Alongside more traditional structures of athletics and trail running associations, loads of running clubs are popping up all over the world. Why? Because among other things, running in a group provides support, motivation, and personal connection. So if you’re wondering about joining a running club listen to what Sophia Bolte (Salomon employee and founder of bold. running club in Munich) has to say in this article and we’re sure you’ll be convinced.
Key Benefits of Running Clubs
Running as a way to enrich your social life
Running is an individual sport and whether for logistical reasons or for the freedom to follow their personal training plan, many runners prefer to run alone. However, running in a club can bring you many social benefits by providing a new, enriching, and inspiring way to meet others. In these days of digital technology and the omnipresence of screens, rediscovering authentic human relationships through sport is a great way for many of us to find balance. Join a group to boost your motivation and support!For instance, implements grabbing a coffee after training to easily find your way into the community.
So it should be no surprise that running communities are growing and diversifying all over the world. Being part of one of these communities, with their core values of mutual support and inclusion, can also help boost your self-confidence (especially if you're new to running) and help you flourish socially. On top of all that, since it's good for your health, why deprive yourself?
Join a group to boost your motivation and support
Joining a running club is an excellent way to establish a positive training routine. With regularly scheduled outings (for example, Sophia's club in Munich meets every Monday at 7a.m.) you'll be able to build a training base while also having fun with friends.
And if you’re interested in entering some races, you’ll more than likely to find others in the club who are also keen. Running clubs provide an ideal opportunity to learn first-hand from experienced competitors as you tackle a challenge like a marathon. And from a practical point of view, the ability to carpool and share travel costs when travelling to an event is always a big help.
Improved running performance
In a club, there are usually several groups of different ability levels so that people can train more effectively. If you're goal is to compete, comparing yourself to others will help you gauge both your ability and fitness level. In addition, training sessions might be supervised by a coach who can ensure you start with a solid foundation before helping you progress as an athlete. You can also take part in specific exercise sessions such as splits or strength training, which aren't always much fun when you're on your own.
Asking other runners questions – about equipment, training, routes, races, etc. – can steer you in the right direction and build your confidence along the way. Listening to the advice that’s available within your community is a good way to become a part of running culture.
Running Club Coaching and Training
Discovering new routes and local knowledge
Running with a club allows you to discover new routes that will break up the monotony of your usual training circuit. The experienced running leaders guide you through the city on different routes, so you get to discover new places, which is a beautiful active way to explore especially when you’re new to a city. Simply following the group is a relaxed way to run and you’re open to the environment around you and more willing to exchange experiences with other runners. In Sophia’s club, anyone can suggest a route or a new section they’ve recently discovered, and leading a full group on your favorite course can be a memorable experience in an athlete’s life!
Travelling abroad or to an unfamiliar city? Contact a local club, even for a single outing, and discover a new playground while being guided by the locals. Sophia can attest to this based on her trips to Australia and New Zealand!
Choosing the Right Running Club
Have we convinced you to join a running club? Now you need to find one that’s close to where you live or work and in which you feel comfortable. Here's our advice on how find the right door to knock on.
Tips for finding the best fit
Running clubs have increased in popularity thanks to social networks. The Strava platform is certainly the easiest way to find a club and get precise information on available outings. A search on Instagram can also give you an idea of the spirit, ability level and organization of a group, and after seeing a few posts you should easily know enough to join the group at the next training session.
Take the time to find a good club
To make sure you have the most fun running with your club, take the time to choose one whose atmosphere and spirit you like. The organization of training sessions should also fit in as well as possible with your schedule so that you can attend regularly. Finally, if your club provides the opportunity to improve your skills, that's an undeniable and important advantage.
So don't hesitate to try a few different running groups to see how they are organized. Keep in mind, it’s not a problem if you decide that you need to change clubs as your running evolves.
Run with a group that caters to your skill level
The question of a group’s ability level is crucial, as it's not much fun to have to endure an outing that's too fast and difficult, or to have to constantly slow your pace.
Clubs generally offer outings for different skill levels, and routes are often planned so that people can run shorter distances or stop whenever they need to. Find out all you can before you start, even if it means first joining a group that runs at a pace that's too easy for you.
Community Building
Creating a running community
Running in a club is fun, provides the chance to meet new people, and will improve your running. Once you find a club that's right for you, you'll be able to take on challenges you never thought possible thanks to the collective energy. Do you feel the need to run alone to be able to focus on your personal training? Jumping in on club runs from time to time is a great way to shake up your usual training and keep your motivation at its peak. Go for it!
