Starting Or Finding A Running Group

Yesterday I talked about how my running group got started, and I promised that today I would talk about finding a group. But first, I want to talk about the benefits of being in a running group.

• Benefits of running with a group:
• Knowing others are waiting for you, keeps you accountable!
• It’s safer than running alone.
• Other runners provide companionship and help make the time go by faster.
• You’ll have someone to pace with and push you when needed.
• You’ll have the opportunity to push your friend when needed.
• You hear about upcoming races that you might not have heard about otherwise.
• You have someone to bounce training ideas off of.
• You have someone who can check your form if necessary.
• You have someone to share your running goals with, and someone to help you achieve those goals.

There are all types of running groups you can join… some are for speedsters, some are for recreational runners, some are for run/walkers, some are for cancer survivors, some are for partiers, some formed from a group of neighbors; you name it and you can probably find a group of people who share a common interest.

• Places to look to find a running group:
• Local gym – Look for signs or ask the fitness manager if the gym has a running group.
• Running store – Our local running store not only has a very active running group, but they also offer training programs for all distances.
• Road Runners Club of America
• Facebook – Your friends may post that they just completed a run with a particular group.
• Online – Moms RUN This Town (MRTT) has chapters all over the country, and joining them is as simple as finding your local chapter and asking to join their private Facebook group.
• On the trail – Don’t be shy, if you see a group of runners on the trial, ask if you can join them.
• Work – Ask other running friends if they are part of a group. The Cruisers just added a fun new member this way!
• Race web site – Upcoming races may have weekend group runs or a training program leading up to the race.
• Ask your local high school’s cross-country coach if they know of any running groups in the ares.

If you would prefer to start your own running group, don’t be afraid to get the word out that you’re looking for running friends! Post on social media, send out emails, talk to your work friend, etc. and let everyone know that you’re serious about forming a group and willing to be the team leader. Set up a time and location for your first run. If you have people from several different walks of life, consider serving fruit, bagels, and water or chocolate milk immediately after the run so everyone can get a chance to meet everyone else (especially if you have runners of varying speeds).

If you have any questions about starting or finding a running group, please feel free to contact me or leave a comment below.

• Questions:
• Are you part of a running group?
• Have you ever had chocolate milk as a recovery drink after a run?