Visiting for a week, know nothing about Houston

So I got a random cheap flight to Houston for a week, never been to Texas and know nothing about Houston. Reading on here, it sounds like traffic will be awful. Everything sounds spread out and public transport isn't great? Couple questions

What's a good location for a hotel? I'd like to be able to shop and be within walkable distance to a variety of things. Is there anything like that in Houston area?

Based on reading here, I've gotten a car so I can get around.

Are there any larger run club groups that meet on Mondays or Tuesdays? Longer distances would be preferred. I'm not even sure if it's feasible to run in Houston?

Any other suggestions or advice would be appreciated… I'll be there the week of May 6th and have absolutely nothing planned yet lol.