Running clubs - Cork

ncmc

I have been feeling a bit un-motivated since running Cork City Marathon, so I think the time has come to join a running club. I’m having a bit of trouble deciding which one to join. My interest would be to cut my time in longer races (HM and marathon) rather than shorter races and I would also like to have the option of having company on long runs. To those that are in clubs, how did you chose? There are a couple near me in Fermoy/Mitchelstown, but I would imagine they are on the small side, I don’t see many of their vests at races. I could also join any of the city clubs and just go straight from work, I’m leaning towards Eagle A/C, purely because it is one of the largest if not the largest in the city. Should I go to a session of a couple of different clubs and see which I prefer? Or is anyone here a member of any of the Cork clubs and can sell their club to me

blockic

ncmc wrote: »

I have been feeling a bit un-motivated since running Cork City Marathon, so I think the time has come to join a running club. I’m having a bit of trouble deciding which one to join. My interest would be to cut my time in longer races (HM and marathon) rather than shorter races and I would also like to have the option of having company on long runs. To those that are in clubs, how did you chose? There are a couple near me in Fermoy/Mitchelstown, but I would imagine they are on the small side, I don’t see many of their vests at races. I could also join any of the city clubs and just go straight from work, I’m leaning towards Eagle A/C, purely because it is one of the largest if not the largest in the city. Should I go to a session of a couple of different clubs and see which I prefer? Or is anyone here a member of any of the Cork clubs and can sell their club to me

I reckon you won't go too far wrong with Eagle, very popular club. Grellan and corkrunning are members their I think. But you could do what you say and try a couple and decide.

Not many clubs would focus on Marathon/Half marathons but more 5km/10km work on the track. So you'd still be doing a fair bit on your own. I suspect Eagle do sessions in CIT or the Mardyke?

What it will do however is allow you to meet runners of similar ability to yourself and then you can arrange group or weekend LSRs with them. This is probably the most benificial as I know that I'm finding it tough going to do LSRs on my own anymore, pure hard graft!!

Also seeing runners progress who were previously in say your "group" will make you push on that bit further to keep up with them.

Joining aa club is definitely the way to go for you btw. The sooner the better and you will get the mojo back.

ncmc

blockic wrote: »

I reckon you won't go too far wrong with Eagle, very popular club. Grellan and corkrunning are members their I think. But you could do what you say and try a couple and decide.

Not many clubs would focus on Marathon/Half marathons but more 5km/10km work on the track. So you'd still be doing a fair bit on your own. I suspect Eagle do sessions in CIT or the Mardyke?

What it will do however is allow you to meet runners of similar ability to yourself and then you can arrange group or weekend LSRs with them. This is probably the most benificial as I know that I'm finding it tough going to do LSRs on my own anymore, pure hard graft!!

Also seeing runners progress who were previously in say your "group" will make you push on that bit further to keep up with them.

Joining aa club is definitely the way to go for you btw. The sooner the better and you will get the mojo back.

Think I'm just going to bite the bullet and go with Eagle A/C, if it's good enough for Grellan and John Desmond then it's good enough for me! They do sessions in CIT on a Tuesday and Thursday and then organise long runs for a Saturday, so that should keep me ticking along nicely for the summer.

druss

ncmc wrote: »

I have been feeling a bit un-motivated since running Cork City Marathon, so I think the time has come to join a running club. I’m having a bit of trouble deciding which one to join. My interest would be to cut my time in longer races (HM and marathon) rather than shorter races and I would also like to have the option of having company on long runs. To those that are in clubs, how did you chose? There are a couple near me in Fermoy/Mitchelstown, but I would imagine they are on the small side, I don’t see many of their vests at races. I could also join any of the city clubs and just go straight from work, I’m leaning towards Eagle A/C, purely because it is one of the largest if not the largest in the city. Should I go to a session of a couple of different clubs and see which I prefer? Or is anyone here a member of any of the Cork clubs and can sell their club to me

Club membership numbers (see page 6)

Even before I looked at this , I was going to say that I thought that Grange/Fermoy is a reasonably big club. I kept seeing their bibs in the Dungarvan 10 and in Ballycotton anyway. However I am from the Fermoy/Mitchelstown area originally, and I might just notice them more for that reason. I know that they (used to anyway!) do a long run on Saturday morning.

I've only recently joined a club and I made my decision purely on training times suiting me. I suppose it depends on your work pattern and your training pattern. If you do your long stuff after work/before work then a club in the city is a no-brainer. If not, why travel back up if you don't have to?

blockic

druss wrote: »

Club membership numbers (see page 6)

Even before I looked at this , I was going to say that I thought that Grange/Fermoy is a reasonably big club.

Wow! surprised by that, I would think Eagle are a lot bigger, as well as other clubs close to me! I reckon some members are definitely under the radar!!

It is 12 months old I suppose

ncmc

blockic wrote: »

Wow! surprised by that, I would think Eagle are a lot bigger, as well as other clubs close to me! I reckon some members are definitely under the radar!!

