Joining a club - Which one?

Econoline Van

Hello all
I've done 3 marathons thus far, the last at 3:26 without much good training, and I'm bored with running by myself. Also, I'd like to try to improve as much as I possibly can. So I was wondering about joining a club. I live in Dublin city centre. I'd like to train hard but would also like some kind of social aspect to it. I'm 28. Any suggestions?

figs

I'd really recommend joining up with a club. It will improve your training and race performance no end. I was in the same boat up to recently, and have now found structured training times and group training have improved me immensely.

As for the social aspect, if it's sinking pints after every training session that you're after, then this sport doesn't really lend itself to it. If it's the craic and banter of a group session, or camaraderie of training, racing and celebrating as a team, then club running is very rewarding.

Lots of great clubs in the Dublin area.

There's already a thread with a list:
http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=67815798&postcount=1

ecoli

If your in the city the nearest to you would be Donore, MSB or possibly little further out Liffey Valley. These would be some of the clubs which would provide more of a social aspect as well as a good base of marathon runners and training groups

flying_scotsman

ecoli wrote: »

If your in the city the nearest to you would be Donore, MSB or possibly little further out Liffey Valley. These would be some of the clubs which would provide more of a social aspect as well as a good base of marathon runners and training groups

Ahem, Liffey Valley's actually closer to town than Donore

ecoli

flying_scotsman wrote: »

Ahem, Liffey Valley's actually closer to town than Donore

Really? I thought they were based out past castleknock I mean Donore is right beside the park? Another one near enough is crusaders

Here is a map with clubs labelled on it and contact details that may help you

http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?page_id=6239

Stupid_Private

ecoli wrote: »

Really? I thought they were based out past castleknock I mean Donore is right beside the park? Another one near enough is crusaders

Here is a map with clubs labelled on it and contact details that may help you

http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?page_id=6239

Liffey Valley AC is in Islandbridge, right beside the Islandbridge gates to the Phoenix Park... as mentioned, a good mile closer to town than Donore!

ecoli

Stupid_Private wrote: »

Liffey Valley AC is in Islandbridge, right beside the Islandbridge gates to the Phoenix Park... as mentioned, a good mile closer to town than Donore!

Learn something new everyday;)

PVincent

you certainly do !!!!

The last time I picked up my number for the Jingle Bells from Donore Harriers it was from their clubhouse in Islandbridge

and the last time I ran a race organised by Liffey Valley it was just beside their grit track and clubhouse near Superquinn in Lucan ...

as regards who is nearer town ..Donore comfortably ahead of Liffey Valley ...altho Crusaders in Irishtown might be as close

a big change in the last 12 months

enough confusion ...come to Knocklyon runners Tues/Thurs ...see our Facebook page under Knocklyon Runners

Stupid_Private

PVincent wrote: »

and the last time I ran a race organised by Liffey Valley it was just beside their grit track and clubhouse near Superquinn in Lucan ...

as regards who is nearer town ..Donore comfortably ahead of Liffey Valley ...altho Crusaders in Irishtown might be as close

As a member of Liffey Valley AC could I state that the clubhouse is in Islandbridge and not anywhere else that is suggested in this thread! We meet there to train for at least two organised training sessions a week. Members organise to meet amongst themselves other times for social jogs around the Phoneix Park at various times.

The grit track in Lucan beside the Superquinn belongs to Lucan Harriers as far as I'm aware.

Donore Harriers is based at the Chapelizod gates of the Phoenix Park.

Raighne

Stupid_Private wrote: »

As a member of Liffey Valley AC could I state that the clubhouse is in Islandbridge and not anywhere else that is suggested in this thread! We meet there to train for at least two organised training sessions a week. Members organise to meet amongst themselves other times for social jogs around the Phoneix Park at various times.

The grit track in Lucan beside the Superquinn belongs to Lucan Harriers as far as I'm aware.

Donore Harriers is based at the Chapelizod gates of the Phoenix Park.

Where you are located in the city centre will play a big part in what club's facilities are easiest to access for you. Apart from the clubs mentioned above my own club Crusaders is located at Irishtown and must also be considered a city centre club although originally founded in Monkstown.

clubcard

clubs debating which is closer !!!The guy is on askign for advice regarding a clun.Im sure both clubs have groups that would suit although I think Donore had a larger group of guys training for sub3 hours this year.
Liffey Valley is closer btw

Crusaders is based in irishtown but not sure if they have a big group of Marathon runners,seem to be more hill runnign and track.#Why not contact the clubs or go down on a training evening and have a chat with the coaches.

nerraw1111

Any members of the the various city centre clubs like to outline why someone should join their club?

I'm in same boat as OP. I'm not too far from either of three clubs with one club being alot closer than the others.

