Time for change?

[sharon1978]

Morning all, I was just wondering if anyone had any experience of moving running groups especially within the same location, as opposed to relocating completely. I was just trying to figure out the pro's and cons and wondered what others experience had been, thanks

[Tomas Marathon]

I have zero experience with that, and only VERY limited experience with running groups at all. But if you feel there is room for improvement, then it would make sense to try another group if you have that option before going through the hassle of completely relocating. All the best.

[sharon1978 in reply to Tomas]

Thanks for that. When I mentioned relocating I should have been clearer I'm not relocating just solely considering changing groups in the area I am in as opposed to changing groups because I have to or no longer live in the area. I have the opportunity of trying out the new group and I already run with two separate groups as it is. My fear with joining a new group is severing ties with the old one and being a new group that's too fast for me, but as you mentioned I do want to improve while still enjoying my running

[benwill Marathon in reply to sharon1978]

In cycling they say if you want to improve then ride with cyclists who are faster then you so they push you to your limits. I never heard anyone say it about running, but i don't see why it wouldnt be any different. running and cycling are similar.

Who says you cant run with 2-3 groups one for each night!

[turnturtle Marathon in reply to benwill]

They certainly say the same about racehorses so I would guess it's true for human runners!

[sharon1978]

I think you are right and I just need to be a bit braver!! Its funny as someone I work with said (a sub 3 marathoner) 'if you want to get faster run with someone that will bury you'. I do think cycling and running are the same in these respects but it can get tough if you're always at the back or trying to keep up.

I had originally been using the 2 groups to run at different times and days of the week but when another friend joined the third group she was made to choose hence the dilemma! I was wondering if many others had had positive experiences having had to make similar moves!

Thanks

[PippiRuns in reply to sharon1978]

How come they made her choose? It's not infidelity to run with more than one group!... I run in a club (just one 🙂), some of the other runners run with other groups too. Why should I care what they do as long as they pay to be members of our club and are actively taking part... I really can't see the problem.

[sharon1978 in reply to PippiRuns]

I totally agree and I wish that the group had your out look and life would be better and so much easier! It's a very frustrating rule that they made. Happy running

[Tomas Marathon in reply to sharon1978]

You say "but it can get tough if you're always at the back or trying to keep up", and I think that's very very important. While it's ok to work hard, if it ends up being too much of a hard slog and every group run ends up leading to you feeling bad about yourself, then it's likely to be counterproductive. I think there needs to be a good balance between stretching oneself but also being allowed to feel good and have fun.

[sharon1978 in reply to Tomas]

I totally agree and I get a good balance of that between the 2 groups I run with at the moment. The potential with the new group is more structured training and more balance in a mixed group! My friend assured me that there are members at my pace I'll try a few weeks training to see if I'm up to it thanks!

[PippiRuns in reply to Tomas]

Totally agree!

[ju-ju- Marathon]

I am afraid I am no help at all as I dont run in a group at all. I would go with your gut feeling as to what is right for you and your running goals this year?

[benwill Marathon in reply to ju-ju-]

I think ju-ju- is right go with your feeling, do you want to get better or are you happy at where you are. Is running a social thing or a improve yourself type thing.

ultimately what do you want to get out of it? and surely if you go to the running group and don't like it you can go back.

[sharon1978 in reply to benwill]

I do want to get better and move forward while still having fun!

I don't think I could go back to my main group if I did actually leave 😕 hence the deliberation !!

[GoogleMe]

My brother tried out one group and switched to another and is very happy. But he also does lots of running and competing by himself.

[sharon1978 in reply to GoogleMe]

That's good to know!! Like that I did a lot of running on my own too I think with marathon training you have to have that ability. It would be nice to have one or two people at my pace for marathon training if I go for it again as I was a bit stuck in the middle this year. Thanks