How to Join a Running Club

The thought of joining a group of like-minded running enthusiasts may have crossed your mind, but doubts over what this entails may have kept you from making the leap. Throughout the country there are many different kinds of running clubs, organized around different ideas from competition to fundraising. You can easily find a running club that will meet your goals and fit into your busy schedule.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Find a Running Club in Your Area

1. Determine what your running goals are. If you are interested in entering competitions, non-profit groups such as the Road Runners Club of America can provide you with a list of training clubs in your area. If you are interested in shedding a few pounds and toning up through running, ask your gym whether they sponsor a running club.
2. Look for running clubs that offer additional support such as conditioning training or mile tracking.
3. Seek out a club that meets on a day and time that is consistently convenient for you. If you are unable to attend several meetings in a row, the real benefit of consistent training found in joining a running club will be lost.
4. Find a club with members of similar ability. There is nothing more frustrating than being held back or pushed too hard because the other runners around you are running at a different level.
5. Look for a club that offers a starter session or beginner's day if you are new to running. You can participate in this training session where you might learn about proper running styles, what kind of shoes are required to avoid injuries as well as how to track your progress before you join the club.

Make the Commitment to Running With Others

6. Expect to pay a small membership fee to join many running clubs. These dues are generally used to support the administrative needs of the club such as a website and may even help sponsor young runners in upcoming competitions.
7. Make a difference when you join a running club to train for a charitable marathon. Many fundraising runs offer training clubs throughout the area in which the marathon is being held.
8. Utilize your running club's online support tools if they offer them. You can keep track of how far you've come in your fitness goals with mile trackers, running journals and even calorie counters.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your physician before beginning any training program to ensure that you are healthy enough to participate.

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