Benefits of Joining a Run Club
7 Benefits of Joining a Run Club
We’ve all been there — the moment you wake up after hitting snooze a few too many times — only to realize you’ve slept through yet another morning jog. The guilt starts to set in, and you’re a little bummed. While you desperately want to get into a regular routine, the idea of going at it solo is less than enticing.
That’s where running clubs come in. If you haven’t heard of a run club before, you may have seen them out and about. They’re those glowing, Lycra-clad pavement-pounders who are always up before dawn and sipping their victory coffees by 7 am.
Run clubs typically range in size and fitness levels, so you can find the perfect one for you. There are even online groups if you can’t find the right fit IRL. Still not sure if a running club is right for you? Here are a few reasons you should consider joining a club.
What is a run club?
A running club is a group of people you can meet up with who all have the same goals in common, to jog or run, it does not necessarily mean you do it just on the weekends in a run club you meet other people you can join up with during the week or weekends to go for a jog. While a lot of people may be put off by joining a group of runners it can be a fun experience and in a way can make it easier to get motivated to exercise.
Run clubs can be fund and are accommodated to the area where you can meet up in parks, run trails and even mountain runs. I personally have experienced a running group first hand and I must say that besides being fun you meet a lot of like-minded and interesting people who all share the same goals and that is to get your daily running fix.
This does not mean you have to commit every day often times I will skip the group and jog a few days on my own, on days when I want to change things up I will take a look at the schedule and if it fits I will join up and go for a group run. Some of the benefits of joining a run club include:
1. It’ll perfect your form
Just starting out in running? An expert runner usually supervises run club sessions. They can analyse your stride, check your form, and give you helpful feedback (especially beneficial if you’re training for a race or trying to lose those last few pounds). If your local running group doesn’t have a professioanl coach, there will most likely be someone in your group who has enough experience to offer their (very) valuable two cents.
2. It’ll change up your routine
Sure, your regular running path is comfortable. There’s no shame in knowing it takes precisely 51 seconds to get from your house to *that* hill. But, mixing it up is important to keep you interested and your body challenged, and a running club will take you outside your comfort zone and onto a new path. Literally. Not only will you get a chance to take in some fresh scenery, your muscles will love the challenge of unfamiliar terrain.
3. You’ll make new friends
Nothing builds friendships quicker than a shared hatred of suicide sprints. Exposing yourself to groups outside your usual circle creates valuable relationships within a community of like-minded and motivated individuals. So instead of zoning out with headphones and counting down the minutes, you’ll be discussing last night’s Bachie, and wondering how the time flew by so quickly.
4. It’ll give your motivation a makeover
Fact: an exercise buddy can dramatically increase your chances of getting up and showing up. And when your buddy is a whole group of people? Even better. Plus, your club will provide just enough healthy competition to push you to your next PB.
5. It takes the pressure off
How many times have you skipped a running sesh because you were out of training ideas? Time is a precious thing, and most people don’t have heaps to spend on planning. Join a run club and you won’t have to plan your workout every time. Most trainers will direct your sessions, or the group will pre-determine the running route and pace. This way you can break a sweat without sweatin’ it.
6. You’ll score extra happy feels
Running can make you happy, and running in groups can make you even happier. Exercise such as running can help lower symptoms of depression, boost self-esteem, alleviate anxiety, and increase mental sharpness. Add these benefits to the feelings of social acceptance and camaraderie you’ll feel when exercising with a group and you’re onto a winner.
7. You can find your group online
If you’re ready to make friends and step up your fitness game, start by joining an online running group like in your area, all you need to do is search online and there are hundreds of running groups, many of the have personal reviews and offer information on where they run. The other benefit many running groups offer is that they offer access to women-specific training plans, recipes, expert advice and, of course, a community of supportive, like-minded runners.
Conclusion
Running clubs can be a lot of fun, they offer many benefits, you meet a lot of great people and it can help keep you motivated, especially when motivation is low. I love the change of scenery and meeting new people which in itself takes away all the monotony of going for a jog all by yourself.
