
5 Great Reasons to Join a Running Club
For some, joining a running club can be a daunting prospect, but it can be one of the best things you ever do for your running. From the camaraderie of like-minded people, to shared experiences, tips and motivation, there are loads of great reasons to head on down to your local club.
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1. Improve your Running
You’ll meet and run with experienced runners and you’ll pick up lots of tips, from training, to injuries, to how to improve etc. A lot of clubs also will give you access to coaching with trainers, who will work with you to help you to improve your running and achieve your goals.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that running clubs are for elite runners only, or that you have to wait until you’re faster or more experienced before you join. Most clubs have different pace sessions for different abilities, and there’s usually a good mix from the experienced runners and speed merchants to beginners and people just wanting to get fit.
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2. Commitment and Motivation
Running with other people is likely to make you push on that little bit faster or run that little bit further, and break new boundaries. And when it’s cold and dark outside, it’s much easier to get out for a run knowing you won’t suffer alone. Committing to a running club session and an enforced schedule will help motivate you to put your running shoes on when you’d rather curl up on the sofa with a glass of wine. At the same time, there’s no obligation, so if you don’t feel like it or you’re busy and miss a session, that’s ok too.
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3. Support and Friendship
Non-running family and friends will only tolerate discussing your latest PB or black toenails for so long. Your fellow running club members will endlessly discuss running highs and lows, and through shared running experiences, you’ll forge new friendships with people who share your goals and love of running. Most running clubs hold regular social events where you can get to know everyone. You’ll also get to wear your club strip at races and be part of a team.
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4. Variety, Structure and New Routes
Joining a running club will introduce you to and encourage you to try different ways of training, from hill training to fartlek. Committing to something like a weekly speed session at your club will help structure your training, whilst support and encouragement from your fellow runners will keep your effort levels up and help prevent you from dipping out of harder sessions. You can also bet that you’ll learn lots of new routes in your area.
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5. Cheaper Race Entries
Most running clubs are now affiliated to UK Athletics. Your membership fee usually (although not always, so check with your club) includes registration with UK Athletics – which means that as an affiliated club runner you’ll be entitled to discounted entry to many races.
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You can find your local club here http://www.britishathletics.org.uk/grassroots/search/
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Are you feeling inspired? Then join our SportsShoes Strava Run Club and become part of our inclusive community.
And for more inspirational tips to become stronger, better and happier, then check out our Motivation category. Because it’s no fun standing still.
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Welcome to the SportsShoes Motivation Hub! From real-life stories, tips and inspiration, here you'll find everything you need to motivate you to keep pushing your limits and break PBs.
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