*Thread Spilt* Recreational Runners and Joining Clubs

nhunter100

Chivito550 wrote:

People who invest heavily in their running (financially and emotionally) yet won't join a club. These people are useless to the sport IMO. May aswell be playing tennis or judo as they are keeping themselves (and their money) outside of the sport, when the sport badly needs them (and the money). I'm not talking about people who are starting out. I'm talking about people who have been running for a good while but full on refuse to join a club despite being perfectly capable runners.

The closest club to me is 15 miles away, where the membership is predominantly female whose only goal seems to be to loose weight and compete in the DCM hoping for a sub 5. Generalisation I know but this is the reason I'm a solo runner. Plus if people in clubs share your attitude I don't think I'm missing much tbh.

Chivito550

nhunter100 wrote: »

The closest club to me is 15 miles away, where the membership is predominantly female whose only goal seems to be to loose weight and compete in the DCM hoping for a sub 5. Generalisation I know but this is the reason I'm a solo runner. Plus if people in clubs share your attitude I don't think I'm missing much tbh.

You don't know my attitude then. I wish every jogger and recreational runner would join a club.

ThisRegard

Chivito550 wrote: »

People who invest heavily in their running (financially and emotionally) yet won't join a club. These people are useless to the sport IMO. May aswell be playing tennis or judo as they are keeping themselves (and their money) outside of the sport, when the sport badly needs them (and the money). I'm not talking about people who are starting out. I'm talking about people who have been running for a good while but full on refuse to join a club despite being perfectly capable runners.

I'd strenuously disagree with that. Take IMRA as an example, I reckon the majority of the 200 or so weekly racers during the summer aren't regular club runners. These people probably give more back to the sport than most club runners when you take their race fees, and more importantly, time given volunteering, into account. Same probably goes for Park Run.

I actually don't know what point you're trying to make.

Chivito550

ThisRegard wrote: »

I'd strenuously disagree with that. Take IMRA as an example, I reckon the majority of the 200 or so weekly racers during the summer aren't regular club runners. These people probably give more back to the sport than most club runners when you take their race fees, and more importantly, time given volunteering, into account. Same probably goes for Park Run.

I actually don't know what point you're trying to make.

The way I look at it we have 2 sports right now. One which has great quality but is on death's door with dreadful attendances at Nationals etc. Then we have another sport that appears to be booming but the quality is poor (recreational running). I'd like to see the two engaged together for the good of the overall sport. The lack of effort down the years by AAI to bridge this disconnect is the big problem, but I'm still entitled to get pissed off that people who run every day don't give much of a toss about the sport, and don't really try to be part of it.

ThisRegard

But in the examples I gave they're obviously more interested in it than the average club runner if you use your yard stick of what they invest back into it.

There's a difference between organising and participation with attending meets, the simple fact is that it's a sport that lends itself more to partaking in it over watching a track meet.

You do have the other segment who just do it to keep fit and have no interest in racing, like you would with the lads who play 5 a side after work. They wouldn't all play for a club, just enjoy it for a bit of fun.

tang1

Chivito550 wrote: »

The way I look at it we have 2 sports right now. One which has great quality but is on death's door with dreadful attendances at Nationals etc. Then we have another sport that appears to be booming but the quality is poor (recreational running). I'd like to see the two engaged together for the good of the overall sport. The lack of effort down the years by AAI to bridge this disconnect is the big problem, but I'm still entitled to get pissed off that people who run every day don't give much of a toss about the sport, and don't really try to be part of it.

Would ya ever stop, where would races be without these 'poor recreational runners' out of pocket that's where. Vast majority of races are filled with these 'poor recreational runners' and it is there entry fee that keeps said club races and clubs going with much needed money. 80%(rough guess not exact figure) of the entrants to the Race Series each year are said 'poor recreational runners' the same runners that keep the Race Series going and much needed money towards DCM I'd imagine. Stop trying to shove your opinion down everyone's throat when you try to make a point, your not right all the time.

Gavlor

Chivito550 wrote: »

The way I look at it we have 2 sports right now. One which has great quality but is on death's door with dreadful attendances at Nationals etc. Then we have another sport that appears to be booming but the quality is poor (recreational running). I'd like to see the two engaged together for the good of the overall sport. The lack of effort down the years by AAI to bridge this disconnect is the big problem

Very good point

Chivito550 wrote: »

I'm still entitled to get pissed off that people who run every day don't give much of a toss about the sport, and don't really try to be part of it.

Nonsense

Chivito550

tang1 wrote: »

Would ya ever stop, where would races be without these 'poor recreational runners' out of pocket that's where. Vast majority of races are filled with these 'poor recreational runners' and it is there entry fee that keeps said club races and clubs going with much needed money. 80%(rough guess not exact figure) of the entrants to the Race Series each year are said 'poor recreational runners' the same runners that keep the Race Series going and much needed money towards DCM I'd imagine. Stop trying to shove your opinion down everyone's throat when you try to make a point, your not right all the time.

Sorry, just because recreational runners happen to run some club races (I'd guess most choose commercial races more often) does not mean that athletics and recreational running are engaged. You are deluded if you think there isn't an enormous disconnect between the two, which I would love to see closed. If you think it is a negative wish to want to see the sport thrive in numbers, in all areas (indoor, outdoor, cross country, road, field, track, participating and spectating) then I don't know what to say to you. Seems like just somebody looking to be offended.

Kissy Lips

tang1 wrote: »

Would ya ever stop, where would races be without these 'poor recreational runners' out of pocket that's where. Vast majority of races are filled with these 'poor recreational runners' and it is there entry fee that keeps said club races and clubs going with much needed money. 80%(rough guess not exact figure) of the entrants to the Race Series each year are said 'poor recreational runners' the same runners that keep the Race Series going and much needed money towards DCM I'd imagine. Stop trying to shove your opinion down everyone's throat when you try to make a point, your not right all the time.

amazing, classic boards, any opinion that deviates from the norm gets shouted down.

Wild Garlic

Chivito550 wrote: »

Sorry, just because recreational runners happen to run some club races (I'd guess most choose commercial races more often) does not mean that athletics and recreational running are engaged. You are deluded if you think there isn't an enormous disconnect between the two, which I would love to see closed. If you think it is a negative wish to want to see the sport thrive in numbers, in all areas (indoor, outdoor, cross country, road, field, track, participating and spectating) then I don't know what to say to you. Seems like just somebody looking to be offended.

You say you want the sport to thrive. Saying anyone running who is not part of a club is useless to the sport doesn't really feed into that sentiment now does it? Attitudes like that are counter productive to your wish to see the sport thrive.

Wild Garlic

Kissy Lips wrote: »

amazing, classic boards, any opinion that deviates from the norm gets shouted down.

SHUT UP!!!!

Chivito550

Wild Garlic wrote: »

You say you want the sport to thrive. Saying anyone running who is not part of a club is useless to the sport doesn't really feed into that sentiment now does it? Attitudes like that are counter productive to your wish to see the sport thrive.

The broader the base, the higher the peak. People outside the club system aren't part of that base. That's what I mean. Get them in and raise the numbers.

tang1

Kissy Lips wrote: »

amazing, classic boards, any opinion that deviates from the norm gets shouted down.

As you said yourself, I'm entitled to my opinion, not bothered if you don't agree with it. I respect Chivito550's opinion, don't always agree with it though.

Chivito550

tang1 wrote: »

As you said yourself, I'm entitled to my opinion, not bothered if you don't agree with it. I respect Chivito550's opinion, don't always agree with it though.

Didn't sound like you respected it at all from your choice of words.

tang1

Chivito550 wrote: »

Didn't sound like you respected it at all from your choice of words.

Ah pot kettle black and all that, you can be the same yourself sometimes.

average_runner

Chivito550 wrote: »

The way I look at it we have 2 sports right now. One which has great quality but is on death's door with dreadful attendances at Nationals etc. Then we have another sport that appears to be booming but the quality is poor (recreational running). I'd like to see the two engaged together for the good of the overall sport. The lack of effort down the years by AAI to bridge this disconnect is the big problem, but I'm still entitled to get pissed off that people who run every day don't give much of a toss about the sport, and don't really try to be part of it.

I agree with u to a certain extent, but a parent that is a recreational runner can have a positive effect on their kids or other kids and cause them to join a club.


Lack of facilities is a big issue also, clubs in Ireland couldn't handle it, if all recreational runners joined clubs.

NiallBoo

Don't want to point any fingers here but...

One of the things that puts people off joining sports clubs is that once you've been around a few you realise one thing:

There's always an àsshole.

That one person that can't stop themselves going round and telling everyone all the stuff they're doing "wrong". If you can ignore it then great, but many just aren't bothered being polite to someone who insists on treating everyone like children.

(Or worse still, you go down the rabbit-hole, stick around too long and one day realise you've turned into that guy...)

average_runner

NiallBoo wrote: »

Don't want to point any fingers here but...

One of the things that puts people off joining sports clubs is that once you've been around a few you realise one thing:

There's always an àsshole.

That one person that can't stop themselves going round and telling everyone all the stuff they're doing "wrong". If you can ignore it then great, but many just aren't bothered being polite to someone who insists on treating everyone like children.

You could say that about anything in life, work etc. Just don't quit or you quit always in life.

And some people are too stupid to listen and take on advice.

NiallBoo

average_runner wrote: »

You could say that about anything in life, work etc. Just don't quit or you quit always in life.

Absolutely, you get it everywhere.

You don't have much choice much of the time, but joining a club is optional for doing an individual sport. While you'll miss out on lots of benefits, you could still reasonably decide it's worth it.

Chivito550

NiallBoo wrote: »

Don't want to point any fingers here but...

One of the things that puts people off joining sports clubs is that once you've been around a few you realise one thing:

There's always an àsshole.

That one person that can't stop themselves going round and telling everyone all the stuff they're doing "wrong". If you can ignore it then great, but many just aren't bothered being polite to someone who insists on treating everyone like children.

(Or worse still, you go down the rabbit-hole, stick around too long and one day realise you've turned into that guy...)

Can only speak for the clubs I've been involved with, but I've never seen this. The only people who have told me I am doing things wrong or could do things better have been people with far more knowledge than me, and were people I therefore listened to.

El Caballo

Chivito550 wrote: »

The broader the base, the higher the peak. People outside the club system aren't part of that base. That's what I mean. Get them in and raise the numbers.

I think the key thing here is that as highly invested as people like you and me are in the elite scene and the club ethos of running, athletics doesn't have a patent on running, completely the opposite in fact, organised athletics is a small subcategory of running and always will be because running is natural, organised athletics is not by definition.

Really, I think these debates hinge way too heavily on the lack of elite talent being down to recreational runners. Let's look at the running boom with a little bit of perspective, it was built on a foundation of 30+ year olds who were never going to be elite competitors and yet the argument is that these runners are the problem for a lack of extremely high quality and depth of competition in the 15-30 year old category(imagine going to a weekly pub kickabout on the astroturf and saying those guys are the reason the national team is lacking depth and quality), the base of top quality runners does not lie with these late life running converts, it lies with making athletics a more attractive and enjoyable option for kids because that's where 99% of elite runners come from(not the 1% of late bloomers) taking up athletics at a young age and sticking with it. The more kids that take part in athletics and stick with it, the more likely that their friends will take an interest and stick which creates a snowball effect creating a bigger base for the real top performers to develop.

I never got the "finisher medals killed the depth" argument as winners win and a bit of shiny tin is not going to quence their thirst to improve. If a finisher medal was enough to satisfy them, they already failed selection bias 101 and would have never made it to that level anyway. The problem for imo isn't the disconnect between later in life recreational and competitive runners to paraphrase but the disconnect between kids and athletics full stop.

Chivito550

El Caballo wrote: »

I think the key thing here is that as highly invested as people like you and me are in the elite scene and the club ethos of running, athletics doesn't have a patent on running, completely the opposite in fact, organised athletics is a small subcategory of running and always will be because running is natural, organised athletics is not by definition.

Really, I think these debates hinge way too heavily on the lack of elite talent being down to recreational runners. Let's look at the running boom with a little bit of perspective, it was built on a foundation of 30+ year olds who were never going to be elite competitors and yet the argument is that these runners are the problem for a lack of extremely high quality and depth of competition in the 15-30 year old category, the base of top quality runners does not lie with these late life running converts, it lies with making athletics a more attractive and enjoyable option for kids because that's where 99% of elite runners come from(not the 1% of late bloomers) taking up athletics at a young age and sticking with it. The more kids that take part in athletics and stick with it, the more likely that their friends will take an interest and stick which creates a snowball effect creating a bigger base for the real top performers to develop.

I never got the "finisher medals killed the depth" argument as winners win and a bit of shiny tin is not going to quence their thirst to improve. If a finisher medal was enough to satisfy them, they already failed selection bias 101 and would have never made it to that level anyway. The problem for imo isn't the disconnect between later in life recreational and competitive runners to paraphrase but the disconnect between kids and athletics full stop.

Think about it. If recreational runners were engaged with the sport, you'd have larger membership in clubs across the country. Would these adults improve standards at the very top? No. Would the larger numbers create a better atmosphere and vibrancy at events, which over time would raise the profile of the sport? Absolutely.

Anybody who runs in races for a PB (I'm not counting those who merely exercise) ideally should be inside the club system. Our sport is minority enough as it is, without handicapping it ourselves further.

average_runner

Chivito550 wrote: »

Think about it. If recreational runners were engaged with the sport, you'd have larger membership in clubs across the country. Would these adults improve standards at the very top? No. Would the larger numbers create a better atmosphere and vibrancy at events, which over time would raise the profile of the sport? Absolutely.

Anybody who runs in races for a PB (I'm not counting those who merely exercise) ideally should be inside the club system. Our sport is minority enough as it is, without handicapping it ourselves further.

Could the clubs handle it? Do we have the facilities?

HS3

Chivito550 wrote: »

El Caballo wrote: »

I think the key thing here is that as highly invested as people like you and me are in the elite scene and the club ethos of running, athletics doesn't have a patent on running, completely the opposite in fact, organised athletics is a small subcategory of running and always will be because running is natural, organised athletics is not by definition.

Really, I think these debates hinge way too heavily on the lack of elite talent being down to recreational runners. Let's look at the running boom with a little bit of perspective, it was built on a foundation of 30+ year olds who were never going to be elite competitors and yet the argument is that these runners are the problem for a lack of extremely high quality and depth of competition in the 15-30 year old category, the base of top quality runners does not lie with these late life running converts, it lies with making athletics a more attractive and enjoyable option for kids because that's where 99% of elite runners come from(not the 1% of late bloomers) taking up athletics at a young age and sticking with it. The more kids that take part in athletics and stick with it, the more likely that their friends will take an interest and stick which creates a snowball effect creating a bigger base for the real top performers to develop.

I never got the "finisher medals killed the depth" argument as winners win and a bit of shiny tin is not going to quence their thirst to improve. If a finisher medal was enough to satisfy them, they already failed selection bias 101 and would have never made it to that level anyway. The problem for imo isn't the disconnect between later in life recreational and competitive runners to paraphrase but the disconnect between kids and athletics full stop.

Think about it. If recreational runners were engaged with the sport, you'd have larger membership in clubs across the country. Would these adults improve standards at the very top? No. Would the larger numbers create a better atmosphere and vibrancy at events, which over time would raise the profile of the sport? Absolutely.

Anybody who runs in races for a PB (I'm not counting those who merely exercise) ideally should be inside the club system. Our sport is minority enough as it is, without handicapping it ourselves further.

To be fair though. You don't hear any other sport bemoaning recreational participants for ruining things.

For example, my kids are in the local school. Since September we've had leaflets home about soccer, GAA, dance, swimming , gymnastics. There are forever people outside the school handing some flyer or other out. The GAA and soccer teams my kid play for all stem from information supplied by the club members who visited the school. There are at least 2 running clubs in the area and there have been nothing from them.

I'm not saying they've been ignored because they haven't asked. It's not Coppers but if people don't know about it, they're not going to engage with it. At the sports day last year, there were 2 girls who were absolutely flying. I got talking to the mothers who said they'd love to get them into a club but didn't know how. I threw Tallaght AC and Sports world at them but had to tell them to google because I didn't have a clue myself how to approach them.

My eldest himself has expressed an interest, but I haven't had the time to look it all up myself. But I was only thinking about it the other day how it's one of the only sports that haven't had a representative visit the school to try and lure people in. The GAA fella they can't get rid of :pac:

RayCun

Chivito550 wrote: »

If recreational runners were engaged with the sport, you'd have larger membership in clubs across the country.

Athletics Ireland membership is at about 52,000 this year, maybe 53/54 by year end.
I think that's twice what it was ten years ago.
So clearly a lot of recreational runners are engaging with the sport. Happy now?

(actually, just checked, total membership in September was 53765. It was 25k in 2007, so more than doubled in less than 10 years)

average_runner

ger664 wrote: »

No to both questions. But investigate how Craughwell AC in East Galway got to where they are now. By getting the get fit greater then 30min 5k €500 garmin watch woggers to join the club. This created a bigger club and has got them to be one of the biggest juvenile clubs in the country with facilities to match.

And you need the coaches to do that, Alot of clubs have a waiting list for kids at the moment. So there is the first problem.

Alot of kids will only join clubs when they see other kids on the street going to those clubs, I saw that with my kids, they have no interest in running because the kids on the street have no interest.

Also running clubs don't seem to make the effort at schools for some reason, Gaa, Hockey soccer and even Ballet have all called to her school. Closest sport to the school is the running track!!! Wonder why still????

RayCun

Juvenile membership has gone up a lot. In line with overall membership? I don't know. But you need coaches for kids, and they are always in short supply.

average_runner

RayCun wrote: »

Juvenile membership has gone up a lot. In line with overall membership? I don't know. But you need coaches for kids, and they are always in short supply.

And sadly for running alot of the sessions for kids are on in the evening and not sat/sun morning. But then they are competing with other sports those mornings, its a no win situation.

Its tough for parents to get home for 6pm session when they are working and then collecting kids, for me without collecting the kids it be 6:45 before I get home. If collecting the kids it be 7:30.

RayCun

well, we have sessions weekday evenings and Saturday/Sunday mornings. That's when the competitions are, they need to get used to blocking that time out.
A lot of other sports have weekday evening training too. It can't be too late, because its for kids, and you want the light for as long as possible. Makes it tricky for some, I know

average_runner

RayCun wrote: »

well, we have sessions weekday evenings and Saturday/Sunday mornings. That's when the competitions are, they need to get used to blocking that time out.
A lot of other sports have weekday evening training too. It can't be too late, because its for kids, and you want the light for as long as possible. Makes it tricky for some, I know

Totally agree with you, its a no win situation.

muddypaws

quickbeam wrote: »

I've only just got in to running - very far from competing in races or anything like that yet. I'm on Week 3 of C25K. But this thread really scares me - is this what I have to look forward to if I actually do start running properly?? Yikes!!!

I've only been running since July, started the C25K and have found everyone very supportive and helpful, in here and in the real world. Definitely go along to your local park run, even whilst still doing the C25K, there are participants of all levels, from people walking, to those running under 20 minutes.

I am involved in putting on races in other sports, and we have an award for the finisher thats out on the course for the longest time. Not for coming last, but for sticking with it, not giving up, and getting around. It takes real dedication to keep going, when you know that you have absolutely no chance of winning, its harder I think than if you believe you have a chance of coming somewhere in the race, so we like to recognise it. Its all about having fun, and achieving whatever it is that you want to achieve.

RayCun

(yes, I have work to do, but it's boring)

in 2007, there were 120 women competing in the senior T&F championships
in 2016, it was 171
not doubling, but still a substantial improvement

*didn't count the men
*relays not listed for 2007, this is individual events
*in both years, there were bound to be some women who competed in multiple events, so the real number is a bit lower

Chivito550

muddypaws wrote: »

I've only been running since July, started the C25K and have found everyone very supportive and helpful, in here and in the real world. Definitely go along to your local park run, even whilst still doing the C25K, there are participants of all levels, from people walking, to those running under 20 minutes.

I am involved in putting on races in other sports, and we have an award for the finisher thats out on the course for the longest time. Not for coming last, but for sticking with it, not giving up, and getting around. It takes real dedication to keep going, when you know that you have absolutely no chance of winning, its harder I think than if you believe you have a chance of coming somewhere in the race, so we like to recognise it. Its all about having fun, and achieving whatever it is that you want to achieve.

What sport is this?

yaboya1

How long is it now since we've had a post on topic?

Chivito, if you're so passionate about recruiting club members why don't you go down to your local parkrun and hand out a few flyers with details of how to get involved with your club (Pat Hooper regularly does similar for Raheny in St Anne's) instead of moaning about it here?

Djoucer

muddypaws wrote: »

I am involved in putting on races in other sports, and we have an award for the finisher thats out on the course for the longest time. Not for coming last, but for sticking with it, not giving up, and getting around. It takes real dedication to keep going, when you know that you have absolutely no chance of winning, its harder I think than if you believe you have a chance of coming somewhere in the race, so we like to recognise it. Its all about having fun, and achieving whatever it is that you want to achieve.

Ah here. That's a prize for coming last, no matter how you dress it up.

Running is a joyful thing. We don't need to recognise anyone for just finishing or for coming last. It takes no more dedication to finish a race than it does to go to work each day.

Seems to be a thing lately were running is becoming shrouded in gladiator style language, talk of battles, inner demons, nonsense slogans, leave no man behind, soaring music etc.

It's putting one foot in front of the other.

Likewise re elite argument. Running was a past time long before it came a sport. If anything, it's easier to argue why recreational running is much more rewarding than running in circles around a track, doing reps etc.

RacoonQueen

yaboya1 wrote: »

How long is it now since we've had a post on topic?

Chivito, if you're so passionate about recruiting club members why don't you go down to your local parkrun and hand out a few flyers with details of how to get involved with your club (Pat Hooper regularly does similar for Raheny in St Anne's) instead of moaning about it here?

See now, this, is a good idea. I was probably a couple of years thinking of joining a club and it wasn't that I didn't think I was good enough, I just wasn't sure how to go about it despite emailing clubs and them telling me to 'just come down' that whole thing is very intimidating. As I'm sure most of us can relate.
Clubs should really look more at ways to make joining them more inviting and easy.

*just remembered I've loads of propective member emails to answer...sh*t*

Sacksian

Recreational runners aren't a problem for clubs at all. In fact, they probably represent the majority of participants for races that act as the principal fundraisers for some of the biggest clubs in the country.

One problem for clubs is having enough volunteers to do all the things that people have suggested clubs should be doing on this thread, such as recruitment (but lots and lots of other things too that are beyond just making sure the members are looked after).

Clubs are there for runners, but runners should be there for their clubs too, whether that means international athletes running the national league 4x4, sticking your hand up to do the walk, turning out for the xc team even if you'll finish last, club runners stewarding, coaching juveniles, admin, organising fundraisers, baking cakes, whatever you want to do!

Chivito550

yaboya1 wrote: »

How long is it now since we've had a post on topic?

Chivito, if you're so passionate about recruiting club members why don't you go down to your local parkrun and hand out a few flyers with details of how to get involved with your club (Pat Hooper regularly does similar for Raheny in St Anne's) instead of moaning about it here?

To be fair, I'm not specifically talking about my club. My club is doing very fine indeed, and I see loads of people there from my club the very odd time I am at a Parkrun, who I assume are already way ahead of you on that idea. The meet and train group has become a big thing. Also in 10 years it will be the best equipped club in the country by a comfortable margin.

I'm talking about clubs in general could do with more members.

And I train every Saturday morning, which clashes with Parkruns, not that I should have to justify having a moan on a moan thread. just had a personal moan, no different to anyone else on this thread. Anybody who finds that offensive has real issues.

RacoonQueen

average_runner wrote: »

Lack of facilities is a big issue also, clubs in Ireland couldn't handle it, if all recreational runners joined clubs.

Some sense at last, many clubs have waiting lists for juveniles because they can't handle the numbers a) because they don't have enough coaches and b) because they simply don't have the space and facilities

We even had to stop taking ladies members at one stage because we just couldn't handle the numbers turning up to training (car park facilities) - which is ok in summer as people can park over in the park but in the dark evenings people don't like having to go through the park on their own to pick up their car.
As well as that tempo runs and interval runs then come out of the park which can be hard logistically.

*off to answer those emails now*

seamus

Joining a club doesn't suit me. I run almost exclusively at lunch time or to and from work.

Having children, it's simply not possible to attend club training in the evenings or on weekends.

I'm part of a cycling club and even then primarily it's because if I wasn't I would never, ever get out on the bike on my own.

RayCun

seamus wrote: »

Joining a club doesn't suit me. I run almost exclusively at lunch time or to and from work.

Having children, it's simply not possible to attend club training in the evenings or on weekends.

I'm part of a cycling club and even then primarily it's because if I wasn't I would never, ever get out on the bike on my own.

If you can get out on the bike at the weekend, and if you can race at the weekend, you could train in a club session at the weekend too :pac:

But yeah, I know, lots of people like running precisely because it is flexible, you can run at whatever time of day suits you. So joining a club that trains at specific times can be a hard sell

Myles Splitz

Sacksian wrote: »

Recreational runners aren't a problem for clubs at all. In fact, they probably represent the majority of participants for races that act as the principal fundraisers for some of the biggest clubs in the country.

One problem for clubs is having enough volunteers to do all the things that people have suggested clubs should be doing on this thread, such as recruitment (but lots and lots of other things too that are beyond just making sure the members are looked after).

Clubs are there for runners, but runners should be there for their clubs too, whether that means international athletes running the national league 4x4, sticking your hand up to do the walk, turning out for the xc team even if you'll finish last, club runners stewarding, coaching juveniles, admin, organising fundraisers, baking cakes, whatever you want to do!

This +1000

Club numbers don't mean feck all for the club for the most part unless they are active members (and I am not just talking about competing) there are plenty of big clubs with a large membership base who rely on a handful of people to do everything or are so disjointed that you would find it hard to define them as a club other than wearing the same singlets.

kit3

seamus wrote: »

Joining a club doesn't suit me. I run almost exclusively at lunch time or to and from work.

Having children, it's simply not possible to attend club training in the evenings or on weekends.

I'm part of a cycling club and even then primarily it's because if I wasn't I would never, ever get out on the bike on my own.

I'm exactly the same. Most of my runs are at lunchtime or very early morning at the weekend. Evenings taken up with kids activities (& mundane domestic stuff - do they really need to be fed / clean clothes etc �� ) & weekends taken up with matches. Maybe when the kids are old enough to do their own thing ......

Myles Splitz

Regarding the facilities I think this is a bit of a cop out (and one I have used in the past) There was an old poster here who summed it up perfectly recently enough by saying invest in people not facilities.

At the moment the money around the sport is not enough to make a dent in the issue. We need to be providing support not just to the athletes but to the people who devote their time and effort to the sport they love. I don't just mean money I mean looking to the active coaches and volunteers in this country and actual ask what exactly can we do to help support them in any way possible.

The Terrie & Sean Cahill's/Donnie Walshs/Dick Hoopers/Jerry Kiernans/John Shields/Jeremy Lyons and Steven Macklins of Ireland as well as the countless officials

kit3

In terms of mentors/coaches, I think it's easier to achieve this in the GAA set up. The mentors are usually parents of some of the kids on the team, especially at underage level. With the club providing extra support by way of a senior player once the team reached U14/15 etc

muddypaws

Chivito550 wrote: »

What sport is this?

Djoucer wrote: »

Ah here. That's a prize for coming last, no matter how you dress it up.

Running is a joyful thing. We don't need to recognise anyone for just finishing or for coming last. It takes no more dedication to finish a race than it does to go to work each day.

Cani-sports. The idea came from sled dog races in Alaska, so its not just about the human. A lantern was lit at the start of the race, turned off when the last team crossed the finish line, so the lantern was presented to that team. That tradition has carried on around the world with different sled dog events, and has crossed over into some of the dog assisted sports. We do canicross, running with a dog, bikejoring and scootering. One dog, one person, the person might be super fit and fast, the dog might not be, or vice versa.

Someone may be able to buy a purpose bred, super fast sled dog, someone else is entering with their pet who loves to run with them, but may not be particularly fast. Ireland currently has a European and World Champion in bikejore, we know she is going to win every race here that she enters (unless something goes drastically wrong on the course), doesn't stop me and others entering as well.

We had a race in March, the woman that got the green lantern that day was a new runner. She has carried on running, and has really improved, she wasn't anywhere near being eligible for the green lantern at our race on Sunday. So, if it encourages people, then we'll keep doing it, and it reminds people of where our sport started from.

HelenAnne

Chivito550 wrote: »

The broader the base, the higher the peak. People outside the club system aren't part of that base. That's what I mean. Get them in and raise the numbers.

you'll catch more flies with honey, though!

HelenAnne

yaboya1 wrote: »

How long is it now since we've had a post on topic?

Chivito, if you're so passionate about recruiting club members why don't you go down to your local parkrun and hand out a few flyers with details of how to get involved with your club (Pat Hooper regularly does similar for Raheny in St Anne's) instead of moaning about it here?

Quite a lot of people have joined Raheny Shamrock through running / being involved with St Anne's parkrun (not sure whether it's Pat's flyers working, or just meeting club members / getting chatting etc); I'd say parkrun & Raheny have a fantastic relationship, and it's really symbiotic.

Chivito550

http://touch.boards.ie/thread/2057546096/1/#post98326200

We had this discussion not too long ago by the way.

I wasn't trying to start one again. Just posting a personal pet peeve of mine on what seemed a harmless thread.

Tombo2001

nhunter100 wrote: »

The closest club to me is 15 miles away, where the membership is predominantly female whose only goal seems to be to loose weight and compete in the DCM hoping for a sub 5. Generalisation I know but this is the reason I'm a solo runner. Plus if people in clubs share your attitude I don't think I'm missing much tbh.

I don't regret the fact that I didn't run much when I was in College and had lots of time. It was a lifestyle thing, and I wasn't cut out for it then.

I massively regret the fact that I after I took up running seriously, I waited about 8 years before joining a club.

For the following reasons:

(I) there is proper competition. Recording a pb in a 5k fun run is an irrelevance compared to winning a medal in a national event, imho.
(II) the variety when you are in a club is much greater. Track, road, cross country, distances changing, even relays.....keeps you interested and motivated.
(III) the structured coaching means that I massively improved, despite being a lot older than when I started.
(IV) the team dynamic
(I) Socially its just better.

Tombo2001

Chivito550 wrote: »

To be fair, I'm not specifically talking about my club. My club is doing very fine indeed, and I see loads of people there from my club the very odd time I am at a Parkrun, who I assume are already way ahead of you on that idea. The meet and train group has become a big thing. Also in 10 years it will be the best equipped club in the country by a comfortable margin.

I'm talking about clubs in general could do with more members.

And I train every Saturday morning, which clashes with Parkruns, not that I should have to justify having a moan on a moan thread. just had a personal moan, no different to anyone else on this thread. Anybody who finds that offensive has real issues.

Very few clubs in Ireland have more than 100 senior members. Lots of masters, lots of kids. The figures for club membership are (IMHO) very low.

I would also voice the opinion
-Its not easy to set up a club in Ireland. There is a fair bit of bureaucracy, it costs quite a bit.
-You cant enter AAI competitions without being a club member.

There is no running club in my immediate area either. Loads of the local kids would be delighted to enter an AAI Cross Country event as a local team. But they cant. There is no club. If we wanted to start one.....

http://www.athleticsireland.ie/clubs/how-to-start-a-club/

That's a lot of effort.

How many new clubs have we seen emerge in the past ten years, despite the demographic shifts in Dublin especially.......cant think of many.