5 reasons to join a running club

Working out on your own can be a drag, so here are 5 reasons to join a running club.

Running is one of the best sports out there – it’s a great way to get fit, challenge yourself and explore new places. But running can also be tough, especially if you’re trying to stick to a running programme solo and can’t get your buddies on board. If there’s no one there to keep you accountable you’re so much more likely to stay curled up on the sofa and skip that training run. However, there is a solution. Running clubs are fantastic and can make all the difference when it comes to achieving your running goals.

1. Get out of your comfort zone

Are you stuck in a running rut where it feels like you’ll never get faster and there’s nothing you can do about it? ‘When you run by yourself, you find a pace you’re comfortable with and usually stay there,’ says Elle Linton, personal trainer, blogger and fitness expert for the Cancer Research London Winter Run. ‘Running with others challenges that. You can end up running faster than you ever thought you could and open your eyes to what’s possible for you!’ It’ll be PBs all the way, and who wouldn’t want that?

2. More support

Running isn’t always easy, and from time to time everyone needs a little support, right? Other runners understand this, and when you join a running club you’ll find yourself with a whole crew of cheerleaders. According to Brian Page, founder of running club So Let’s Go Running, when the going gets tough ‘that little bit of support and hearing your name being called out usually seems to raise the effort to dig in and succeed.’

3. Stay safe, be seen

Short winter days mean you’re more likely to find yourself running in the dark, which presents all sorts of dangers. ’Running in a group helps to reduce some risk,’ advises Elle. ‘You’ll be running with others who are going to be wearing reflective clothing and have lights, and are also there to look out for you and your safety.’ So grab your brightest running kit, clip on some flashing lights and head out with a pack to stay safe this winter.

4. Meet new people

What’s the best thing about joining a running club? ‘You get to meet new people doing something you enjoy!’ says Elle. Head out with a group and before you know it you’ll be chatting away with other runners and swapping tips and advice about all things running (and some other things too!). ‘You’ll hear about races they’ve completed and are planning on doing, which sometimes helps you to decide whether or not to join in yourself!’ Plus, if you do join in you’ll have ready-made race buddies, making race day even more fun.

5. Expert help

If you want to take your running to the next level then a running club could help you get there. Running clubs are structured to help you maximise your potential and get the most out of every training session. In any running club ‘there should be structured groups according to the needs and abilities of all the runners at the club,’ says Brian, ‘along with qualified run leaders or coaches.’ Brian explains that run leaders ‘will bring knowledge of nutrition, proper stretching techniques and running drills,’ and coaches have an even wider array of skills, including the ability ‘to create and adapt programmes for runners.’ With all that expert support you’ll see improvements before you know it!