One of my goals for the year was to join a running club. Not only to meet people, but also because I feel like my running hasn’t improved much lately. After all, my half marathon PR still stands from my first half in 2008 – about a year after I started running!
I researched clubs and found one that had great reviews. I went to my first training run on Saturday morning.
Fact: Running clubs cost money.
I never knew that running clubs cost a pretty penny. But I know this goes towards things like course support, a customized training plan, and professional coaches and will be worth it. However, this will probably stop me from joining a gym in the meantime.
Fact: When clubs advertise a variety of ages and skills, they ‘re not lying.
At Saturday’s session, there were a ton of pace groups. From speedy BQ’ers, all the way to walkers. People were young and old. However, it was mostly women.
Fact: Pacers rule.
In my last training cycle, I decided I would follow the school of thought that advocates long runs at a pace about a minute slower than your goal marathon pace. In reality, I would start out slow but finish running at or faster my goal pace. With the pacer, I don’t have to worry that my pace is too slow or too fast. I just zone out and trust the training.
Fact: Running with people rules.
I can’t believe I wrote that. I’ve always been a major loner when it comes to working out. I really have no good explanation for why I always wanted to run alone. Looking back, I obviously was getting bored with solo long runs since I turned to audiobooks for entertainment. With the running club, I talked to people the entire time (which is much easier when you follow the long-slow-run pace!) and had so much fun.
Fact: A running club can push you to new heights.
Well, I don’t exactly know if this is true yet. I do know that on Saturday I ran 8 miles with the group, which sadly is the longest I have run since my last half marathon. And I do know that I wouldn’t have run that far on my own. When I was on sports teams as a kid growing up, I always pushed myself to please the coaches and to keep up with my teammates. I’m hoping that will apply here as well.
Fact: Following a new training plan is exciting.
I’m still anxiously awaiting my training plan from the coaches. I’m supposed to get in a few days and I can’t wait to get started. I’ll be sure to share the highlights once I’ve started.
If you’re in a running club, what’s your favorite thing about it?
If you’re not in a running club, what holds you back from joining? I never wanted to drive somewhere to run. Plus I worried about it being too hard to talk and run at the same time.
Im glad you found a great club already! It will make all the difference to your running and city transition. Good luck!
Good for you to join a running club! The first time is always the hardest, and then it seems to get easier. Do you still live in DC? I’m new to the area and have no idea where to start looking. The money thing is always a problem, too … good luck with your new club!!
A lot of my friends back in DC are members of CAR and love it! I also know a few pacers people. Both are great clubs.
I’ve never been part of a running (or other fitness) club… but your re-cap makes me want to join! I am a “loner” with working out, too- except when I’m teaching spin or Bodypump of course. I guess I like to work out alone because I’m not working around anyone elses’ schedule.
I had no idea that they cost money though! I guess since it’s going towards a good cause (and things that you will benefit from) that’s good…
So glad that it went well- one more reason why your new life in Denver rules!
I love being able to run from my door for free, but I’m so so glad I finally joined a group. This’ll be a great way to for you to get to know Denver!
So glad you like the group!!! I’m still not there yet myself. I hate to pay for something when it’s free.
I’m glad you found a group! I go back and forth – sometimes I want to be alone, sometimes I love training with friends. It all has a place!
My favorite thing about being part of a running club is that it feels like a family. I’ve met the majority of my Seattle friends (and my husband!) through the club, and there is barely a weekend that goes by that I don’t have plans with these people, many times unrelated to running. I’d like to add that there are a few clubs out there that are free, many of which are organized out of running stores that focus primarily on group runs where you don’t get coaches or other frills.
I didn’t know you had to pay for running clubs. But I think it seems like a great idea to meet people and improve your running. I think 8 miles is an awesome distance (btw).
Good for you! I’ve been meaning to try one of the free group runs that Lulu and Pacers sponsor. My fears of running groups are similar: afraid I won’t be able to keep up, afraid I won’t be able to talk and run (esp if I’m trying to keep up), I enjoy running as a loner, etc. But, I am determined to at least try it out.
I’ve always held back from running clubs because i hate the idea of driving somewhere to run. I feel like I should just be able to put on my shoes and go. And I find some groups definitely conflict with my work schedule.
I just joined a running group a couple weeks ago too! So far I like it. . .it makes me feel like I’m an athlete back in high school and college again.
Haha, my running club is 15 bucks a year.
We make money by charging to time local races. Also, we’re really small.
Peer pressure is a good thing. I’ve signed up for a ton of races because of the club!
I’m glad you found a good group to run with!
Glad I read some back posts! I’m totally interested in joining a running club! That’s awesome. I’m going to check out their site.