Running is often portrayed as a solo activity, an opportunity for some quiet, reflective time alone. While there’s some truth to this, running is by no means an exclusively solitary sport. In fact, running can be a great social activity, helping you build a sense of community and camaraderie.
Joining a Running Club
So, why should you consider joining a running club? Here are a few reasons.
Accountability
When you join a running club, you’re much more likely to stick to your running schedule. After all, it’s one thing to cancel on ourselves; it’s another to cancel on a group of people you know and respect.
Safety
Especially if you like running early in the morning or late at night, running in a group can be much safer. There’s always safety in numbers and being in a running club gives you that protection.
Enhancing Performance
Running with others, especially those who are faster or more experienced, can motivate you to push your pace and improve your performance. You can also pick up useful tips and advice from more experienced runners.
Types of Running Clubs
Now that you’re convinced about the benefits of joining a running club, you may be wondering, which one should you join? There are many types of running clubs, each offering different experiences and catering to different needs and goals. Here are a few.
Competitive Clubs
These clubs often have a focus on training for races, from marathons to track events. If you have specific time goals and love the thrill of competition, these might be the clubs for you.
Social Running Clubs
If you’re just looking for a group of friends to run with and aren’t too bothered about racing, social running clubs are a great option. These groups often include more than just running in their schedules, like social events and organizer-led volunteering opportunities.
Specialty Running Clubs
These are clubs often geared towards specific groups of runners, like women-only clubs, senior clubs, or clubs for runners with specific interests such as trail running or ultra-marathon running.
Finding the Right Club
So how do you go about finding and joining the right running club? Here are some suggestions.
- Check community bulletin boards in your local area or at sporting goods stores.
- Search online for local running groups in your area.
- Attend a few club runs before deciding on the one to join. This way, you can assess the club for its compatibility with your fitness level, running goals, and social preferences.
Remember, the most important thing is to find a club where you feel comfortable, welcomed, and motivated to run. Happy running!
