To join or not to join

[littlemac24]

I graduated from C25K in February and have been running 30 minutes 2-3 times per week since then.

We have a local running club and I have been dithering about joining.

The main reasons being

1) am I good enough?

2) will it be too competitive?

3) will I be able to keep up?

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated 😁

[Runningfit Graduate10]

Try it once !

Report back

[littlemac24 Graduate10 in reply to Runningfit]

Yes think that’s the way forward😁

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

I think you should go along for a trial evening and see if it’s the right club for you. Some running clubs start at c25k so cover the various levels of speed and distance, while others concentrate on more competitive running. Their website may also help.

If you do parkrun you can also get an idea of the level of local clubs, and how much fun they have.

Do let us know how you get on.

[littlemac24 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks I will do. I’ve done one park run and enjoyed it. So maybe I will like it. It’s just a confidence thing I think 🙂

[Beccym Graduate10]

I love my running club it is a real mix of abilities from the 19 min 5k people to the 40 min ones.

The ages in the group range from 17 to 77 and the moto of the club is never leave a runner behind. We socialise and keep each other going on long runs.

[littlemac24 Graduate10 in reply to Beccym]

That’s the sort of club I’d like 😁

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Hi. I've been thinking the same. Let us know how u get on.. Good luck

[littlemac24 Graduate10 in reply to Deals1]

Thanks I will do 🙂

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10]

I’ve been part of a running club since last October. I felt all the same insecurities as you. Did a few sessions and enjoyed them - but didn’t like evening dark runs.

They did a morning session which I’ve been attending and it’s been brilliant. You had to run 8k comfortably to join that group. It’s given me the opportunity to try lots of different runs like intervals and hills. So I would say find the right session for you and you’ll be fine.

Happy running!

[littlemac24 Graduate10]

Thank you 😁

[Biddy62 Graduate10]

I joined my local club after they advertised a beginners group starting in January but that turned out to be a C25K type programme so as I could already run 5k or for 30+ mins they put me into the slow running group. It’s fab. I go twice a week. Everyone runs at their own pace but every half mile or so the ones at the front circle back to the last runner and we carry on. They are all so encouraging (I’m mostly at or near the back 😬🤣) and I’ve learnt loads. The run leaders teach us drills, exercises, stretches etc. We vary our runs from steady long runs to hills and sprints with lots of good advice on breathing and technique. Hope you find your club is the same. Give it a try 👍🏻🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️And good luck.

[littlemac24 Graduate10 in reply to Biddy62]

Thanks. I’m going for my trial on Monday Evening. I will let everyone know how I get on 🙂

[Biddy62 Graduate10]

Great. Please do 😊