Running clubs

Does anyone go to a running club? I'm not sure if I should join or not and what levels they tend to be aimed at.

All levels - but if in doubt, go check 'em out. They'll be happy for you to visit them for a session or two so you can see for yourself what they're like, without obligation.

i've thought about joining a few times, but i never have.  After all the years I have been running, I doubt I ever will. 

I'd love to join a running club but I don't have the time, and also I don't think I'm good enough. Everyone would laugh at me :(

I'd love to join a running club but I don't have the time, and also I don't think I'm good enough. Everyone would laugh at me :(

Haha I'm sure they wouldn't laugh at you Laura!  There are different running clubs, if you go along with a friend your not alone, or just run on your own for a bit until you feel confident enough to join one :)

I don't think I'd like to join a running club, I like as few people to see me as possible when I'm running!

I've been a couple of times and it's ok. Except when you get people that run ahead and then drop back to "keep

In the pack".

Thanks Helen haha although I'm sure they would if they could see how I run at the moment! I'm just starting out so I think I will run on my own for a bit until I pluck up the confidence to join one. Are you part of a running group? 

Hi Laura - i would deffo say joing a running club was one of the best things I have ever done. I had been running on and off for a few years and in Sept 2006 I got to the stage where I was doing about 4 miles every other evening. With the drawing in of nights, I felt the need to run with company. Found my local club and joined up.

It was a very small club then and now has membership of 150, just right I think.

It is brilliant, not only the running side but the social side. I also cannot go anywhere without seeing someone I know from another club, or a club member, or just numerous people met because I belong to a club.

We have fast runners, and slow runners who struggle to do a 10k in an hour and a half. We have a member who is going to be running his 500th mara in June this year, and we have members who are pleased to have run 5k.

We have great coaches (I am one....lol) and a wonderful cameraderi which is full of encouragment but also have STACKS of fun.

We have certain evenings when new members can come along, no strings, no commitment.

There are clubs out there who are very serious and almost elitist so shop around and find the one that suits you best. The hard part is walking through the door but I can bet you will be pleased you did it, as long as you research what is best for you.

Good luck and go give it a try....at least then you will know for sure.

Haha how are you running at the moment? I have a funny mental image

You just made running clubs sound awesome! Might have to check out my local one

I'm not part of a running club but I go running at the same time they do so I may as well just join! haha I do like running with company but I also like running alone sometimes so I don't think I'll join one just yet but never say never!  Also I don't have a lot of stamina- but since I've started running I can breathe a lot easier the more I run so you will get better and find it a lot easier :)

How long have you been running for Helen? I dabbled in running last year when I did a 5K, and have tried to re-start again recently, although after 15 minutes I look like I've just finished a marathon - so unfit! 

I'm the same Carly! I run past people who have probably been out running for hours and I'm like red-faced and out of breath and look at my watch and realise I've been running for all of 5 minutes!

Aww thank you so much for this. You've inspired me :). That's so lovely how you have met so many friends through it. I think I need to lose my inhibitions and go for it!

Excellent - and happy to help. Have fun and let us know how it goes. 

I will do. Thinking of joining this one near where I live: http://www.razzersrunners.org.uk/ I like the sound of "We have runners of all abilities, from absolute beginners to marathoners and even the odd triathlete, but we specialise in introducing newcomers to the wonderful sport of running."

That sounds great, go for it LauraRTaylor! Hope it goes well.

ooh good for you Laura- Let me know how it goes :)