Run clubs are so trendy on social media right now. After trying a few different run clubs, both in person, and online communities, I’d argue that they’re worth the hype. Here’s my experience trying run clubs, and if I think they’re worth it.
In my opinion, run clubs serve three purposes. The first is to get exercise, of course. The second is that it’s a forceful motivation to train. Running with others not only helps you feel like you need to keep up with the pace of the group, but seeing the social media posts of everyone out on the same Tuesday night, makes you want to return for another run. The third reason, and to me the most important, is that run clubs are a form of community.
Run Clubs as Community Building
I’ve been feeling such a need to be in community with people, in real life, face to face. Going to run clubs last year was one of my first introductions to groups of people who come together in community over a shared interest. It’s such a unique opportunity, when most of us are sitting at computers all day, and then staring at big and little screen when we get home.
Run clubs not only get us outside into the fresh air, but chatting with people who we might not normally meet. The great thing is though, that the conversation is easy when you’re coming together over a shared interest like running, and you live near each other. There’s an automatic topic to small talk about, like “are you training for a race?” Most run clubs are also in the cities where the attendees live, so you’ll see familiar faces over and over.
I went to about 6-7 run club meetings in my city, and a few in other local cities (like 5 miles away). I saw some of the same faces at all of them. Even if you’re not the social type to go out of your way to meet everyone, seeing familiar faces is comforting. Plus, there will definitely be some run club regulars who go out of their way to talk to you and make you feel comfortable.
Run Clubs have started a movement back to in-person gatherings where we can do something we love with each other. I’m here for it.
Run Clubs as Motivation
When I was training for my triathlon last year (another post on that soon), I was struggling with my motivation to run outside. And then when I got outside, I was struggling to stay running instead of stopping to walk. Run club helps with my motivation all around.
There’s this awesome mind block that happens when you’re running, where you feel like you have to stop. Sometimes you do, but sometimes you just need to slow down and keep going and push through the discomfort. Running with the club helps, because I want to keep up with the group, or at least feel like if they can do it, so can I.
It’s hard to even get the motivation to get out of the house for a run. Not to mention, that if you’re a woman running outside (especially at night) can be sketchy or feel unsafe. The run clubs I’ve been to meet at night time after work, so they allowed me to run in the dark when I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to. Plus, they got me out of the house and running because I didn’t want to miss out on the community I had started to become part of.
What You Need to Know Before Going to Run Club
- Go at your own pace: I know, I said they’re a motivation to keep up with everyone else. But I’ve found that the running community that goes to run clubs is so supportive of whatever pace you’re at. All of the ones I’ve been to have people who make sure no one is left behind, and check at intersections to make sure everyone made it. I’ve been running alone at the back of the pack before, and they made sure I got in, and even cheered when I did.
- Be Friendly: Run clubs are little communities of people, and when it’s your first time, they’re going to welcome you with open arms. Go into it wanting to make friends, and it will make it so much easier. Have a few questions ready to go and talk about. Asking about upcoming races, how often they train, and how long they’ve been coming to this club are all good conversation starters.
- Wear bright colors: If you’re running in the dark, wear bright colors so you don’t get hit by a car (haha, but for real). Sometimes you might be running in bike lanes, and some people will even wear reflective vests or head lamps!
- Follow them on Instagram: My run clubs have Instagrams, where they post the route ahead of time. When I was first starting, I felt so much better when I knew the route so that I didn’t have to feel worried about getting lost. It also helps with if you know you aren’t ready for hills, you can skip that week. Or challenge yourself!
People to Follow Online for Run Club Content
Before I got off of social media, I made my Instagram a safe haven for inspiring running content that was non judgmental, and inclusive. So often, online content and comments can be majorly discouraging for slow runners, or anyone who doesn’t look like the typical marathoner.
There are a few accounts on Instagram who create welcoming communities for runners of all kind, and even have their own run clubs. Bigirlswhorun_ by Danielle Burnett is my favorite, and she started an actual club in Southern California if you’re looking for that face to face connection. Claremonttrotters is my local run club, and I love the group they’ve built!
Overall, I’m obsessed with run clubs for their motivating, and community building power. I don’t go all the time anymore now that I am cycling so often, but if you’re looking for more in person activities, with like minded people, find your local run club. I hope this has helped you feel more confident trying something new and putting yourself out there!
Happy running,
