I've been thinking about joining a running club for about a year and a half now. Keywords: Thinking about it. I say I'm going to, but I never get around to it. Or I'd tell myself as soon as I finishing training for [whatever I'm training for at the moment]. Technically, it was the marathon training that had me crazy focused last year. Then I took a break. And here I am again, thinking I should join a running club.
Most of the clubs in my area have $20 annual dues, weekly meetups and entire calendars with training and social events. All good things. If I hate it after one time (which you don't have to join right away either; most let you come to a couple of practices before you officially join), I can think of a lot worse things to waste $20 on. It's a total win-win.
When I was training for my first half marathon with TNT, I really liked training with the group. That is how I met my running partner and PIC after all! It's nice to have people in your life that share the same goals and crazy ideas of what productive weekend activities are. They're built in people to go to brunch with after a long run. Of course, it also helps with the accountability and I fear as the summer settles in, getting motivated is going to get harder. Again, these are all good things! So, what's with all this hesitation?!
Then I start some more thinking, which leads to a whole bunch of excuses. I'm very set in my ways; changing my routine hasn't been a high priority (until recently). Plus, training outside seems to be a real inconvenience to me lately. Hence the thought process: why do I want to go ALL the way up to Central Park to train during the week and then trek back to Brooklyn when I can just go to my gym (in the AC!), a block from work, then go home? Can't you see the motivation to train, people?! Clearly, I'm in seriously bad shape! Need more local running friends to help!
Maybe I am worried about being too slow. I have a few friends in the running club(s) I've been eying and I get mixed reports. Some say the marathon runners are fast, others say they're not. I read that for most groups, if you're new, they will pair someone to run with you for your first couple times going. All I know is I am definitely ANYONE'S definition of slow and would hate to make someone slow to my pace just because I'm new. And on top of that, I'm not just slow, I'm a slow run/walker. That's a whole lot of variables that make it really hard to find compatible running partners.
So, with all that being said, I just need some sort of push to do it- kind of like the trying those new classes thing. I'm hoping by putting it out there, in the interwebs (because the internets never forgets, people!) that maybe this will be my push!
What are your thoughts on a running club? Are you a member of one?
What are your thoughts on a running club? Are you a member of one?
Ive run with a running club off and on and took some time away just to get back into "my" happy pace and training place - if that makes sense - I sometimes tried to keep up with others too much. BUT it IS great for company off and on!
ReplyDeleteTotally makes sense! I think that's how I'd do it, too.
DeleteI have always used running as my alone time, but I've done a couple group runs with some of the groups here in NOLA. While they're not my favorite way to run, I've enjoyed them. If you want to get faster or improve your endurance, you will need to run with faster people. Don't worry about where you are now. I'd say go for it and give it a few tries to see if it sticks.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Katherine. Good point about running with faster people to get faster. Thanks :)
DeleteI've also been meaning to join a running club for so long! I went to one club run once (there weren't a lot of people) and store runs a few times (JackRabbit, Nike, etc) but I also have the same thoughts of everyone else will be faster, I'd rather just run on my own schedule, what if they're doing a different workout than I had planned, etc. But I really would love the camaraderie, I think I need that extra push mentally, and need faster running friends to push me to get faster myself! If you're interested in trying out some groups around here together, I'd love to go to some group runs with you so we'll be newbies together!
ReplyDeleteTotally! I'll be emailing you :)
DeleteI just wrote a blog post about my running group today! I absolutely love love love them...they are like an extension of my family. We have group meetings on Saturdays and throughout the week on special occasions. I don't think I would have ever signed up to run Goofy's Challenge in 2013 without them. It's well worth it, and mine encourages runners of all levels! Btw, I'm running Dumbo and Glass Slipper, too! yay! :0)
ReplyDeleteYou know what they say about great minds ;)
DeleteI know it'll be a great plan, I just need to take the leap!
YaY! For Dumbo and GSC, we should try to meet up!
I keep thinking about joining one too, but I think I'm also concerned about being too slow..that and I don't know if I love the idea of set workout/ run times and running with a group (not that I've ever tried it though...).
ReplyDeleteInterested to see what you decide and if you like it!
I think you'll totally be fine, I'm the slow one! I will definitely let yall know what happens!
DeleteI have the same struggle. I really want to join a group, but I'm so slow that it would be a struggle to keep up. I haven't done a lot of research on it, though, so maybe there's a turtle paced running group nearby... :)
ReplyDeleteRight? I feel like I need to find another slow partner and then join. But I did see a member of one of the clubs that was around my pace. We'll see! You should join one.
DeleteOh my gosh I am having the same dilemma!! I figured joining a running club may be a good way to meet people now. But I am slow and I don't want to be the only slow person.
ReplyDeleteSuch a good plan for you! I know what you mean, though.
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