Too soon to join a club?

25-08-2014 4:34pm #1

I took up running at the end of March. Prior to that I couldn't really run at all. It started with an 8 week beginners course, similar to the Couch to 5k but in a class setting. I loved it and I'm not sure I would have progressed without it.

So since then, I've been building up my distances. I've done a couple of parkruns, a 7.5km race, a 5 mile race, a couple of 10kms, and on Saturday I did the Warriors Run in Sligo (slowly). I'm currently following the Hal Higdon Novice 2 training plan for the Dublin half marathon in a few weeks time. I'm very slow. My half will take me over 2 hours.

I'm basically trying to figure out if I'm ready to join a club? On the one hand, I'm thinking it might help me to improve, and on the other I'm thinking I should improve before I start getting fancy ideas into my head about clubs and the likes.

So what stage have others joined clubs at?
What can I expect from a club?

RacoonQueen · 25-08-2014 4:42pm

It's never too soon to join a club. What time would you to 10KM in?

25-08-2014 4:44pm

RacoonQueen wrote: »

It's never too soon to join a club. What time would you to 10KM in?

My last race was a month ago and was 63mins. I may have improved slightly on that, but not much.

RacoonQueen · 25-08-2014 5:10pm

You'd be fine, may depend on what groups clubs local to you provide. Where do you live/work? Many clubs will have fit4life groups - Donore have one which is really just a second womens group some would be that bit slower than the main ladies group but many are as fast or faster than the people at the slower end in the main womens group.

Krusty_Clown · 25-08-2014 5:19pm

Clubs typically have a huge range of standards, from 70 minute half marathoners to 3+ hours. You'll be a perfect fit.

Burgman · 25-08-2014 5:43pm

Others haven't answered your question though:

Deleted User wrote: »

What can I expect from a club?

Here is my tuppence worth: You can expect coaching, support, advice, friendship, understanding, learning, improvement, craic, banter ..... and much more. You can also expect to find people of the same standard as yourself, equally committed to improvement. I doubt that clubs will chase after you for an annual subscription until you are going to keep it up. Minimum risk and minimum outlay from you. Get yourself to a club now!

rom · 25-08-2014 7:28pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I took up running at the end of March. Prior to that I couldn't really run at all. It started with an 8 week beginners course, similar to the Couch to 5k but in a class setting. I loved it and I'm not sure I would have progressed without it.

So since then, I've been building up my distances. I've done a couple of parkruns, a 7.5km race, a 5 mile race, a couple of 10kms, and on Saturday I did the Warriors Run in Sligo (slowly). I'm currently following the Hal Higdon Novice 2 training plan for the Dublin half marathon in a few weeks time. I'm very slow. My half will take me over 2 hours.

I'm basically trying to figure out if I'm ready to join a club? On the one hand, I'm thinking it might help me to improve, and on the other I'm thinking I should improve before I start getting fancy ideas into my head about clubs and the likes.

So what stage have others joined clubs at?
What can I expect from a club?

Best thing is to look at local race results and see what clubs have people doing similar times, are similar age demographic etc. basically thats it.

frogstar · 25-08-2014 7:53pm

Where are you based?

I would recommend club running as long as you pick the right club.

A few friends joined a club in Dublin that didn't suit as the club only had v quick runners. It not nice being the last one left behind.

My club has groups for all abilities. Post where you are based and you may get some recommendations. It's great running with a group, gives you a lot of motivation

frogstar · 25-08-2014 7:57pm

Oh by the way you are not very slow. Your 10k is a great time and so is your half time that you are aiming to do!

25-08-2014 8:22pm

Thanks for the replies, I am in South Dublin, I would be looking at Dundrum or Blackrock most likely. I really want to improve both my times and distances. I know very little about running, I was always a "lift something heavy" kinda girl so I think I'm at the point where I need a little more guidance. I have great friends who give me so much info and support, but I think a club might help too on a more long term basis.

rom · 25-08-2014 8:29pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Thanks for the replies, I am in South Dublin, I would be looking at Dundrum or Blackrock most likely. I really want to improve both my times and distances. I know very little about running, I was always a "lift something heavy" kinda girl so I think I'm at the point where I need a little more guidance. I have great friends who give me so much info and support, but I think a club might help too on a more long term basis.

On the money.

PVincent · 25-08-2014 8:29pm

A little bit of research on some of your extensive posts tell me that Blackrock AC ( dublin) would be the best club for you to join. They have a new adult meet and train section under the watchful eye of an experienced guy. It's a very buzzy club with a progressive attitude ( big kids club there as well) . Definitely join a club , it's the best way forward for all the reasons noted in previous posts

carlton36 · 28-08-2014 11:19pm

You may want to also consider the DSD Adult Meet & Train group, typical 10KM times range from 37 - 65 mins per their Adult Meet & Train group website. They do most of their running in Marlay Park, particularly in the summer months which may suit. You mention Park runs, you can usually catch a few of the DSD members at the Marlay Park runs for a chat if you want to learn more. Regardless of which club, joining a club is definitely the way to go.

donnacha · 28-08-2014 11:47pm

I got this email from Blackrock AC earlier this week.

Thanks for your previous interest in Blackrock A.C. Fit4life

The Fit4Life Section is holding an Open Week (Tuesday 2nd and Thursday 4th September) to allow joggers or runners t come along to try it out with no obligation. After a year in existence, the group has over 50 members and caters for total beginners up to those doing half or full marathon training. The majority of members are aiming to do a 5km or 10km run. If you have not found a club and would like to walk, jog or run in a friendly supportive group environment, feel free to come along on Tuesday or Thursday.

Too soon to join a club?

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