We run faster when we run in front of others, whether that's spectators who have come to watch you in a race, the competitors you're running against or just other people out for their sunday run or jog in the park. This is a scientific fact and one that you can read about more in Matt Fitzgerald's 'Run: the mind body method of running by feel'.
Therefore, training with a club not only gives you access to coaching and structured training sessions, it also encourages you to run with others which will make you run faster without you necessarily realising it. I was adament for a long time that running clubs weren't for me - but then I tried one and found I got a lot faster very quickly. They're not everyone's cup of tea, but here's a few things you should know about running with a club to help you make up your mind.
They're generally quite friendly places
Everyone is there to run, whether they run at the front of the pack or the back of the pack. I've found them to be encouraging and, as you have a shared interest in running - even if you're not there to broaden your social circle - you always have that to chat about.
They're not just for super speedy runners
Maybe you've been put off joining a club by seeing super fast people in their club shirts at races. Not all club runners are fast. I guarantee that there will be at least one person at any given club that is slower than you or that at least was slower than you when they started.
It's nice to race for a club, but you don't have to
There will usually be someone doing a race that you're thinking of doing and that is maybe aiming for your pace. Running with club runners was how I managed to break 2 hours in a half-marathon the first time, they paces me through it and kept me going.
You don't have to go to every session
Looking at some running club schedules can be a bit overwhelming, but you don't have to go to every one and very few people actually do.
So if you're thinking of joining a club, email the secretary or one of the coaches and tell them what sort of running you're currently doing. They'll be able to tell you which sessions might be best for you to go along to first and you'll be able to try them out before you sign up.
Therefore, training with a club not only gives you access to coaching and structured training sessions, it also encourages you to run with others which will make you run faster without you necessarily realising it. I was adament for a long time that running clubs weren't for me - but then I tried one and found I got a lot faster very quickly. They're not everyone's cup of tea, but here's a few things you should know about running with a club to help you make up your mind.
They're generally quite friendly places
Everyone is there to run, whether they run at the front of the pack or the back of the pack. I've found them to be encouraging and, as you have a shared interest in running - even if you're not there to broaden your social circle - you always have that to chat about.
They're not just for super speedy runners
Maybe you've been put off joining a club by seeing super fast people in their club shirts at races. Not all club runners are fast. I guarantee that there will be at least one person at any given club that is slower than you or that at least was slower than you when they started.
It's nice to race for a club, but you don't have to
There will usually be someone doing a race that you're thinking of doing and that is maybe aiming for your pace. Running with club runners was how I managed to break 2 hours in a half-marathon the first time, they paces me through it and kept me going.
You don't have to go to every session
Looking at some running club schedules can be a bit overwhelming, but you don't have to go to every one and very few people actually do.
So if you're thinking of joining a club, email the secretary or one of the coaches and tell them what sort of running you're currently doing. They'll be able to tell you which sessions might be best for you to go along to first and you'll be able to try them out before you sign up.
3 comments:
that was actually really good to read. I used to run cross country when I was little then ended up giving it in one thing led to another and I'm down back to losing all the weight I put on, I'd love to get into running and the local running club is really cheap but seems so so intimidating, I might give it a go now :)
Although I might start with the power walking club instead to get my endurance up !
xo
Good advice on joining a running club, thanks!
This is great for motivation - thanks for letting me think I might actually join a club !
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