Fit Check, Food Check: Veronica Molina on Run Clubs and Nicaraguan Food
Veronica Molina created the community she needed. In 2025, the Nicaraguan-American founded Suavecito Run Club. Since then, the group has hosted weekly, all-level runs (and walks) in West Los Angeles, along with post-run DJ sets and social events in partnership with Latino-owned businesses. Many of these events double as fundraisers; since July 2026, Suavecito has raised over $4,000 for earthquake relief in Colombia and Venezuela. “For many, returning to their roots isn’t possible due to financial, political, or safety barriers,” reads Suavecito’s website. “This is a home for Latinos in LA to heal and thrive together.”
Molina took us for a morning run along Suavecito’s usual route, where we discussed the makings of a perfect running outfit. Afterward, we chatted on her porch over breakfast from Sabor Nicaragüense in Culver City. Below, Molina shares her advice for new runners, and how her Nicaraguan roots inspire her to take life pasito a pasito.
Fit Check: What are your must-haves for the perfect race outfit?
Today I have on my favorite shorts from Lululemon. They’re six-inch shorts and they have lots of pockets, one on each side and some on the back. I love that they can fit your keys, your fuel, whatever you need for your run. I love my Suavecito top, of course, and my Adidas Adizero sneakers. Right now, I’m wearing Feetures socks. One thing I didn’t know when I started running is how important socks are, especially for long distance.I also love my Goodr sunglasses. The brand has been an amazing partner to Suavecito and has supported us so much since we started.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
Food Check: How does your Nicaraguan heritage inform your taste in food?
Nicaragüenses take our food very seriously. My mom’s sister is the chef in the family, and she’s very traditional. When she makes food, it’s such a long process because she does everything from scratch. That mentality was part of growing up in a Nicaraguan family. Gallo pinto, I could eat it every single day. And then puntas de filete con salsa jalapeña, that’s also my favorite. It’s very much part of my ideal post-race meal.
What made you want to create Suavecito Run Club?
I really threw myself into running when I lost my dad, about three years ago. It helped me cope with my grief and just disassociate from the pain I was going through. Also, I had just moved to LA and I didn’t have a big community here. I noticed that there weren’t a lot of spaces for Latinos on the west side of LA. I wanted to make that space so we could come together, lift each other up, and get out and move together. The name “Suavecito” comes from a song by Malo. It was one of my dad’s favorite songs. When he was in the hospital, I listened to it over and over, especially when I went on runs. I was leaning into all the tools I had to cope. The name is a reminder that we don’t always have to be at 100 percent. We can take it easy, take it suavecito, and slow down.
What advice would you give to beginner runners?
If you’re just starting out, make sure to take it suavecito. Don’t put pressure on yourself, don’t focus on the time. Just get out and start moving. Take breaks if you need to. There’s no shame in walking, ever. It’s not a competition, and everybody’s journey is different. While you’re running, pull back as much as you need to. Even if it feels like a baby jog, it’s going to build your endurance. Also, have fun! Enjoy it. A lot of times, I’m literally blasting salsa and dancing while I run. We’re very lucky to be able to do these things.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
What’s next for Suavecito?
We’re hoping to take Suavecito on the road, and pop up in different cities across the country and eventually, across the world. We’re planning a Suavecito retreat, too, most likely for next year, in Central America. We want to bring people out there and completely immerse ourselves. We want to take the vibes and the party out on the road to really spread more Latin pride, joy, and love. You never know what someone is going through, and that’s a big part of our mission. It’s been a tough time for Latinos, especially in LA. It’s been really important for me to bring people together. It makes things a little easier when we do things together.