Stupid_Private

clubcard wrote: »

clubs debating which is closer !!!The guy is on askign for advice regarding a clun.Im sure both clubs have groups that would suit although I think Donore had a larger group of guys training for sub3 hours this year.
Liffey Valley is closer btw

I wouldn't say I was debating about being close to town - more correcting one poster that said the club was based out past Castleknock and another who said it was in Lucan! The central location of the club helps getting new members so I'm just putting the right info out there.

Any members of the the various city centre clubs like to outline why someone should join their club?

Just had a scan through some of my pm's as I've answered this plenty of times in pms and posts before

We (LVAC) are based beside Memorial Park entrance, on opposite side to Black and Amber pub, 2nd turn on right after you come over Islandbridge. We meet on tuesdays and thursdays at 6.45 training starts at 7pm sharp and also on Saturdays at convenient times to the athletes and on sundays at 10 am. You will find a good friendly training atmosphere in the club with fellow athletes who have a good competitive spirit.

Your best bet would be to come along any Tuesday or Thursday evening to try it out. Whoever opens the clubhouse door to you will be very helpful.

Raighne

The most important part is finding a club that makes you feel welcome and where you gel with the people and every club will be different in this regard so no substitute for attending a session in person (which is usually free).
On Crusaders, you are best off attending one of the club sessions on Tuesdays at 18:00 (session starts 18:30) and ask for Michael, Susan, Don or Geraldine. There are also sessions on Thursdays and Saturdays in Phoenix Park but these have lower attendance and you have the best chance of meeting the club officials for the first time at the Tuesday session and social events will also usually take place after this slot.
Our club is not focused particularly on track or hills but it does happen to be a club with access to a track. A small minority of our membership compete on the track and approx. 20-30% compete in the hills but we do have a coach focusing on hill-running (yours truly). The remaining members focus on various types of road-running. This year there was only a small marathon group but last year it was quite large and had a dedicated marathon coach to support it; so it depends on the demand.
Other than that the club offers free access to Irishtown track and gym as well as numerous other benefits that are best explained in person.
Hopefully that provides you a rough overview of one of your options: but definitely go out of your way to meet a few different clubs and ensure it has exactly “the vibe” (for lack of a better word) that you are looking for.

JosDel

Civil Service Harriers based in Phoenix Park is a good club, It has 3 good sessions per week for 90.00 per year..Saturday 10am, Sunday 9am and Wednesday 18:45...

I just joined myself 3 weeks ago and I am loving it....

http://www.phoenixparkrunners.ie/

devotional1993

No contest-join Donore -near the px park but also have a tartan track.The fact that john downes is a coach and has made huge strides with athletes makes it the one to go to.

meathcountysec

Raighne wrote: »

The most important part is finding a club that makes you feel welcome and where you gel with the people and every club will be different in this regard so no substitute for attending a session in person (which is usually free).

Not touting for business for any Meath clubs, just feel that the above advice is the best to be found on this thread so far.

christeb

If you're looking for marathon specific then I have to suggest Raheny Shamrocks - 41 finishers in DCM this year. Especially if you live on the Northside of the city

Oisin11178

What times do raheny have their sessions every week christeb?
Whats times also?

JosDel

Also what is the adult annual membership fee, dont see it on the site

times here Oisin http://www.rahenyshamrock.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=55

christeb

JosDel wrote: »

Also what is the adult annual membership fee, dont see it on the site

times here Oisin http://www.rahenyshamrock.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=55

It's €100 for this year, as we're building up for a new clubhouse in the next couple of years. Still cheaper than most clubs around (as far as I'm told). You get a club vest free too

RoyMcC

christeb wrote: »

It's €100 for this year, as we're building up for a new clubhouse in the next couple of years. Still cheaper than most clubs around (as far as I'm told). You get a club vest free too

Crusaders €85* with unrestricted use of gym

* without free vest

G-Money

I'm still curious about this myself. I guess it would be nice to join a running club from the fitness perspective but also from the social perspective. However I'm definitely not an elite runner and if anything, I'd be the complete opposite end of the scale (overweight and still not doing a sub 40 minute 5K).

I'd be interested in joining a club, but not some elitist outfit where I'd stick out like a sore thumb.

I'm based in the Dublin 18 (Stillorgan) area.

ecoli

grandmaster wrote: »

I'm still curious about this myself. I guess it would be nice to join a running club from the fitness perspective but also from the social perspective. However I'm definitely not an elite runner and if anything, I'd be the complete opposite end of the scale (overweight and still not doing a sub 40 minute 5K).

I'd be interested in joining a club, but not some elitist outfit where I'd stick out like a sore thumb.

I'm based in the Dublin 18 (Stillorgan) area.

DSD have a meet and train group?
Rathfarnam close by?
Brothers Pearse?
Tallaght (shameless plug)

Hope i not forgetting anyone or my information slightly inaccurate (have a bad track record of that;))

G-Money

ecoli wrote: »

DSD have a meet and train group?
Rathfarnam close by?
Brothers Pearse?
Tallaght (shameless plug)

Hope i not forgetting anyone or my information slightly inaccurate (have a bad track record of that;))

I heard DSD were a bit elitist...

ecoli

grandmaster wrote: »

I heard DSD were a bit elitist...

