Joining a running club??

[Runtan]

I rarely post on here, but really appreciate the motivation this site and you guys give me! I wonder if anyone can help me with a question? I’m thinking about joining a running club as now the mornings and evenings are dark I’m struggling to get myself out. The thing is I’m still really slow. It takes me around 38 mins to do 5K. Do you think any running clubs would cater for that? I think my confidence would be knocked if I was really way behind everyone else. Any advice?

[damienair Administrator]

Running clubs cater for everyone now and in particular thanks to C25K and parkrun people whom would not normally have joined a running club are joining. Running clubs are delighted to get new members. My local running club matches up groups according to their pace. On Tuesday evenings it is speed work on the track and everyone takes part. On Thursday evenings you go out for a 5K or longer run in a running group where you are matched to your current pace. It’s easier to run in a group and you’ll never be left alone or left behind. It’s also a great way to meet new friends and learn about 5K and 10K races which you would not normally have known about.

Pop along to your local parkrun any Saturday morning and run it. Ask around and you’ll find out about local running groups or clubs which will suit you best.

Damien

[Runtan in reply to damienair]

Thanks, that’s a really good idea. I’ve not done a park run yet so that will be my first step . ( I was thinking of looking at running clubs first as I’m looking for company in the evenings, but it makes more sense to do it the other way round. )

[JaoJao Graduate10]

I’ve looked up running clubs around me, and meet some of them on my Parkruns and they really are for all

Abilities! Have a look at the clubs near you, their website and you’ll get a better feel for the all inclusiveness of it, or not.

You could also go along to your local parkrun and speak to people from the local clubs after the parkrun, people love chatting and I’m sure they’d be happy to share info.

Kevtrev put a post up about joining a running club earlier this week, lots of great advice and support on that one too

[Beccym Graduate10]

I love my club we have 17 min 5k people to 45 min ones.

Various age groups. Also running with others regularly improves your pace

[dynamodi Graduate10]

I joined a ladies only run group last October just as I finished C25k. I wanted it to help me through the dark nights and thought I would stop come the Spring. Now, I much prefer to run with my running friends than on my own. We are grouped in to ability and in any case have small stops so that folk can catch up during the run if required. Highly recommended. Good luck in finding the right group for you