Group running

bigbodybake

Being in the military makes it hard to meet people in the community. This leaves me running alone, and since I'm not a great runner to begin with, it kind of gets boring.

Today I was running around the park and a few people caught up with me, obviously much better runners than me. We never exchanged words, but I could feel the mm almost pushing me, that motivation got me to run a much faster mile than I'm normally comfortable with.

Need to find that more often

KathyApplebaum

Check if there are local running stores near you. Often they will have a weekly fun run where you can casually drop in. Great way to find other runners who can challenge you.

Equus5374

There are also running clubs all over the place; some require paid memberships but some do not. I just joined one for the purpose of joining in on the group runs. I've always run alone, too, because I'm slow, but I agree that running with faster runners motivates you to pick up the pace and challenge yourself. Sign up for some races, too. That's also a great way to meet fellow runners and challenge yourself.

bigbodybake

KathyApplebaum wrote: »

Check if there are local running stores near you. Often they will have a weekly fun run where you can casually drop in. Great way to find other runners who can challenge you.

Equus5374 wrote: »

There are also running clubs all over the place; some require paid memberships but some do not. I just joined one for the purpose of joining in on the group runs. I've always run alone, too, because I'm slow, but I agree that running with faster runners motivates you to pick up the pace and challenge yourself. Sign up for some races, too. That's also a great way to meet fellow runners and challenge yourself.

I never thought about checking the running stores, great idea. Thanks. I am trying to up my pace for a longer distance before joining races, just a complex I have. It was great today, park is beautiful too. Can't wait to do it again friday

lemmie177

try meetup.com? I'm not sure how active it'll be in your city, but there are quite a few running meetups around me. Some groups will charge fees, but most are community-driven and free.

bigbodybake

lemmie177 wrote: »

try meetup.com? I'm not sure how active it'll be in your city, but there are quite a few running meetups around me. Some groups will charge fees, but most are community-driven and free.

Will check that out, thanks

kristinegift

KathyApplebaum wrote: »

Check if there are local running stores near you. Often they will have a weekly fun run where you can casually drop in. Great way to find other runners who can challenge you.

Do this! I joined a running group through a local shop last April and it's totally changed my running. I love the social aspects of group runs (as a grad student, it's great to talk to non-academics sometimes!), and the support I get from other members has pushed me to make huge improvements. Finding a group will guarantee that at least one run a week will NOT be boring!

bigbodybake

Thanks, I get off Friday I will certainly be looking around