Wondering about joining a running club?

[RebeccaSK]

.....I planned to repeat my pre-hospital visiting hours run of last week on Monday - but, sadly, one of my nurses wanted to talk to me and I didn't get to leave work until after 6pm. I decided I would just do a quick 15 minute run but it just wasn't happening because it was SOOOOOOO COLD!!!! By running club on Wednesday it had warmed up but I was tired, really, really weary. As normal, the amazing girls (and, this week, one man!!) pulled me through it and I went home happy. I was determined to get to Parkrun this week and I did! For me at least, it was perfect running weather - a bit overcast but fairly mild and dry but I was a bit worried about how it would be after so many weeks off.

It was tough - although the fastest 5k I've done since before my dad went into hospital so I was happy enough. Predictably the tail walker caught up with me and this week she was accompanied by one of the nicest blokes in our running club. In the past he has run an extra lap to keep me company on my last lap but as he was running a marathon the next day, he decided to take it very slowly at Parkrun. As I huffed and puffed up the hills, expressing my frustration that I still can't run the whole thing I was given a bit of a pep talk! I was told that whilst the super fit, super fast runners who win the club loads of points in races are important and a key part of the running club, any decent running club is really about nurturing and supporting runners like me. It's runners like me - those who have to work so hard to improve, those who make visible improvements over a relatively short period of time, those who really need and appreciate the encouragement and a friendly word - that the club welcomes.

As many of you know, this was not the first running club that I tried. My first experience was very uncomfortable and, whilst friendly, not at all inclusive. I never went back. A friend encouraged me to try again and I loved being part of such an amazing club from the very first evening. It seems so many people on here want to go to a running club but apprehension stops them. For me, my weekly running club run is my favourite of the week. When you are running alongside others two things happen - you don't notice every single step as you do when you're on your own because there are others around you, distracting you. The other thing is that you find that the others drive you on - you don't give up as quickly as you may when you're on your own. If you're wondering about joining a running club then do it - and if the first one is not what you're hoping it will be, don't be afraid to try another. My running club, Burgess Hill Runners, is simply amazing and has the most amazingly supportive and knowledgeable coaches that really get the best out of us.

The best news of the week is that my dad finally left hospital after more than 18 weeks. So, this week I am free to resume my normal running schedule and I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to it!

[JoP61 Graduate]

That's a great post - thank you for sharing. I would be very nervous about joining a running club but your post has made me think again, thanks. Good luck with getting back to your running schedule. 👍😀

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to JoP61]

You just need to find the right one. Every week my running club has a welcome group - they stand just inside the main entrance and they sweep up anyone who looks nervous or apprehensive and will walk into the main hall (where we meet) and stay with them either until they see someone they know or until they can introduce them to that evening's coach. That way, nobody stands on their own feeling awkward or lonely. It's just brilliant. If you have more than one club near you (and this is not my closest club geographically) then have a look at their websites and Facebook page - you'll get a feel for the kind of club they are. What's the worst that could happen? You don't enjoy it and never go back!

[JoP61 Graduate in reply to RebeccaSK]

Sounds like your club has got it sorted! I like the idea of being swept up and just getting on with it. xx

[Sweatyfaced Graduate]

So glad your dad is out of hospital; hope he is doing ok. I found my running helped so much last year when my mum was in for a few months, so totally get your excitement to get back on schedule. Great stress reliever!

(Still terrified of running with someone else though... 😂) xxx

[Mimirossi Graduate]

So glad that your dad is out of hospital now. Good luck with getting back to regular runs. Your club sounds fabulous!

[Tbae]

Lovely account.🌟👏👏

So pleased for you and continuing progress for your Dad.🌟🌟👏👏

[Hidden]

Great that your dad and you finally have some good news on his health front. I hope that you can resume your running and get out of it what you were getting before all this trouble started.

Brilliant to see you back on the schedule.