This forum is amazing ...

[Markee]

... but of course, we already know that.

Following loads of encouragement, I went to the running group yesterday evening and really enjoyed it! Some of the group are training for the local half-marathon in October, some are not and some had not run for some time and returned for yesterday evenings 'conversational' pace run. I was invited along because I moaned that they didn't have a group for 'sociable' runners.

The group were lovely people, there was always someone running with me (at the back, of course) even though they were much better runners than me, and every now and then the whole front part of the group looped around so the slower runners were at the front now and then (until they all overtook us again). The coach kept giving me loads of tips and advice and I think he was amazed that I already knew so much - all gleaned from this wonderful forum and all you fantastic runners.

A couple of useful things were learned:

1. I really need to get off the canal towpath and run on more 'undulating' routes, even though I do a hill run once a week.

2. Age and size are no real barrier to speed or running ability.

It is unlikely that I will join this group again as I struggled to keep up - hate to think how fast they move when not running at a conversational pace. However, the coach did say that he believes that there is a call for a sociable running group and that even his wife would attend. He said he would try and convince the lady who 'led' our run yesterday to start one.

Parkrun came into the conversation a few times also (I have a 40 minute drive to my nearest Parkrun) and the coach said that they were desperately trying to find a suitable location in our home town. Apparently it is too hilly - they don't call it the Five Valleys for no reason! Hence the reason I run along the canal towpath.

Happy running everyone!

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

Yes -- Running does not in itself seem to be very "sociable" - and I have found nothing like a "social" running group. My local Parkrun and my newly found Orienteering club are friendly and welcoming enough - but at the end of the day, it is all about PB's and times. Nobody really says "Let's run to the pub and have a beer" Or on our next run, all forms of timekeeping are banned.

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Just last week, I had some time off work and I actually did "run to the pub for a beer". The place in question is almost exactly 5k from my door and my wife set off 20 minutes after me in the car. A run, a beer, a pub lunch, good company and a lift home afterward. That's what I call sociable running!

[sidbetty Graduate in reply to Rob_and_his_westie]

I ended up running to the pub last night I wasn't planning to but my boyfriend walked with me for my warmup walk then went to the pub and I met him there after!

[Markee Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Maybe there is no such thing as a 'sociable' run. But we are not all driven by PBs - yes great when you achieve one, but if not - so what. Perhaps its a man/woman thing, but I am happy just to go out for a run, no pressure, enjoy the scenery and most importantly help to keep myself fit.

[notbad Graduate]

I'm pleased that it was a good experience, even if it's not the one for you. I think I'm very lucky, my running group is a runengland.org/ beginners/intermediate running group and is very sociable - might be worth having a look on that website (Scotland have their own version jogscotland.org.uk ).

[Markee Graduate in reply to notbad]

Oooh, thanks nb! There is another group in my area. Will email when I get off this forum!

[Fitfor60 Graduate]

So glad it was a positive experience for you Markee Hope they start a new group . Have a look for ones Notbad suggests My jogscotland very sociable

[Markee Graduate in reply to Fitfor60]

Thank you ff60. I emailed them back and thanked them for inviting me. Maybe I can start with a new group in January.