It is 12 months old I suppose

I suppose with Eagle though, they are all adult members, where as a lot of the clubs include Juvenile, so it does have one of the largest adult membership.

druss

blockic wrote: »

Wow! surprised by that, I would think Eagle are a lot bigger, as well as other clubs close to me! I reckon some members are definitely under the radar!!

It is 12 months old I suppose

From a Wexford point of view it seems a bit off in places as well! Maybe those city lads just aren't as good at paying their annual subs? :P

pconn062

Just be aware as well that the club you join might need you to make up a team for a certain race or championship. It can be a case of "what can you do for your club", not just what the club can do for you. So while your main interest might be in the longer distance don't be surprised if you get a call to make up numbers in a cross country race or county champs or something. As well a providing training facilities a club is also a competitive organisation that needs it's runners to be flexible when it comes to competing at certain events. This isn't aimed at you in particular, just something to keep in mind before you join any club. It's definitely the best thing you can do to bring your running to the next level.

EauRouge79

ncmc wrote: »

I have been feeling a bit un-motivated since running Cork City Marathon, so I think the time has come to join a running club.

Hi,

Im no club resprsentitive by I am an Eagle Member. Joined a year ago and was best thing I ever did in terms of my running - both in terms of performance and the social side of it, they are a sound bunch.
I paced Cork Marathon last year with an Eagle Member and he suggested that I come along and try out a track session or 2 and see if it was for me.

Its an adult club. Sessions on Tuesday and Thursdays evenings in CIT (tuesday being the busiest). Different paces for all levels and id say a pretty even split between lads/ladies.

There would be a weekly e-mail circulated as well with upcoming training runs at weekends also which is great. I havent done a long run alone in a year id say.

My wife is also glad that I have a few lads from the club to talk to about running, saves me boring her to tears. :rolleyes:

PM me if you fancy coming along some time. Well worth it.

ncmc

pconn062 wrote: »

Just be aware as well that the club you join might need you to make up a team for a certain race or championship. It can be a case of "what can you do for your club", not just what the club can do for you. So while your main interest might be in the longer distance don't be surprised if you get a call to make up numbers in a cross country race or county champs or something. As well a providing training facilities a club is also a competitive organisation that needs it's runners to be flexible when it comes to competing at certain events. This isn't aimed at you in particular, just something to keep in mind before you join any club. It's definitely the best thing you can do to bring your running to the next level.

That would be no problem, my main interest is longer distances, but I would enjoy mixing it up a bit and maybe getting involved in the things that you mentioned. Might keep running fresh rather than just slogging out the long distances all the time.

EauRouge79 wrote: »

Hi,

Im no club resprsentitive by I am an Eagle Member. Joined a year ago and was best thing I ever did in terms of my running - both in terms of performance and the social side of it, they are a sound bunch.
I paced Cork Marathon last year with an Eagle Member and he suggested that I come along and try out a track session or 2 and see if it was for me.

Its an adult club. Sessions on Tuesday and Thursdays evenings in CIT (tuesday being the busiest). Different paces for all levels and id say a pretty even split between lads/ladies.

There would be a weekly e-mail circulated as well with upcoming training runs at weekends also which is great. I havent done a long run alone in a year id say.

My wife is also glad that I have a few lads from the club to talk to about running, saves me boring her to tears. :rolleyes:

PM me if you fancy coming along some time. Well worth it.

Thanks for that great information, it sounds like fun and it’s nice that they are a sound group, always nice to meet new people, and if they enjoy boring running talk then all the better!

I think I might just bite the bullet and go along on Thursday. I will be a bit nervous going the first time, but I’m sure it will get easier as time goes on. Do I need to contact anyone first, or just turn up on the day?

EauRouge79

ncmc wrote: »

I think I might just bite the bullet and go along on Thursday. I will be a bit nervous going the first time, but I’m sure it will get easier as time goes on. Do I need to contact anyone first, or just turn up on the day?

Sorry have been missing for couple of days. Tomorrow may be quiet enough at the track.5k race in Macroom will account for a good few regulars. Head out to CIT by all means and just join in with the group.
If you would prefer to wait till Tuesday I can meet you beforehand. I would suggest that the Tuesday session would be more enjoyable.

ncmc

EauRouge79 wrote: »

Sorry have been missing for couple of days. Tomorrow may be quiet enough at the track.5k race in Macroom will account for a good few regulars. Head out to CIT by all means and just join in with the group.
If you would prefer to wait till Tuesday I can meet you beforehand. I would suggest that the Tuesday session would be more enjoyable.

Thanks for the tip, I think I will wait until Tuesday, don't want to turn up tonight and be a totally obvious newbie if there's very few there! One of the guys I work with has a brother that is a member and he said the same, that Tuesday would be a better day.

I will PM you next week, would be nice to meet up first as I feel strangely nervous!

EauRouge79

ncmc wrote: »

Thanks for the tip, I think I will wait until Tuesday, don't want to turn up tonight and be a totally obvious newbie if there's very few there! One of the guys I work with has a brother that is a member and he said the same, that Tuesday would be a better day.

I will PM you next week, would be nice to meet up first as I feel strangely nervous!

Spot on....1st impressions and all that - you will enjoy Tuesday better.

Seriously no need for nerves, club is very relaxed and very welcoming.