Meet Leo: The Runner Behind Overtraining Society

Photo credit: @ryn.dns

Leonardo Gonzalez Quinones is the captain of Overtraining Society and an active member of several East Bay run clubs, including Stack Run Club, Oakland Track Club and its subclub Jueves De Tacos, On The Way Run Club, and Forever Forward Run Club. He is an avid runner who cares about staying healthy, supporting others, and building real friendships through running.

From 280 Pounds to Lifelong Runner

Leo started running as part of his plan to lose weight. At one point he weighed around 280 pounds, and running helped him change his health. Over time, he also saw how much running supported his mental health. It gives him space to relax, clear his mind, and step away from daily stress.

Finding Run Clubs and Feeling Seen

At first, Leo used to run alone. That changed when he heard about Jueves De Tacos, a Latino run group in Oakland. He felt identified with the group and quickly felt at home. When he later moved to Hayward, he connected with more East Bay clubs and found the same warm welcome in each one.

How Overtraining Society Started

Overtraining Society began as a small group of friends on Instagram. Leo often ran with his friends Ryan and Clifford, who always pushed for "one more mile". That mindset shaped the name and the spirit of the group. What started as an Instagram chat became a group on Strava and then a growing community of runners who are always ready for another mile together.

Why Run Clubs Are Not Just for Fast Runners

Leo knows that many people feel nervous showing up to a run club for the first time. They worry they are too slow or do not belong. His message is simple: do not be scared to show up. Most clubs welcome all paces. Some people walk, some jog, some run faster, but everyone is free to go at their own pace. Running in a group helps you improve over time, but more than anything, it helps you feel supported.

What He Wants New Runners to Feel

If someone visits Overtraining Society for the first time, Leo wants them to feel like they are part of the group, not on the outside. A typical day looks like this: they meet up, run, laugh, and often grab food after. Overtraining Society is less about strict training and more about friends spending time together, sharing miles and good moments.

What Community Means to Leo

For Leo, community means that everyone feels included. In every East Bay club he has joined, he has felt welcome and supported. He values that there is no jealousy, only encouragement. No one is born fast, and everyone remembers what it was like to struggle through the first miles, sore legs, and early injuries. That shared experience creates a strong support system where people cheer for each other at events and meetups.

Thanks to running, Leo says he has made some of his closest friends. For him, running is not just about fitness. It is about the people around him.

Leo’s Race Times

• 5K: 20:30
• 10K: 43:00
• Half Marathon: 1:39
• Marathon: 3:48

He is aiming for a new personal record soon.

Gear Tips for New Runners

Leo often runs in New Balance shoes and has learned how important proper footwear is. Early on, he once raced in Air Force Ones and later dealt with an injury that kept him from running for nearly two years. His advice is clear: if you want to start running, visit a running store and get guidance on shoes that match your stride and body. Many shops offer this service for free and it can prevent injuries.

He uses a heart rate monitor and a watch now, but he says those tools are optional. Good shoes are the priority.

Closing Thoughts

Leo admits he feels nervous on camera, but his message comes from the heart. Running helped him change his life, and the running community keeps him going. If you are thinking about joining a run club, his advice is simple: show up, go at your own pace, and give yourself the chance to find support, friendship, and maybe one more mile than you thought you could run.

Connect With Leo

Leo's Instagram: @runfatb0yrun

Overtraining Society: @overtraining_society