It can get tiring to constantly run by oneself, running clubs are a great way to meet fellow runners and bring renewed focus to an exercise regime.
What is a Running Club?
A running club is a group of people who agree to run together at a set time. Some running clubs run every Saturday, others run every Tuesday and Thursday – the running club is as intense as the runners choose to make it.
Many people mistakenly believe that in order to join a running club, they have to be in great shape. This is not true. There are many different running clubs aimed at different fitness levels. Furthermore, larger running clubs frequently offer a variety of different runs, so that every runner can find a group that is a good fit for them.
Why Join a Running Club?
First, joining a running club is a great way to meet fellow runners. Many people take up running as a solo activity, only to discover that they miss the social nature of group exercises such as playing a team sport.
Second, joining a running club is a great way to discover new running routes. The people who organize running clubs are generally experts on the local parks and terrain, and know where to find the most beautiful running routes, the hardest running routes, and where hidden running trails can be found.
Third, joining a running club can improve a runner’s fitness. Although a runner doesn’t want to join a group that is too advanced for their fitness level, finding a fellow runner who can help them get in better shape is always a great way to become a stronger runner.
Fourth, joining a running club can be a great way to save money. Many running clubs have discounts at local sports and running stores. For running clubs and runners that are involved in competition, joining a running club is an easy way to split fees and expenses related to entering races.
How to Join a Running Club
When looking to join a running club, consult an internet search engine or the yellow pages to find local running clubs in the area.
When selecting which running club to join, it is important to consider the following criteria:
- Proximity to home or work
- Training pace of the running club or group
- Type of running club runs/workouts
- Attitude of the running club – social or competitive?
- Cost/fees of the running club
- Opportunities to participate in runs and races
Joining a running club is a great way to meet fellow runners and add motivation to a exercise regime. Joining a running club with a similar running pace, similar running attitude, and with reasonable member fees will bring positive change to any runner’s exercise regime.
Allison McNeely - Allison McNeely is a Toronto based freelance writer. A recent graduate of McGill University, Allison is a political junkie and avid ...
