Beginning runner needs advice- should I join a running group?

[ChicagoJen]

Hello Educated Crowd,

I was thinking about paying to join a beginning runner's group here in the city because I just can't seem to muster the motivation to start even a simple running program. I just don't like running, but I would really like to get the benefits!!! Unfortunately, all of my friends either (a) smoke, or (b) are too advanced in their running abilities and leave me in the dust.

Has anyone joined a beginning runner's group and had a good experience with it? I'm wondering if it's really worth the money.

Thanks, everyone, and keep up the great work! :7

Jen

 

[defietz]

Hi Jen, I never joined a running club, but I do run, and am a beginner/low intermediate. Im just wondering how much it would cost to join a club and what happens if you find that you still really dont enjoy running?? I know for me, I entered a 10k race that was 4 months away, and that was enough motivation for me to work at getting better. I have since found that I love running, and am doing another 10k this weekend. I also found a buddy that is at my level, so that does make it a little more fun, however, for me, I like running by myself just as much!!

I know Im not really answering your ?, but I cant see how spending money on something that you dont like would help you in the long run--no pun intended!

Good luck
Jayne

 

[trprwife]

Hi Jen. I am soooo jealous. I don't have a runner's club where I live and I would love to join one. I have never heard anything bad about joinning one...only good things....through Runner's World magazine. I am not sure how much a membership fee would run, but if you are not sure that you may even like running, maybe try running for a while on your own to get a "feel" for it. I know, you said that is why you are joinning because you can't get started on your own. It would really bite if you joinned and then realized that you really don't like it.

Kim

 

[26.2runner]

Can you find a running group in which you don't have to pay to join? In my community, I found several groups (usually attached to local running stores) that have free group runs. It has helped my running immeasurably. I started running for the fitness benefits. Now, even without them (I have lost 42 lbs) I would still be running. I completed my first marathon in April and have run several other races.

 

[AndreaL]

If you really hate running I don't know if a running club would help. I like running and when I run with a running group it is much more fun. Even in a group though you may not find anyone that is the same pace as you.

There are so many options out there, that if you hate running you can find something else. Also, most runners do it because they love running, not because of results. Find something you love!

Andrea

 

[pfive]

RE: Beginning runner needs advice- should I join a runn...

Jen,

Definitely check with your local running store. That's what I did. I found a group right in my home town and most of them belong to the St. Louis Track Club but seeing how it was inconvenient for all those in Illinois to drive across the bridge to meet for those sessions they met on their own and ran to and on a track at a nearby junior high school. It's so much fun running with others. Most of them had run several marathons, so when I joined in they had just completed one and were all doing easy runs (which made it easy for me to keep up).

But I noticed improvements in my running! At first after a few fast paced 400's I was wiped out but each week I was able to go further and that's what I was looking to do - increase my stamina, endurance, breathing, pace.... just to name a few!

The group from the running store, anyone can join in and it's free. But if I wanted to receive the discounted rates for participating in all the local races (IL and MO) I had the option of joining the Track Club. This particular group was very laid back, funny, like a group of friends and they rewarded themselves once a month by going to a local restaurant (after a night of sprints) to hang out! They'd chat about races, long runs planned outside of the group some of them with each other, their kids, spouses --- just the gang out having fun!

I urge you to find a free group to join before handing over any money. I know here the fee is a yearly one ($40) but if you meet the first few times, then find yourself skipping out, you've lost your money!

Good luck finding a group!
Angie