Running clubs

That's great - good on you. I've never been part of one myself, but I can imagine they must be pretty motivating, especially if you're training for an event with a couple of other people - help push each other along a bit more.

n'awww thanks for the support realbuzzers! 

Different clubs cater for different types of people.  You need to do your research and find one that suits what you want from it.  Send some e-mails or drop them a line and ask them questions.  Tell them your ability and ask what they can do for you.  Here's a few general guidelines that I have noticed, but there are always exceptions so don't discount a club out of hand.

• Althletic clubs tend to be more expensive as they pay for use of a track.  This is great if you want to do track running, and it is a good way of providing one training session for all abilities as the faster runners can do more laps than the slower ones and nobody gets left behind.  A lot concentrate on the shorter distances (up to 5 or 10k) but some also have a longer distance arm if you think you might find that of interest to you.  Some athletic clubs can be very competitive as people who are willing to pay the higher fees are often more dedicated to the sport.
• Running clubs tend to be cheaper as they meet in public car parks where they don't have access to facilities.  Many don't have changing facilities so you need to arrive in your kit and take extra layers to put on afterwards so that you don't get chilled on your way home.  These clubs tend to do more road running and some do cross country too.  They tend to have several groups going out at the same time so you join the group that is of the right ability for you and can progress up the groups as you improve.  A good club will never leave someone behind and will send the faster runners off on additional loops to allow the slower runners to catch up.  Running clubs tend to have a wider range of people - social as well as competitive runners, all ages, all sizes, all fitness levels.
• Small clubs generally tend to be for faster and more experienced runners only.  That is purely because they don't have the number of volunteers to lead groups that larger clubs have.  Having said that, it is worth looking up the Run England groups as these are aimed at beginners and are often associated with running clubs.  They are often small groups that concentrate on complete beginners.
• Larger groups have the ability to provide for all abilities and will often have a run/walk group that really is open to all abilities.  The beginners group at my club does about 3 miles of run/walk in an hour.

Have you joined the running club yet?  and how's your running going?  I though I was getting better but last night I couldn't breathe properly on my run had to walk quite a while! damn it haha

Everyone has off-days  Are you following a training plan or just running as much as you can each time?

No I'm pacing myself but I find it really difficult to breathe.  I'm not running far or fast just taking my time, didn't matter how slow I went I still felt like I needed to stop to get air into my body! not good

Had you considered that you might be asthmatic? Maybe book in for an assessment with a peak flow meter with your GP

Yeah it might be important to get that checked out. It's good that you're keeping at it though! And even if you do have asthma it won't stop you running, as you can carry your inhaler

I'm definitely not asthmatic so It's probably just because I am unfit haha

I was like that when I first started running (and I've gone back to being like that since I stopped...), but I found the 5k training plan really helpful. I was pushing myself too much at the start, and then really struggling a few minutes in, but the plan starts you off quite slow then gradually gets you running more for longer.

Great thanks Carly will try that plan out and see how I get on!

Yeah starting slowly is the best way. A lot of people start off and think they feel great after about 20 metres so up the pace way too much. Slow and steady is the way to go, then gradually build it up :)

How are you getting on with this Helen? Finding it any easier?

It took me ages to realise that slow and steady is best - it really is the best way though

I used that plan too and it is really helpful! It's definitely good to start off slow.

It's hard to slow yourself down, but it's the best way to build up gradually. I used to sprint off quick for about 30 seconds, then feel like I was going to die, then walk back home... not best.

It's hard to slow yourself down, but it's the best way to build up gradually. I used to sprint off quick for about 30 seconds, then feel like I was going to die, then walk back home... not best.

Sometimes you can get really carried away can't you, you really feel it when you get home though!

I'm going to start following a plan again - I managed to build up to a 5k nicely last year - need to be able to do that again really!

Yes I follow the 5k plan from realbuzz and it's really good.