What are your reasons for joining/not joining a club?

Chivito550

Came across this small piece written by Pat Hooper. He mentions some fairly common sense, though often overlooked, reasons to join a club. What other benefits are there for new runners to make the logical step of joining a club? And for those who aren't members of a club, what are your reasons for staying away, and running solo?

http://irishrunner.com/10-reasons-why-you-should-be-in-an-athletics-club/

RacoonQueen

For me now, no longer being part of a club it's A) the club I was with is too far away from home/work so it's inconvenient for me and I enjoy the flexibility of doing my sessions/runs at a time that suits me. Which can be before work/at lunch/straight after work.

I've looked at clubs closer to me DSD and Rathfarnham and training times don't really suit me. Have considered trying to hook up with Sportsworld for sessions but that thought made me feel dirty so I had to go have a wash. :P

I do think that no longer running with others has been detrimental to my running, particularly the mental aspect.

Duanington

Its training times\lifestyle for me - I have always said I'd love to join a club and always encourage others to do it but from a personal standpoint, I would probably make 1 session per month.

My training week is a bit all over the place - long runs Tuesday, sessions on Thursday ( lunchtime) and Saturday ( before 9), primarily because they are the days I can get the time in to do them.

Maybe some day !

adrian522

I think the main reason for not joining a club for most people is a nervousness about not being good enough or fast enough or slim enough or not enough of a "real runner", a fear that they won't fit in essentially.

The idea that raining times mightn't suit shouldn't put people off, once you are in a club its easy enough to organise runs with people outside of the normal training times anyway.

Chivito550

adrian522 wrote: »

I think the main reason for not joining a club for most people is a nervousness about not being good enough or fast enough or slim enough or not enough of a "real runner", a fear that they won't fit in essentially.

This is a perception that has to be put to bed. I've seen people who run for clubs in fun runs and road races who are not fast and slim. Plenty.

It may be true for the odd club, but not for most. And even some of the traditionally higher quality clubs have now given in and have set up Fit4life groups.

adrian522

Chivito550 wrote: »

This is a perception that has to be put to bed. I've seen people who run for clubs in fun runs and road races who are not fast and slim. Plenty.

It may be true for the odd club, but not for most. And even some of the traditionally higher quality clubs have now given in and have set up Fit4life groups.

I agree completely but it is the perception that is out there among people who are not part of the club setup.

RacoonQueen

adrian522 wrote: »

I agree completely but it is the perception that is out there among people who are not part of the club setup.

Yeah. I manage the emails for my club and the amount of women that email me who are really questioning if they are good enough to join the club more than anything is quite shocking. I'm not sure where the idea comes from that you need to be 'good' to join a club.

IvoryTower

If I couldn't make the sessions id join anyway. Easy way to find running partners who also can't make the sessions, you still have access to coaches, you can take part in the graded meets etc, cross country teams and of course the social aspect. If you have a club jersey at a race you instantly have lots of people to warm up with, chat and then compete with :pac:

Of course all of that is easier if you were already a member or if you happen to have some friends in the club. I would still join nevertheless, id prefer it over doing my own thing all of the time.

CR 7

Originally I joined to get advice on training and some running partners, now I'm only still a member to get into ballycotton the easy way, and I like the singlet. :pac:

28064212

My main reasons for joining a club were so I could run in the Dublin Graded Meets, place in the AAI National Marathon and have access to a track. Since joining, I've found the structured speed sessions with the group, the social aspects, and (sort of) the XC competitions to be unexpected benefits

Disagree with his first point though ("There are no sub 2:40 men or 3 hours women marathoners who don’t run for clubs"). Running, more than almost any other sport, is something you can excel at even when self-taught.

DubOnHoliday

I joined to make some progress in the IMRA off season. Best thing I ever did. Made lots of friends, get lots of advice from people, there's always somebody going out for a run. Its all good.

ThisRegard

RacoonQueen wrote: »

For me now, no longer being part of a club it's A) the club I was with is too far away from home/work so it's inconvenient for me and I enjoy the flexibility of doing my sessions/runs at a time that suits me. Which can be before work/at lunch/straight after work.

I've looked at clubs closer to me DSD and Rathfarnham and training times don't really suit me. Have considered trying to hook up with Sportsworld for sessions but that thought made me feel dirty so I had to go have a wash. :P

I do think that no longer running with others has been detrimental to my running, particularly the mental aspect.

Pretty much the same reasons (apart from the Sportworld one, I don't have strong feelings for or against them at the moment, but give me time).

