland Track Club — which we call OTC. It’s my local club. I’m really new to running, but I’ve been running with OTC for the last year. The club has helped me with my training and encouraged me to sign up for my first marathon. 

Why Eugene 2025? 

The second I crossed the finish line at my last marathon — CIM in December — I wanted to sign up for my next marathon. I started  asking around and a fellow OTC member told me about Eugene.

Current Total Marathon Count:

2 marathons: San Francisco and CIM; Eugene will be marathon #3 for me.

Favorite road race or racing experience?

I haven’t done a lot, but I gravitated to the marathon right away. My first race was a half, and I immediately wanted to try a full. The marathon is like the equalizer; it will always humble you.

What kind of training plan are you following and do you have a specific goal on race day?

I use the Pfitzinger training plans. I’ve done it for the last two and I’m going to do that same training plan again with some small adjustments. I would love to go sub-3. That’s the big goal! I’ve gotten close with a 3:06 at CIM, so hopefully I can break 3 in Eugene.

Fill in the blank. What I love so much about running is _____

The community aspect: it’s a sport you can do by yourself and in community. After running solo for a while, I really appreciate running with friends.

Why the marathon?

I love that you have to have a plan with the marathon — you can’t really wing it. You have to plan months and months in advance, and then you have to make a plan for the race day and even though those plans may go out the window during the race, you’ve still got to make the plan and I love that.

What started your running journey?

I’m a Type 1 diabetic and I was working from home and getting a little out of shape, and my doctor recommended an activity, so I signed up for a half marathon and I’ve been running like crazy ever since.

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Ryan is currently training like crazy to be at the Eugene start line with his Oakland Track Club crew, who will be coming up from the Bay Area with big goals in mind. We are so excited to have another OTC squad in Eugene — similar to the local OTC (Oregon Track Club). Give Ryan and Oakland Track Club a follow on Instagram and give them a shout out at the Start Line on race day!