Running Group

[Anna_ginge]

Hey has anyone else taken the next step to join a running group? I went along to a Local ladies one last Wed. We covered around 6k and did something called efforts which I don't really know what it is but it felt hard! Lol

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

Every club is different and the leaders often share great tips that will help you develop as a runner. I have tried 2 in my area and neither worked for me. Probably my own fault, one was running round and round an athletic track in the dark, the other around dark streets for 5km. I was running alone, found running in the evening pointless when I am free in the daytime, surroundings boring as I like to run in the woods, competitive when I run for fun not to be the fastest (reminded me of PE in school). Felt if I continued, my love of running would die!

I always was spoilt as a child and running when, where and when I want, setting my own goals makes my own running fun. I would love to run with others but right now, happy running on my own!! hope you find a group as I didn't manage to fit. Julie

[Hidden]

Yes, the first one I tried was quite unfriendly and they didn't have a box to tick for anyone that had never run 5 miles. Then tried one slightly further away, such a difference....beginner plans...jogs....runs from 3-18 miles, fast or slow your choice, no one left to run alone and they were very welcoming. Guess which one I joined !

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

"Efforts" are what we around here tend to call "intervals" . An example is Laura's C25K+ "Speed" podcast - which is a load of intervals - fast/slow/fast/slow etc. The fast bit is the "effort"

[Jeleybelly Graduate]

I think it depends on the group, I had a couple of taster sessions with my local one when I first graduated. It was OK but I didn't really like running in the dark/cold. I'm lucky that most days I can go out in the daylight and prefer to do that at this time of year - injury permitting! I will try them again in the Spring - they went at the pace of the slowest, mustering so that the group stayed together. Only thing I was unsure of was that they were all talking about improving - going faster/further etc - where as I just want to continue to run 5k just with a group if poss...

There is another group locally - plodders - they have 3 groups, those very new to exercise who walk, a couch to 5k group, and a 5k to 10k group. They sounded more my cup of tea - but at £2 per week verses £11 per year membership for first group they're quite a bit more expensive. And when I think about it, which group would I run with - have done C25K - but have no wish to build up to 10k!!

Not sure if any of that rambling helps?!? But I think the point is that all groups are different - and that we're all different and you may have to try a few before you find one that 'fits'

good luck

[Anna_ginge Graduate]

Thanks All. I kind of prefer being competitive with myself and just doing my own thing at the moment. I've started the couch to 10K app at week 9 so I think I'd prefer to finish that before going to a running group and not really having a goal to work towards. My time is precious I am going back to work next week after 10 months maternity leave and ill be working long days sometimes and nights and weekends so I want to see how I manage to juggle it all! I'm hoping my

Running will have made me fitter in general and can still cycle the 9 miles a day I used to go to work! X