Think there are certain members trying to remedy this (there was someone here on boards mentioning this a while back????)
Dont think there is that problem with Rathfarnam and I know Tallaght for certain there isnt though it might be a bit of a trek.
Fit for life groups may be an option to there may be one in your area?

gerard65

ecoli wrote: »

DSD have a meet and train group?
Rathfarnam close by?
Brothers Pearse?
Tallaght (shameless plug)

Hope i not forgetting anyone or my information slightly inaccurate (have a bad track record of that;))

You forgot sportsworld - http://www.sportsworld-terenure.ie/
They cater for all levels.

RayCun

gerard65 wrote: »

You forgot sportsworld - http://www.sportsworld-terenure.ie/
They cater for all levels.

Yes, I know a couple of Sportsworld members and they seem to have a fairly wide range of runners.
Weren't DSD doing a meet & train in Marlay Park that was aimed at novices?

Woddle

Bray runners only down the road ish

G-Money

Some people have mentioned those Fit4Life groups. What is the story with them? I seen another link to some of their events and their finishing times are very quick it seems. Is that what they do, have regular events or what?

I'm interested in joining a club but my pace is very, very slow (yet to break 40 minutes for a 5K) so I don't want to feel like a loser trapsing around, miles and miles behind everyone else. And I guess I'm a bit concerned that being last and so far off the pace would be very demotivating.

RayCun

I suppose it depends on the club - who else is in the group, and whether they have training sessions that can accommodate a wide range of paces.

I'd say a lot of clubs will have a few new people joining in January, and will make a point of having more inclusive sessions then.

hollypink

grandmaster wrote: »

Some people have mentioned those Fit4Life groups. What is the story with them? I seen another link to some of their events and their finishing times are very quick it seems. Is that what they do, have regular events or what?

I'm interested in joining a club but my pace is very, very slow (yet to break 40 minutes for a 5K) so I don't want to feel like a loser trapsing around, miles and miles behind everyone else. And I guess I'm a bit concerned that being last and so far off the pace would be very demotivating.

I'm thinking of trying Fit4Life myself as there's a club near me. I do like running on my own but not on these dark winter evenings. The website says it's suitable for beginners through to regular runners. Some info on the fit4life programme here including a list of clubs and contacts:http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?page_id=3156

G-Money

hollypink wrote: »

I'm thinking of trying Fit4Life myself as there's a club near me. I do like running on my own but not on these dark winter evenings. The website says it's suitable for beginners through to regular runners. Some info on the fit4life programme here including a list of clubs and contacts:http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?page_id=3156

So you join an athletics club that has a Fit4Life group and attend those sessions? Is that how it works? I thought it was it's own unique club or something, as opposed to a programme that runs in different clubs throughout the country.

christeb

grandmaster wrote: »

So you join an athletics club that has a Fit4Life group and attend those sessions? Is that how it works? I thought it was it's own unique club or something, as opposed to a programme that runs in different clubs throughout the country.

nah it's a dedicated group within a club, they should all have one. I know the F4L group in Raheny is very accessible, they should have some short races too

G-Money

Fired off a few emails to clubs that aren't too far away from me that did or do have Fit4Life. Let's see what they say.

Raighne

I advise against letting Fit4Life being the only indicator of whether your club will be good for beginners or not.

Crusaders have Fit4Life (as I'd imagine most clubs do these days) but that is just a particular vehicle for driving beginner participation.

With or without the Fit4Life tag, if a club has the appropriate number of coaches and their training is structured to facilitate groups of different levels as well as a good system of "meet and greet" for beginners that makes them feel welcome and included from the start and not looking lost in a corner wondering who to talk to, you are off to the right start.

Having coaches that understand the needs of beginners is obviously important, but there are probably more of these (at a guess) than those who may have become so specialised training experienced runners that they wouldn't be able to effectively ease someone into the sport any longer.

I know from experience that we have a good structure around beginners, but I expect this to be the case for most of the established clubs and you really can only make the right decision by joining a session. If you're lucky to know someone that's always a great way in, but most clubs realise that people are trying to break into the sport without contacts and will have their setup prepared for new people showing up every week.

For bigger inner-city clubs, I imagine it would be normal to have well over sixty runners (up to a hundred) on a good night available for sessions which allows for a lot of groups to form.

Chartsengrafs

I'm thinking of calling up to Clonliffe Harriers on Sunday as they're quite close to me. Does anyone know if they're reasonable open to newbies trying out? I run 5k in 20 mins odd, have run 10k in 42 mins a few times. Tried calling but had no luck.

G-Money

Turns out my running friend is also in Rathfarnham AC and he was on at me to join it when I told him I was considering joining a club. So I reckon I might do just that. :eek: