Hi, it's me.. I'm thinking about joining a running club. It's something I haven't done before.
I don't think I've seen many people talk about running clubs, and I think there's a misconception that it's only for elite runners.
I'd like to know who's in a running club?.. What do you like about it?
AND...
If you're not in a running club (like me) What's stopping you?
I get a lot of people asking me about this.
Thanks 😁
I’m not. What’s stopping me is a) I struggle to commit to a specific day and time with a busy family life b) I’m quite a solitary runner although the odd time I’ve run with someone else it’s been enjoyable c) I’m rubbish on hills and so I want to choose my own route and feel ok to walk if I have to and d) I am really slow so worried about being last/holding others up.
I’m pretty sure all of these concerns aren’t really legitimate and maybe after I’ve been running a bit longer I might feel brave enough to have a go.
Thanks for the reply Molly, I think a busy family life, running your own route and solitude are all valid reasons. I love running on my own.
I have heard people say that you won't be left behind, that you're free to run and train when you want, there's no pressure. Maybe someone who's in a club will reply.
Yes I think any club worth their salt will be inclusive. I also don’t think there’s pressuring to attend every session. There used to be one main club near me but in the last couple of years a few more have sprung up and seem to be a bit more focused on the slow runner, C25k, etc. One has a walking group and a walk/run group as well as several different paces running groups. I need a bit mor self-belief, I think, but I’m convinced that running in a group (or a pack, as Katnap recently described) will help you go further and possibly faster
I've been looking at one running club which I really like that seems to have it all... They have the "come and join in" relaxed atmosphere... But they also have a 'serious section' that train 'elites' and personally.. I like to see that, I get inspired by that. Plus you know they know what they're doing... It's all very friendly though.
Yes it’s good to have something to push against, to make you try a little harder, go a bit faster. There will be special sessions on speed training which are open to all abilities - you won’t be left behind!
Hi Clubberlang, I don’t belong to a running club myself and that’s because I run for me and my ‘me time’. I don’t want to run with other people and don’t want to be tied to a specific time and/or place either. I’ve just read that back to myself and it sounds pretty anti-social but i’m really not. Running, for me personally, is my time to get out and do something I love doing. Mind you I am park running tomorrow 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️ 🥰🥰🥰
I really get this. However, recently I’ve experienced how nice it can be to run slow and steady with someone else and have a good old matter along the way. It was new to me but lovely, so I’m saying never say never!
Hmmmm you could just possibly have influenced me Molly 😁👍
It helps that the company was OldFloss 😊
I think most of us would love the opportunity to run with OldFloss 👍🏻😉
There's no right or wrong here. I'm just interested to hear people responses. You're not anti-social, I love running on my own, it's the best thing about it. That 'me time' is very important. I'm hoping that a running club will add something.. maybe just once a week.. you do get discounts on races! 😂
I'm in a running club and it's definitely not just for elite runners! The club is large - I think in excess of 300 members. We have a wide range of ages and abilities and on our main club nights different groups at different paces making it suitable for all. We also have track training which is structured to allow everyone to take part and improve their pace and form no matter how "fast" or "slow". There is a Club Championship but also a Target Times Championship where you basically have to beat last year's times meaning the person with the biggest improvement wins.
I joined just after I graduated couch25k and have found the speediest runners to be incredibly supportive of mine and my son's efforts to improve.
The thing I love the most about it is the camaraderie at races. Wearing club colours really makes me feel part if a team. At the last 10k I did the fastest guys were back in about 35 mins but everyone waited until the last of our runners came over the line.
My club's also ridiculously cheap - £20 per year for adults and free for juniors. There are coach led runs 7 days a week for which you don't pay a penny extra!
I absolutely love my club 😁
That sounds great!
Thanks for this PT.. Really helpful!
I thought you might respond to this one pianoteacher - you’ve done brilliantly in your club.
I second this! We have a lovely friendly club and the slower runners like me are made very welcome! 😊 I also love to run solo but it is nice to run in a group now and then - it does push you to improve 😁
It's definitely helped me improve - I never would have considered Beachy Head were it not for the fact others were training for it. I love our Facebook page too MutleyShuffle it's great seeing what everyone's achieving and it's often very funny too 😂
We have a brilliant running club which does its own c25k programme and they do their graduation run at our local parkrun. They encourage their members to volunteer at parkrun too. I was going to join , but then I started the magic plan so didn’t want distractions from that. Then winter came and I thought I’d rather run during the day than in the dark evening (I am retired). I always seem to have a reason not to, even though I really like their club kit and the friendly ethos. Maybe one day.
We also have different clubs in the city depending on how serious and fast you are. All of them allow you to drop in and try it out before you decide to join.
Thanks for that dexy... YOU SHOULD JOIN! It sounds awesome. 😀
I'm not in a running club because a) I'm a fairly solitary runner who likes the freedom of not having to arrange things with others b) my schedule is hectic and I have to fit runs in where I can and c) I have parkrun!!
However, I'm interested in this thread because it's my plan to join the local running club when it's winter as I may need a bit of extra motivation to get out there. 
I agree winter is tricky: and easier/safer to run in a group in the dark
You sound very similar to me.. It's why I started this thread! 😂
I didn’t think of that. It’s a very good point and one I know concerns my husband. I haven’t been able to run in winter as yet as I was on the IC for 9 months the first time I graduated. I had to start C25K from the beginning again in April so i’ve not experienced running in the dark yet. It’s definitely food for thought Pianism. 😁
Winter is the best time for running! I can't wait until it's miserable everyday! Bliss. 😂
I’m weirdly looking forward to it too 😂
This is fast becoming a very interesting thread 👍
WHOO-HOO! 😂
Personally I don't think running clubs advertise themselves enough.. A LOT of people are truly scared of them, and I know that they're really friendly and social.
I am! Best thing I ever did alongside parkrun! I love the social aspect. I was getting bored on my own. We run in the week but still best up at ParkRuns and other races. We’re all friends. But I’m biased - I’m in the best club ever! We have people who run 18 up to 45 minutes parkrun. I emailed first to check I’d be ok and would fit in. I joined after graduating C25k. I didn’t like the first club I tried but loved the second.
Great response Tasha, thank you.
I think that's really important advice.. If you're not happy with the first one... try another.
I'm not... I did research local clubs as I came to the end of C25k, there's a couple not too far away but rather like my "local" parkruns, not close enough to be convenient.
Since going longer and longer, I'm not sure these clubs would be my cup of tea, the emphasis on eventing and "training programmes" would feel restrictive to me now.
I love meeting and chatting to people once I'm out and I'm frequently asked if I'm in a club but I do love my solo running, complete control over routes, timings etc.
Too far away is obviously a good reason... But I must say, my friend is in a running club, and the MAIN reason he's in it, is because some of them run CRAZY distances, and it inspires him, and makes him feel a little less mad. My friend runs ultras by the way.
I came to terms with my own lunacy some years ago 🤣🤣🤣👍🏻
I’ve considered it for the security of running in a group in the darkness of winter but I’m not sure group running is for me.
I think your running group is my running group. Although there are many clubs around my area.
Why don't you think it's for you? You don't have to answer that Sybil... just interested.
It was VERY welcoming but I felt self conscious (just me!). Lots of different groups running so I’m sure you’d find your group. I also had health issues at the time (since given the all clear) but it concentrated my mind elsewhere. May try again later in the year because I bought a highviz jacket and it would be a shame not to use it!!! 🤣
Quite a few folk are in running clubs and many in the C25K forum group.
A good group will be inclusive and cater for all levels of ability.
I am not in one... lone snail..but have recently just before HM discovered that running with others can be fun.
For me the run is about the run, and all that goes with that; sights , sounds, etc, etc a whole sensory experience, which I feel might be lost in a crowd. It is also my time for losing any angst.
The run clears my head, sorts out my problems and it heals my body, eases my mind and lifts my soul.
I have run with my son in law... which was lovely along our fields and trails.. he is like me and we take it all in; and I ran recently with a forum friend here and thoroughly enjoyed that. The company of a like minded person.. chatting now and then, running in silence sometimes, and appreciating everything around us.. it was magical to share that feeling
You're awesome floss! Thanks for that. x
Not really... just a runner. x
Also...the running clubs ,certainly around here, all seem to road run... which for me does not really appeal and because of the fact that folk work.. they run in the evenings... I run before breakfast
Wow, you're wrong there floss on two occasions
1) This is why I started this conversation.. I've just joined because running clubs have winter cross country.. they have leagues that are free to run! So like Tasha99 says.. find the club you want..
2) You are awesome. There's absolutely no doubt about it. .. that is all.
My club does cross country too - a winter league with training runs available too plus throughout the spring/summer on a Tuesday evening. On a Tuesday there are groups running at different speeds plus a walking group.
I'm also training with them for Beachy Head Marathon at the mo and that's all beautiful (and hilly!) cross country running 😁
I've been in a running group which ran on Sundays at 10am it catered for begginers and experienced runners running off and on road, and if you got detached from the main group they would come back and pick you up, I enjoyed that but it folded because the numbers dwindled and I was the only one left running with the run coordinator.
However I'm contemplating starting in a begginers running group at 7.30pm on Tuesdays, I've been told the numbers vary from 5-25, it's been going for a while now so the numbers must be fairly stable, they run more off road in the Summer months and more lit up roads in the Winter, and if its too slow there's a faster group on Monday's, I'll see how this group goes first as its so relaxed and can go to a walk if needed although best to just to keep jogging very slowly.
Oh, and it's foc, they say they just want to get people out running, so gives me some more motivation. So yes a running groups a good thing, but then I also like to run on my own. I do Parkrun as well, so I think that's enough peeps to be running with twice a week..
Brilliant, thanks for that response Dave..
I have to say.. I'd love 💗 to run with you Dave. It would be a privilege
I’m in one... I’ve not actually been on a run with them yet, but it’s nice to belong 🤣
Typed a long reply and it failed to send 🤣
Basically it’s down to schedules over the summer. I know a lot of them through parkrun and so it was the logical one for me to join... but it’s not in my town. Can I convince the daughter that what she really needs when she’s getting hungry in the evening is a nice 6 mile trail group run? Not so far!
In theory next year I’ll save more than my membership dues on events anyways, so club runs aren’t my main motivation for joining.
I am. My club is a decent size and well run club so I love that there is always a range of groups going out, including a mixed ability 5k group, at every session.
In the first few weeks I was worried I’d be the only slow runner turning up but that’s never been the case. I do Parkrun in just under 36mins and the club night 5k group runs are always a bit slower.
The club also does one session a week that focuses alternate weeks on speed and then hills. They do social runs, 4.5 mile runs and various 10k/5k groups at different speeds and also some longer runs.
There is a Facebook closed club group and always someone posting invites to non-club night sessions. All in all it provides a great range of sessions to suit different needs.
And then of course, there’s all the support and encouragement of being part of a social group. Runners are a friendly lot 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks for this Dottie, sounds awesome!
I guess I’ve always been in the “running clubs are for really good runners only” brigade, although I now know that’s certainly not the case. However it’s not something I’d consider at the moment.
I almost solely run in the mornings, I like to run with my dog for the most part, I prefer running alone, except for PR and VRB meet-ups (oh and races!), and I like to pick and choose where and when I run. For example I actively avoid really hot/humid days and I decide upon my route based on weather conditions.
My friend, who’s a sub 25 minute parkrunner (😳) swears by her running club though. She participates in numerous races and events with them, and loves its social aspect. It does sound fun, but it’s still not for me. I’m too much of a morning person!
Thanks Cheeky, yep you sound very similar to me.. I'm not a morning person though 😂 I'm going to give it a go because I want to try cross country in the winter, also I live near The Chilterns so I'm hoping the club will show me some nice runs!
Can’t wait to hear how you get on and what you get up to clubberlang! 😀
I'm actually considering doing the Bristol HM cheeky! 😲 I was thinking of you when I was looking at it! 😁
Oh yes, do it! It’s simply an extended version of the Bristol 10k which I did in May, so the course is lovely and takes in some iconic Bristol landmarks. 👍
If I wasn’t expecting my first grandchild to arrive in early September, I might have been tempted to enter too. 😀
Yeah, I've never been to Bristol, I'd like to go. I grew up listening to the band Portishead, I didn't realise that they named themselves after a town! Learn something everyday 😂 Anyway... I think a run would be the perfect way to see it. I was thinking I might stay in Bath.. I absolutely love Bath! 😍 and then drive in. Just trying to sort it all out.
