Q+A: Autumn Ball, Owner, Southwest Endurance Training ⋆ JCC Tucson

Q+A: Autumn Ball, Owner, Southwest Endurance Training

September 18, 2026

This fall, the Tucson J is proud to bring back the Oy Vey 5k Training Team in partnership with Southwest Endurance Training (SWET) to prepare runners for our 10th annual Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run! Join SWET owner and coach Autumn Ball along with her incredible coaching team on Sunday mornings from 7-8:15am beginning October 11, for weekly motivation and accountability along with training and stretching guidance. The program is for beginner and advanced runners, with modifications available as needed.

Coach Autumn Ball is the owner and head coach behind Southwest Endurance Training, aka SWET —a Tucson-based, coached running community designed for those who’ve ever felt “too slow,” “too big,” or “too new” or simply “not enough” to run. As an RRCA certified run coach with a passion for inclusive movement, Autumn believes that everyone deserves a place at the starting line. She took over ownership of SWET in 2018, has been running since 2010, and coaching since 2014. Through structured run/walk interval-based training and a supportive group approach, she helps runners build confidence, strength, and community—one step at a time.

Below, learn more from Autumn about the training program, including some of her favorite stretches and post-run snacks!

Why do you recommend training in a community setting over training solo?

Running can be hard! And it can be especially challenging for new runners. Finding a group of like-minded, supportive people who will help keep you accountable makes this experience more enjoyable. But it is also about finding the RIGHT community setting. We hear story after story of beginner runners who went to a run club and were left behind simply because they couldn’t keep up. SWET has a strict policy of no runner left behind. There may be times when you run alone but never left behind.

How do you tailor training for beginners vs. advanced runners?

What makes SWET unique is that we are the only coaches who exclusively coach using run/walk intervals. This process allows us to ensure that every runner has time with our coach out on the group run. For our “friskier” runners, we can challenge them by adjusting the paces they run. Our weekly educational topics are valuable for all levels of runners.

Do you have any special memories from last year’s training group?

Last year’s group was very small, only three women, but these three have created such a great friendship and continue to run together today! It was so special to watch them learn about each other and bond.

What’s your favorite post-run stretch and snack?

My favorite post-run stretch is pigeon. It stretches several different areas and feels great after a run. My favorite post-run snack all depends on if it is a morning run or an evening run! HAHA! Morning run: a flavored latte and baked treat of some sort (donut, cinnamon roll, etc). Evening run: tacos and ice cream.

Besides crossing the finish line of the Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run, what else do you hope runners take away from this training program?

A sense of community, a sense of empowerment – starting something new and hard and seeing the training of 10+ weeks to the end, and knowledge about running and your body.

Thank you, Autumn, for bringing back this unique training experience to Tucson J members and guests!

Ready to begin your running journey? Join the Oy Vey 5k Training Team! The group will meet on Sundays starting October 11 through November 29 from 7-8:15am.