I used to be in a club during the 80s up so have experience of it, albeit at a young age.

But with work and family life I find it easier to train to my own schedule, plus it's just nice to be out running on your own at times.

A few years ago I did meet up with a cross training group two or three times a week just to get me back into it again, now I informally meet a group once a week if I can (haven't been great over the winter so far though).

adrian522 wrote: »

I agree completely but it is the perception that is out there among people who are not part of the club setup.

Among some people I would say, maybe mostly amongst those new to running relatively late in life?

robinph

ThisRegard wrote: »

Among some people I would say, maybe mostly amongst those new to running at a relatively late in life?

I had the same fear of not being quick enough for a club, until Woddle AC was formed. I'd been a member of a club back when I was a wee whipper snapper, but then came back to running later on. Don't know what causes the feeling that athletics clubs are so elite level only, but it is very common.

Wouldn't think you have the equivalent in other sports though. You won't find someone put off joining a boxing/ football/ gaa/ rugby or any other sports club because they feel they are not good enough. They join those clubs because they want to play the sport and get better at it. Maybe it's because people think they know how to run, therefore the clubs must only be for good runners. Whereas with other sports you know that you need more equipment/ training/ team mates in order to take part so the club is the obvious place to go for that.

eyeball kid

I was going to try and answer the question but to be perfectly honest I have no idea how clubs work. Does everybody meet up and train together?
How are training paces determined?
What happens if you miss training?
How much is membership?

I'm out in the sticks so not so close to a club locally. Nearest would be in Blessington. Lakeshore striders I think is their name but I don't know anyone it it.

Things that might put me off would be having to drive 20 mins just to go training. This would be after work and the commute which doesn't leave me much time or flexibility. I do like being able to go out for a run when and if I want.
I'd also be worried I wouldn't be good enough and would be holding people back.
I'm 36 now so most people there would probably be a lot younger than me.
Just some of the reasons holding me back joining..

Battery Kinzie

eyeball kid wrote: »

I was going to try and answer the question but to be perfectly honest I have no idea how clubs work. Does everybody meet up and train together?
How are training paces determined?
What happens if you miss training?
How much is membership?

I'm out in the sticks so not so close to a club locally. Nearest would be in Blessington. Lakeshore striders I think is their name but I don't know anyone it it.

Things that might put me off would be having to drive 20 mins just to go training. This would be after work and the commute which doesn't leave me much time or flexibility. I do like being able to go out for a run when and if I want.
I'd also be worried I wouldn't be good enough and would be holding people back.
I'm 36 now so most people there would probably be a lot younger than me.
Just some of the reasons holding me back joining..

Heh, I'm 22 and one of the reasons I haven't joined is cause I imagine most members being mid 30s at the youngest. I don't know where I got that notion from, mind.

Another reason and probably the main one is that I prefer to run in the morning. I rarely go out after 6pm, and most sessions seem to be at 6.30 or 7pm.

I guess I will eventually join one, and I'll probably regret not joining one earlier, but for some reason I still haven't joined.

robinph

eyeball kid wrote: »

I was going to try and answer the question but to be perfectly honest I have no idea how clubs work. Does everybody meet up and train together?
How are training paces determined?
What happens if you miss training?
How much is membership?

I'm out in the sticks so not so close to a club locally. Nearest would be in Blessington. Lakeshore striders I think is their name but I don't know anyone it it.

Things that might put me off would be having to drive 20 mins just to go training. This would be after work and the commute which doesn't leave me much time or flexibility. I do like being able to go out for a run when and if I want.
I'd also be worried I wouldn't be good enough and would be holding people back.
I'm 36 now so most people there would probably be a lot younger than me.
Just some of the reasons holding me back joining..

Our club has kids from age 7 to 70+ vets.
You won't be holding people back because you'll be running in a group with people of a similar standard, of which every club will have the full range of abilities.

aceygray

I'm not in a club myself and almost always run alone. The main reasons are that their is no club that is very local for me (i.e. meeting within walking/jogging distance), and time. I work til 8 every night, and am usually not home til 9, so I would probably miss training sessions.

It's a pity, because I would really like to join - I've seen friends make huge improvements after joining a club.

Chivito550

For anybody who might be reading who still think that club running is not for you, is only for elites, fast runners, skinny runners, or whatever mad notion you may have, please have a read through the results from the National Marathon Championships (held during the Dublin City Marathon):

http://www.athleticsireland.ie/downloads/other/Men_All_Finishers__Categories_Dublin_Marathon.pdf

http://www.athleticsireland.ie/downloads/other/Women_All_Finishers__Categories_updated.pdf

Quick summary: The following in each category did NOT break 4 hours:

Men's Senior: 73 out of 272
Men's O35: 104 out of 407
Men's O40: 130 out of 449
Men's O45: 107 out of 314

29% of all men aged 49 and under ran SLOWER than 4 hours.

Women's Senior: 114 out of 196
Women's O35: 140 out of 231
Women's O40: 169 out of 249
Women's O45: 104 out of 151

64% of all women aged 49 and under ran SLOWER than 4 hours

I could continue on and do the older age groups, but the results will be much the same.

4 hours for the marathon is not a fast time. It is almost double the world record. Yet there are sizeable numbers of these types of runners in clubs. So it's time to drop the notion that you aren't good enough, and get out and join a club. Even if you can't make sessions, the benefits are there in other ways in terms of camaraderie, being part of a team, friendships, banter at races etc. Anybody running outside the system is a person lost as far as this sport is concerned. There can only be good from having more people of all abilities in clubs.

shels4ever

Chivito550 wrote: »

For anybody who might be reading who still think that club running is not for you, is only for elites, fast runners, skinny runners, or whatever mad notion you may have, please have a read through the results from the National Marathon Championships (held during the Dublin City Marathon):

http://www.athleticsireland.ie/downloads/other/Men_All_Finishers__Categories_Dublin_Marathon.pdf

http://www.athleticsireland.ie/downloads/other/Women_All_Finishers__Categories_updated.pdf

Quick summary: The following in each category did NOT break 4 hours:

Men's Senior: 73 out of 272
Men's O35: 104 out of 407
Men's O40: 130 out of 449
Men's O45: 107 out of 314

29% of all men aged 49 and under ran SLOWER than 4 hours.

Women's Senior: 114 out of 196
Women's O35: 140 out of 231
Women's O40: 169 out of 249
Women's O45: 104 out of 151

64% of all women aged 49 and under ran SLOWER than 4 hours

I could continue on and do the older age groups, but the results will be much the same.

4 hours for the marathon is not a fast time. It is almost double the world record. Yet there are sizeable numbers of these types of runners in clubs. So it's time to drop the notion that you aren't good enough, and get out and join a club. Even if you can't make sessions, the benefits are there in other ways in terms of camaraderie, being part of a team, friendships, banter at races etc. Anybody running outside the system is a person lost as far as this sport is concerned. There can only be good from having more people in clubs, of all abilities.

Whats your marathon pb again mr not fast

ballyargus

I like running alone. I run to get away from people, not be with them.

Chivito550

shels4ever wrote: »

Whats your marathon pb again mr not fast

Does it really matter as far as this discussion is concerned?

shels4ever

Chivito550 wrote: »

Does it really matter as far as this discussion is concerned?

Not at all was just having a laugh and agree with your points your faster then my too by the way

tailgunner

My favourite thing about running is the solitude, so until that changes, I don't see myself joining a club. I definitely see the appeal, but it's not for me for the moment.

DubOnHoliday

Commented .....

eyeball kid wrote: »

I was going to try and answer the question but to be perfectly honest I have no idea how clubs work. Does everybody meet up and train together? There will normally be different groups with different goals, a marathon group, a speed group, an endurance group etc
How are training paces determined? There is normally a plan each week to give you an idea of what to expect, again there will always be an 'A' group and a 'B' group for pacing
What happens if you miss training? It will hurt more the next week:)
How much is membership?For me its 100 per year

I'm out in the sticks so not so close to a club locally. Nearest would be in Blessington. Lakeshore striders I think is their name but I don't know anyone it it. I didn't know anyone in my club when I joined, now I know loads

Things that might put me off would be having to drive 20 mins just to go training. This would be after work and the commute which doesn't leave me much time or flexibility.
I do like being able to go out for a run when and if I want.
I'd also be worried I wouldn't be good enough and would be holding people back. There will be people ahead of you , people after you, and people at your level.
I'm 36 now so most people there would probably be a lot younger than me.The will be people younger, older and the same as you
Just some of the reasons holding me back joining..Don't hold back, go along to one of their sessions on a trial basis, give it a fair chance

Chivito550

For me there are lots of reasons. Only joined a club for the first time at 25 in Melbourne. The club was small at only 130 members. The club served many purposes

It allowed me to run in track and field competitions
It allowed me to be a scoring member of my club in these events which helped me feel a part of a team,
It gave me access to a great coach and training group,
It gave me access to a gym and a gym coach
It helped me make friends and acquaintances with local people of all ages,
It helped me to get to know other clubs and therefore make more friends and acquaintances with local people of all ages from other clubs
It provided an enjoyable social scene and general banter
It allowed me to feel a part of something, in the middle of something I loved, rather than circumnavigating it.
It helped me to form a passion for the local suburb in which my club was based, so much so that I thought of that suburb as home, rather than the suburb I was actually living in.

My club in Dublin since moving home is different in that it is much bigger, so some of the benefits of being in a small club are missing, in that most of the people in the club I do not know. But many of the same benefits still exist, namely in terms of excellent coaching, a great training group, friends in my club and other clubs, craic etc.

IvoryTower

ballyargus wrote: »

I like running alone. I run to get away from people, not be with them.

Cant argue with that in fairness!

adrian522

Does everybody meet up and train together?

Session are organised 3,4,5 times per week and people show up and train at that time and place.

How are training paces determined?

You just go out and fall into what ever group is at your pace, sometimes the coach will bump you up or down a group but usually not.

What happens if you miss training?

It goes on without you. Nobody goes to all the sessions so don't worry about it.

How much is membership?

For me it's €90



Things that might put me off would be having to drive 20 mins just to go training. This would be after work and the commute which doesn't leave me much time or flexibility.

Not a big deal for me, head straight to training from work usually. There's weekend sessions too, usually in the mornings.

I do like being able to go out for a run when and if I want.

You'd still be able to do that though.

I'd also be worried I wouldn't be good enough and would be holding people back.

No worries in that regard, chances are there are plenty in the club both faster and slower than you, just fall in with a group that seems at or slightly above your level.

I'm 36 now so most people there would probably be a lot younger than me.

I would't have thought so, I'm 39 and there's plenty of people at or above my age in the club, some significantly older.

Tigerandahalf

ballyargus wrote: »

I like running alone. I run to get away from people, not be with them.

Very similar to myself. A lot of people need that down time. I couldn't go for a run and have some lad nattering away non stop. I love the peace of mind and quiteness on a run.

I also like that I can run at my own pace, slow down and pick up the pace whenever I want.

One reason not to join is you can run your races as you like. With a club you may be competing for team prizes and may feel you are leaving the club down if you don't perform to the expected level. Feel a niggle and you can always ease off without any looks afterwards.
Also I hate the way all clubs have singlets as their standard race attire. They look horrible unless you have the perfect dimensions. I'd much prefer to run in a tshirt that covers my shoulders from the sun and keeps you some way warm.

Other than that as others have said flexibility is the biggest advantage being able to run when you want. I couldn't make a fixed time. Too many things interrupt like eating dinner at the right time etc.

I wouldn't rule out joining one if it had a track and perhaps offered certain structured sessions, e.g. if I knew there was a hills session or intervals on at a certain time in the month ahead it might be advantageous.

However from a training point of view I can do most of the work by myself and just don't really need a club.

Sacksian

It's worth saying that not being able to make scheduled sessions shouldn't put you off joining a club.

I'm pretty sure the majority (as a %) of our club members train away from the scheduled club sessions (possibly with other club members or with runners from other clubs). Obviously, you will get the most from training with other people and you might find that you make the extra effort to make sessions when you notice that return.

Even just being able to make a weekend session and long run makes it worthwhile.

The main reasons for me joining a club were a) after doing a couple of marathons, I knew I preferred running faster to running longer so I wanted to try middle-distance events and b) for the competitive aspect.

There were loads of other benefits that only became apparent after joining, particularly the general inclusiveness/supportiveness of the club environment and the camaraderie of cross-country running.

The possibility of participating in national competition was also something I hadn't considered and, whatever your age/standard, it's a brilliant experience.

ballyargus wrote: »

I like running alone. I run to get away from people, not be with them.

I much prefer to run alone and still train 90%+ of the time on my own, but it's nice to be able to drop down to sessions on occasion.

And I'm now able to run away from people much faster.

adrian522

Tiger, I'd challenge you to go to a few club training sessions and then come back and reread your post.

For example, you can still run at your own pace, nobody is nattering to you non stop, you can enter what ever races you want, you won't be relied upon for team points, feel a niggle and you can still ease off without any looks, nobody has ever been accused of letting the club down in the time I've been there.

Nothing stopping you throwing a singlet over a T-shirt if you prefer.

I guess if you are looking for reasons not to join a club there are plenty but most of them don't stand up to scrutiny.

An_Reathai

adrian522 wrote: »

I think the main reason for not joining a club for most people is a nervousness about not being good enough or fast enough or slim enough or not enough of a "real runner", a fear that they won't fit in essentially.

I think this can be a real problem for some clubs, especially smaller ones. With my own club, seniors & masters (both men & women) train together and for a long time, there would be less than a dozen people at training - most of whom had been running quite a while. Every now and then, a novice runner would turn up, they'd be warmly greeted and encouraged, but they'd get blown out the back of every interval session and quickly get disheartened. This kept happening, until eventually the club set up a fit4life group which saw a whole group of novice runners coming through together and then staying on and joining in the club sessions. The club is much more vibrant as a result.

Tigerandahalf

@adrian

Fair enough. As I said I wouldn't rule it out. However as you can see from comments here many people who are members do most of their running by themselves. I would say a lot of people join and enjoy the club for social reasons, meeting others and having a chat.

I am a member of a cycling club even though I don't do as much as running. Part of the reason for joining was for insurance in doing sportives. For road running there is no such issue.

I am lucky that I have very good running facilities closeby and I can just pop out the door to get a run done, do core work and be back in the shower within an hr. Not having to drive is very handy.

Chivito550

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

@adrian

Fair enough. As I said I wouldn't rule it out. However as you can see from comments here many people who are members do most of their running by themselves. I would say a lot of people join and enjoy the club for social reasons, meeting others and having a chat.

I am a member of a cycling club even though I don't do as much as running. Part of the reason for joining was for insurance in doing sportives. For road running there is no such issue.

I am lucky that I have very good running facilities closeby and I can just pop out the door to get a run done, do core work and be back in the shower within an hr. Not having to drive is very handy.

My first year doing 400m, while I was in a club, I trained 100% alone. The next year I joined up with a training group and coach, and I made enormous improvements. Improvements which would not have been made if I stayed solo. Granted sprinting is more technical, but similar gains would be made in distance running simply by running with others. Most of the world's best distance runners train in training groups and have coaches. If training alone was the way to go, they'd all be doing it. Granted there are examples of self-coached athletes who run by themselves, who are successful, but they would be in the minority.

adrian522

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

@adrian

Fair enough. As I said I wouldn't rule it out. However as you can see from comments here many people who are members do most of their running by themselves. I would say a lot of people join and enjoy the club for social reasons, meeting others and having a chat.

I am a member of a cycling club even though I don't do as much as running. Part of the reason for joining was for insurance in doing sportives. For road running there is no such issue.

I am lucky that I have very good running facilities closeby and I can just pop out the door to get a run done, do core work and be back in the shower within an hr. Not having to drive is very handy.

Would you consider doing 2 or 3 sessions as a trial to see how you find it? I think you'd put a lot of the above reservations to one side.

As you mention you still have the option to do your own runs by yourself as well.

I still run myself 2 or 3 times a week without the club, maybe go to club 2 or 3 times also.

RayCun

I didn't join a club because I didn't see the point
I joined when my son joined, we trained at the same time
Training with other people is more fun, and it adds another dimension to races
These days hardly ever get to run with the other adults, because the kids train at the same time, and I'm coaching them...

RacoonQueen wrote: »

I've looked at clubs closer to me DSD and Rathfarnham and training times don't really suit me. Have considered trying to hook up with Sportsworld for sessions but that thought made me feel dirty so I had to go have a wash. :P

we have a few waifs and strays from other clubs that join some of our sessions...

RayCun

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

Also I hate the way all clubs have singlets as their standard race attire. They look horrible unless you have the perfect dimensions. I'd much prefer to run in a tshirt that covers my shoulders from the sun and keeps you some way warm.

Singlets are required for some competitions, but we have club t-shirts too...

shels4ever

Might as well post this if any is looking for a club in west Dublin

http://www.lucanharriers.com/news_page/166

Tigerandahalf

What Ray is saying re kids could be very handy. Drop the kids with their coach and then do your own run. With partners on shift work that would be a real incentive to join.

I think someone like Chivito who is doing sprint distances has much more need for a club with the need for a track and needing to be a club member to enter races.

rainbow kirby

Had literally just joined my local tri club when we found out there weren't going to be an awful lot of races in the short or medium term... :pac: Picked them because the swim sessions weren't crazy expensive and my run pace fit well with their slower group.

tipping

For me I joined a club for a few main reasons

1. Figured it would give me more motivation. If I pay for something (even if it's 70 quid) I'll use it.

2. Had just moved to a new area and it was a nice was to meet new people.

3. Running on your own the whole time gets a little boring.

All these boxes were well and truely ticked.

The bit I hadn't counted on was how much better I would get by training with peers. I think you can challenge yourself more with someone to chase and its easy to drop into a group around your level whatever that level is. My training group had changed a few times already. Also just chatting to others and seeing what they're doing gives you some extra things to think about (much like here I suppose).

I don't use the club coach as much as I should but will rectify this during this coming year.

pconn062

I joined a club initially for fairly selfish reasons, to try and improve my running. But I have got so much more out of it that that.

1. Some of my closest friends now are people I met in the club

2. My running has improved immeasurably since joining up with the club

3. A great sense of camaraderie within the group, especially during XC season

4. Having a great bunch of guys to train with. I agree that sometimes it nice to get away from the world and run on your own (and I train alone quite a bit), but when you run 6/7 days a week, sometimes twice a day it's great to break up that monotony by running with some friends.

5. It's provided me with an introduction to coaching, something now that I'm pretty heavily involved with in the club from fit4life to good seniors, which is very rewarding

6. I happen to look particularly dashing in a singlet

So why it's not for everyone, I think it's one of the best things any runner can do.



Subliminal message: Join Dunleer AC!

average_runner

Chivito550 wrote: »

This is a perception that has to be put to bed. I've seen people who run for clubs in fun runs and road races who are not fast and slim. Plenty.

It may be true for the odd club, but not for most. And even some of the traditionally higher quality clubs have now given in and have set up Fit4life groups.

People get the same perception on boards over the last few years.

I had that perception about clubs but the wife pushed me. Best thing I did. Great sessions, great banter and always someone to push you.

shels4ever

average_runner wrote: »

People get the same perception on boards over the last few years.

I had that perception about clubs but the wife pushed me. Best thing I did. Great sessions, great banter and always someone to push you.

Why doesnt boards have a running club

Oops69

My reason is simple but probably true for quite a few people : I have my head yakked off me all day at work , the last thing I need on my run is another lot of people yakking at me , i run for fitness and also bit of peace in the evenings , not really for the social element , I know I'm missing out on other aspects such as developing pace etc. Etc, but I'm happy to sacrifice that for the peace I get running on my own .

Tigerandahalf

One thing I would like from being in a club is to meet up with a bunch and maybe have the option to go abroad to races or maybe go to somewhere warm for a running camp.

I see a lot of cycling clubs do stuff like that.

It is also nice to have a group to meet up with before and after races.

adrian522

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

One thing I would like from being in a club is to meet up with a bunch and maybe have the option to go abroad to races or maybe go to somewhere warm for a running camp.

I see a lot of cycling clubs do stuff like that.

It is also nice to have a group to meet up with before and after races.

Yeah, a few from our club go to La Santa club in Laanzarote every year, something like 4 races in 4 days I think.

Then they tend to pick a foreign race too, this year they are going to prague half marathon.

A few also went over to Galway for the Marathon/Half Marathon/20K in October.

I guess every club is different but because ours is so big there tends to be a few doing things like that every so often,

Luighne

I going joining my local club this year,my wife has been on to me for a while to join them but never did. I do like doing my own thing at times that suit me and quite happy running on my own too. But I think it will make me a better runner. I started doing long runs with them last year training for Dublin until I got injured but never actually joined the club. I picked up loads of useful information and technique from them the few times I was with them so looking forward to it even if it puts me out of my comfort zone a bit.

rom

To be honest I trained a lot with a running club. The training times have been hard to make due to a new job and traffic etc. I don't find training on my own a bad thing. Its a good time to relax as I have a busy home and work life.

I like to run at my pace rather than someone else making it. Prob going to go back next week. The main issue I don't get to see my kids after work if I run with a club but now that they are getting older it will work.

robinph

wrote:

... but I don't know anyone in it.

Didn't know anyone in my club before joining, or even the city, now I'm married and have a kid. Be careful.

RacoonQueen

robinph wrote: »

Didn't know anyone in my club before joining, or even the city, now I'm married and have a kid. Be careful.

That's what your missus says

rollout

Is there a listing of Dublin clubs and contact details anywhere?