Fantastic! Bath is gorgeous - in fact that’s the HM I’d like to do instead of Bristol. It’s in March. 😀 Maybe you could do that one too! 😅
I'm definitely doing the two tunnels in Bath, it will have to be next year.. It's on the 18th August.. just a bit too soon. I've just the entered the Cambridge HM.. That's in March.. Just in case I get into the London Marathon 🤦♂️ What are we doing Cheeky? 😩 😂
I honestly don’t know clubberlang! I entered the ballot for the London Marathon! What I’ll do if I get a place, I have absolutely no idea! Arggghhhh!!! 😅😅😅
Sorry, I have to tell you this.. Just talking to my friend.
Me "I'm running in a half marathon in September, fancy coming?"
Mate "Yeah, where is it?"
Me "Bristol"
Mate "..... Bristol? ...That's a long journey... Why Bristol?"
Me "Never been, I'd like to see it"
Mate " You have been to Bristol"
Me "Err... I think I'd remember... no, never been"
Mate "You have!"
Me "Nope"
Mate " My Stag do was in Bristol, I'm not surprised you can't remember it"
So, I have been to Bristol. 🤣
Hahahaha, clearly an epic stag do! 🤣🤣🤣
Sorry, I'm obsessed with myself.. Your first Grandchild!? That's awesome! Exciting! 😁 Congratulations! 👶💗
Hahaha, no worries! Yes it is exciting. Only about 4 weeks to go now! 👍😀👏
I joined my local club after I reached 10k and realised I needed a bit more support / structure to my running. Sometimes it’s difficult to make sessions due to work/life commitments, but it’s still worth being a member for the coaching and friendship opportunities from likeminded folk.
Yes there are plenty of younger elite gazelles, as well as speedy veterans who also leave me for dust, but slower runners that want to improve are always welcome.
I also like the club races, such as the summer 5k series where each one is hosted by one of six clubs in the area. It’s good to run in different places seeing familiar faces - something you won’t get running solo.
Try your local club out before you think of joining- there’s usually a session each week where newbies are invited to attend for a taster session.
Definitely worth it in my opinion. 👍
Thanks Dave, I think you live close to me. 🤔 I'm looking at North Herts Road Runners, so maybe we'll be running the same races! 😃
Hi
I’m in a running club. The leader of the C25K group I attended in January is a member of this club. They did a C210K course after the C25K course finished. I attended that every Thursday evening which was great. After a few weeks we beginners were invited to become full members and also attend Tuesday evenings too. The membership is very reasonable, which we got at half price because of paying for & attending the beginners course. It also includes EA membership. Everyone in the club is so supportive and I’ve made lots of friends.
It’s so nice to run as a group or with a running partner. We’ve also had some summer runs out to Barr Beacon, Sandwell Valley and Chasewater. We all meet up at a certain place and run as a group so no one gets left behind. We always finish those runs with a drink in the pub.
It’s enabled me to improve my running especially as I’m going to the club and trying to Park Run each week ( so I’m running 3 x a week). I have a social life now and good friends.
That's awesome TL, you've convinced me, I'm joining one! 😁
Hi, I joined local harriers who have a C25K group, very supportive. They run in different pace groups 3 times a week and it was them that introduced me to the NHS group.
Awesome!
I've joined the Facebook group of my local running group but have been too scared to run with them yet. I'm worried I'll be the oldest (I'm nearly 56) and the slowest one there. I have however signed up for a 5K Gin run later this month 😂😂
Just give it a go...56!? That's not old Sparkest, you're a wee bairn! 👶😁 You won't be the oldest there... It doesn't matter anyway, they'll love to have you there.
Sorry to jump in on this, but what is a 5K Gin Run? Sounds awesome!
It's 5 laps of the local playing fields with a gin at the end of each lap. Think there's cake at the end too 😁🏃♀️🍰 what's not to like!
Funnily enough I have been comptemplating joining one locally called Park Run and Beyound run by a professional trainer. He is just starting a 10 week course for beginnners ideally who are running 3 times a week and can do Park Runs in 30 to 40 minutes. I been thinking I could do with a bit of guidance now having progressed from 5K to 10K on my own. I ‘
been in contact with him because I’m on shifts and can’t make every week. He says I would still benefit from taking part. However I could do the 1st session but then would miss 3 in a row. Not sure it’s worth it.
Sounds good Chris! I'd just give it go, see how it goes.
Not in one yet but looking to move home later this year so will look for a local one once I am settled
Cool, be nice to know how you get on with it. x
I am in a running club. Needed it badly when I was starting out - I don't have sufficient ingrained persistence. Needed a tribe to keep me moving. Now 2 out of the 3 days I run separately because of work pressures or late nights or whatever... The third day I make it a point to meet up, run with a partner if my pace allows and share post run coffee/tea!
I love that 😍 ... Think I need to find a running tribe!
I run with a club called This Mum Runs, it's a free club which is very inclusive of all levels of running and ability. You get to choose on the day whether you run for 30mins,45mins or 60mins led by two run angels one leading and one at the back. If the lead runners get too far ahead the angels loop them back so the group always stays together. I think this groups are all over the country., they have a website.
There’s definitely one in Bristol. I have friends who are members and they love it. 👍
Hey clubberlang, I only knew of a few local running clubs when I joined my local parkrun, there are a few to choose from. What’s stopping me is that I’ve been quite happily running alone whenever I want that I would feel constrained by their scheudule, they run every Tuesday at 6.30pm. And it’s not just for the elites, it’s for all running abilities. I usually catch them on my Tuesday evening run (if I’m running that evening) and they seem like they’re having a great time, loads of them. I think it’s a few pounds a month.
Thanks for the reply Jao! I hear this often, but I'm told there's absolutely no pressure to run every week, some people just go when they feel like it, it's pretty laissez faire. But I really do understand the joys of running alone. 😀
Interestingly, it was joining a (kind of) running club (Goodgym) that prompted me to do the couch to 5k plan.
It’s not solely a running club though, so not sure it counts. We run somewhere, do some community volunteering and then run back again.
The first time I went, I had a great time, and everyone was v welcoming (no pressure to run far or fast) but I wanted to be able to join in with the longer runs and events, hence I started couch to 5k and then beyond.
Since joining its got me into parkrun and a whole host of running events (trail, half marathon, international) and all in just a year.
I love the social aspect and the team support. It also encourages me to push myself a bit, and I get training tips from other runners.
Best thing I’ve ever done.
That's awesome! Well, if that reply doesn't inspire people to join, nothing will! Brilliant.
I am, sort of! I'm in a running group set up by my church which is in the process of setting up a parkrun. So our club has meet ups and a what's app group but we don't have fees! There's a Facebook group near me that is 100s strong that I think is on the same basis. We also have a local club (proper Athletics Club) which is brilliant and I've been involved with it as my kids joined the junior section. I also did a beginner's course at that club years ago. It wasn't expensive to join and the club was definitely set up for all levels and speeds and I've heard that about all the options locally. But I'll confess to still having that feeling that I'm not good enough to join a club-stupid! They all want new people to start and join so they won't be a great club of they don't welcome newbies well. I think any stigma is false and to be challenged! Plus the best bit is I've never lived running before and now I run regularly with others-i love it! Off to do a parkrun now in fact! Go for it!
Thanks for this Rach, sounds like you've found a nice community there. After reading all these positive replies, I'm definitely joining. 😀
Glad you are giving it a go!
I am in a running club and I wish I had joined it earlier. They are all the most lovely and accommodating people I have met. I am still pretty slow averaging about a 13 min mile and this is never a problem. They are the reason I have made it from 5K to 10K and now planning a half marathon. It is amazing to see every age, body type and ability.
Brilliant, sounds awesome. I'm sure your comment will inspire someone to join a club! Thanks Emma!
I loved going to the club I used to go to until one of the faster ladies told me that I shouldn’t come until I was faster as it held others up. I was absolutely gutted as everyone else had been lovely and now I’ve moved I’m really nervous about joining another club in case they feel the same :/
Omg that’s terrible! I hope you told management!
That's horrible! I had an unpleasant experience the first club I went to so I didn't join them. I waited and searched for another one and they were so friendly I immediately felt included and welcomed. There are clubs and there are clubs.....
That's terrible - what a nasty person! 😠
As you say the other people were lovely and in my experience running clubs are full of lovely people so I hope you do try another club xx
Wow I'd live to know what that club is as I've always thought in the clubs I know of that no one gets left behind and most have slower groups
That's made me angry Hannah 😡 Don't let one person's ignorance stop you from doing something you enjoy. Join that club.
Whaaaat? No dislike button or else I’d have used it. What a mean spirited woman. 👎
That’s awful! What a dreadful way to treat someone.
I use to be but left after a year. The pluses:
1. Your stamina and speed improve quickly because you are running with others and, in my club, you could join other faster paced groups. You also learn to run and chat at the same time!
2. Your route choices increase because there's safety in numbers so you go to different areas.
3. You have a wealth of experience to tap into (although we have that here too 🙂)
4. Your experience expands so for example, I didn't do much night time running before the running club as I live in the depths of the countryside so it was a great change to run at night and I really enjoyed it.
5. The social side. My club did all sorts of social stuff outside the running. They were a really friendly club. The first one I tried was awful so I didn't join. They hardly even spoke to me!
6. You could always find someone to run with if you wanted.
The minuses for me:
1. Running in the dark caused me a few injuries, I tripped on a kerb as I was chatting to someone! It took me a long time to recover from a sprained ankle.
2. I couldn't go to so many of the social activities as I have a busy social life outside of running.
3. In the end I didn't really enjoy running with others and I just love running on my own so that's the main reason I left.
Thanks for sharing your experience IP, good to know. x
I think the word club should give an indication to things. Many years a go i was involve with a running club and for me it was about the friendships , knowledge sharing, support, be it with lifts to events or what ever. going back some years now we would all meet up have a chat and stretch all go together and split off for different length runs or split into similar speed groups , but no one was left alone at the back. Then some met up after some went straight home . for me it was a commitment to get out and run with better runners than me. this helped me improve to a good level. so i do not run with a club now because club night clashes with my new found passion , Ballroom Dancing.
Look at what the club offers does it meet your needs
Oooh, I like the sound of that! I've never tried dancing.. I quite fancy a fiery Argentine tango.
I was a can not Danch , Wont Dance , but like a lot of people on these forums took a step into the un known .
I can do a simple waltz, cha cha . rumba , my favourite is the quick step. now the kids have grown up we found some for me and the wife to do together.
Looking to do a number of Dances this year , a bit like a Park run or Running club , turn up do what we can do and progress . Tango & Samba is a struggle for me at the moment , but they are my wife's favourite .
enjoy the running its bought me lots of pleasure over many years. Starting from the beginning a gain.
I'm not but my husband is and loves it, they take all abilities and very friendly, where are you from as I could suggest a few?
I'm from Hertfordshire.. There are loads of clubs around here, it's just picking the right one.
I'll ask my husband if he knows who's best near you but not sure if he will as it's a long way from us, if you go to park runs in your area keep an eye on the clubs there, you can usually tell who are the most close knit group and friendly. The reason I don't join a club is cause I struggle with being sociable sometimes and feel running with a group would hinder me more than helping, but I have supported the clubs in the past and joined in their races and occasionally get roped into helping lol, it is a nice atmosphere
Yeah, I struggle with being sociable sometimes... I think it's hard work meeting new people. Some people just love it, it just comes natural to them.
Hi I joined a club 3 weeks ago- they are fantastic- you need to select a club that’s supportive not competitive. There are all abilities and a huge range of sessions on varying days n times and sometimes someone will post in the group chat that they’re doing a run the next day and does anyone want to join the hem. They look after everyone and make sure even the very slowest guys are clapped in cos running is challenging for everyone!
Thanks Louise, sounds like you've got a great club there. I'm looking forward to joining one now. 😀
Hi. I joined lonely Goat Running Club. It's for those who can't/don't want to join a club but still love the motivation and love from a group of like minded people. There's a chat on fb if you want to suss us out.
I’m not a member of an ‘athletic’ running club, but that’s because the one that is right on my doorstep - so easiest to commit to - don’t do a lot of trail, and their training night is Thursday, which I don’t have free to attend.
I am a member of several social Canicross groups, but they are really not the same thing. Though one of them does sometimes do training sessions they are very informal and not on a regular basis.
I bet Canicross is a great community, everyone talks to you when you have a dog! 😂 🐶
Yes 🤗
Though a lot of us have reactive dogs, so that can cause problems. But they’re shared problems and a grin and smile can convey a lot when your dogs won’t let you get close enough for a chat.
I was asked today if I would like to go into one and starts 9th September but when I go back to work I really don’t know how I will fit it in as well as going to the gym 3 times a week and my running 3 times a week but in my time it was nice to be asked but not sure yet as I’m enjoying my 10K training on my own 😉 don’t know what do you think clubberlang?
Your training schedule is crazy Kev, you train harder than Mo Farah! 😂 Well, I think you're asking the wrong person really fella, because I'm not in a running club at the moment.. maybe ask one of these amazing guys who have responded? But, from what I've gathered, you can make a running club work for you, there seems to be lots of benefits and no real disadvantages as far as I can see. There's no obligation to go, you might get access to a running track and a coach... I'm just going to sign up and see what happens.
A little crazy but very good for my mental health and when I train I go into another world and I feel great I know there is no obligation to go but worth checking it out let me know how it goes and what is involved 😉
Hi i joined Oakwell Bears which is my local running club in March this year and it's the best thing I could have done as I was starting to struggle increasing my distance running on my own as it was too easy to give up whereas with the club runs it seems easier running in a group and chatting to others with the same interest.
Big thanks to the coaches at Oakwell, Debs and Keith for keeping me motivated.
Thanks for posting that, really happy you've found such a great club.
I thought Oakwell bears might be in Barnsley... So I looked it up and it's actually Gomersal!.. Such a small world... My friend lives there, I've been for a few runs around Gomersal 😃 I know it well. There are some MONSTER hills around there. That is a hard run.
I keep thinking about joining a running club, but I’m in my 60 s not very fast and my best time for running is early in the morning before 6 am. I also like to run with my dog. I think my own view of my body and how others might perceive me will probably stop me from joining a running club. Saying that I’m going to google to see if there is one near me........
Have you read some of the comments M? They seem like welcoming places, with all types of ages, sizes and abilities. I'm sure they'll make you feel welcome. But there's nothing wrong with what you're doing, whatever you feel comfortable with, I love running with the pooch💗 🐶
I'm just going to give it a try, what's the worst that can happen? I don't like it..I stop going.. 😀
I’m in a unaffiliated club. More like a group really. This week 60 people turned up on Thursday morning for our regular 5K summer holiday run. Children are encouraged to come along with parents/ guardians. It’s an inclusive group. All ages sizes and speeds come along. I’m usually at the back chatting with the group organisers. I really enjoy my Thursday morning run with everyone. I get to meet new people, see new routes and roads and I also learn about running and all sorts of other stuff too from the people I meet. Plus there is cake t the end!😉
The group meet at different venues locally for all sorts of runs and this way it meets everyone’s needs. I like a social run once a week but I’m quite happy running on my own too and I love parkrun too. This week I wore my running group T-shirt with the added bonus of others from the group shouting encouragement and saying hello. Made it feel so much better. It’s good to belong to a group sometimes. 🏃🏻♀️😊
CAKE!? 🍰😋 Where is this running group? And why aren't I in it? 😩😂 That sounds awesome Knitti, thanks for posting this. Nice to hear about your experience and why you enjoy it!
There could be someone contemplating joining a club who's a bit nervous.. who reads your comment and then joins a club and makes friends, eats cake 🍰.. and really enjoys it. That would be awesome.
As those t shirts say I run so I can eat cake (occasionally) 😉🍰
Our local village running club is a brilliant way of persuading you out when the weather is not brilliant and without them, I often wouldn't have bothered! They are not too serious and sometimes describe themselves as "drinkers with a running problem"! Great fun, all abilities catered for!
Older running club member
I’ve rejoined my running club
Info on Lonely Goat Running Club? (… and further thoughts on Parkruns)
I joined a running club 😃
