Should I join a running club?

Givemewings

I am thinking of joining a running club. I have been running on and off for around a year. Im May I ran my first 10K with a time of around 1 hr 3 mins. The reason I have not joined a club so far is that I lack confidence in my ability and am worried that I will be overwhelmed by the more experienced runners. Any advice, or pros and cons of joining a running club? Thanks!

ooOOooGravy

Find your nearest and contact them.

Iv found they are supportive of all levels of running ability. and 10K in 63 mins anit bad ability at all!

You'll make new friends as a bear minimum, gain more knowledge of running and training. It also drives you on to get out and run on days where you might think you cannot be bothered.

My running Club has got me from a 33 minute 5K-er (maximum i ever ran before joining) to a sub 54 minute 10k-er in 8 months. and met some great people along the way.

Not sure where you are but if your in the UK search 'Run England' and they have hunderds of clubs listed. Contact ones near you stating your ability and they will let you know if your good to join. Unless its some Elite Ultra Marathon Club you shold be welcomed with open arms.

BerryH

Yes, it'll make an incredible difference to your running. I recommend scouting out several to find one that suits you. The first I tried just didn't suit slowbies like me and I didn't try another for years! When I did it the next one I tried was brilliant, and speeded me up like nothing before.

iluvprettyshoes

Don't be nervous about joining! I just joined one two weeks ago & felt the same way. I'd also been running for about a year and have just about the same time as you on a 10K. I did fine!! There were runners faster and slower than me. There were even lots of walkers!!

You will love it and being part of such a great club will give you more confidence!
Work it girl!! Do it!!!

brandyk77

I joined a group about 3 years ago and have found my training greatly improved and my times as well.

It is great having a support system.

Ezwoldo

Don't see why not like above try a few ot and see what one fit in with you, also you could try the park runs and meet a few people there and find your local clubs from the people that run in them

FJMilner

I wish I'd have joined one a long time ago. I've been with my running club for a couple of months and it's great. The more experienced runners are great at motivating and will often run at the back with me. I used feel bad like I was holding everyone up, but they're all great and say that the club is more of a social thing and the serious runners tend to do their longer, faster runs on a weekend. My performance has most definitely improved, as has my confidence thanks to everyone there.....go for it I say xx

BrianSharpe

By all means join a running club.

Most clubs have members with a wide range of experience levels and athletic abilities and will offer programs suitable for those just starting to run on through to competitive distance runners. I have yet to meet a runner (and I'm sure there are boneheads out there, I just haven't come across them yet) that hasn't been willing to share training tips and ideas with newer runners.

secretlobster

If you have to ask, the answer is yes

Chances are there will be a lot of other people like yourself who are not running 6 minute miles but are looking to improve and motivate themselves. They'll be happy to have you.

Zylahe

definatly join
recently the local running group did an open invite for a c25k style program.
it was great, there were about 20 women that started, many of whom had not run for years.

and there was no pressure, we could run (walk) as fast or slow as we were able)