What I tried this week: A run club

There is nothing quite like launching yourself onto a public forum and leaving yourself at the mercy of others, but that is exactly what I am doing with this blog. My name is Jessica Kuepfer. I’m from Southwestern Ontario and I have an insatiable curiosity when it comes to running. I’m in my mid-twenties and have raced everything from 5K up to ultra marathons.

Like most runners, I want to keep improving and look to coaches, magazine articles and current research to inform my training. Most of the time, it goes smoothly, but occasionally there are disasters, like the time I was informed chocolate pudding is a cost-effective gel. Trust me, there is nothing effective about it.

With this blog, I’ll be tackling some of the biggest questions in running today but instead of looking to research alone, I am going to take on challenges and try them myself so you don’t have to. Your input and suggestions are always welcome.

What I tried this week: a run club

When I first began running, I was a lone ranger. I wanted to figure it out all by myself. I logged some long miles with just my watch.

Over time, as I put a few races under my belt and gained some confidence, I went looking for friends to run with. That’s easier said than done because it’s important for me to find a run club that fits my running goals and personality. I tried a couple different groups before landing in the one I’m currently training with.

Choosing a club
The biggest thing for me in choosing a club was the atmosphere. I train in a supportive, friendly group of people who are inclusive with the runners they accept. I felt welcome from the first practice and the group has similar goals as I do. If you’re training for a marathon, chances are you won’t mesh well with a group who is training to crush local 5Ks.

Benefits of a run club
Joining a run club is a commitment; it keeps me accountable to my workouts. If I know the group of people who are showing up each week for a workout, I’m more likely to show up as well.

I love the new components training in a group brings to racing. There’s a camaraderie that develops among run clubs that translates to a better races. Having people cheer you on who know your splits and are there to push you when you’re having a rough race is invaluable.

Drawbacks of a run club
It’s not all perfect. I enjoyed the calm, long miles by myself. Those were replaced with runners who are a bit faster or run a bit farther than me. Comparison is something that is inevitable in a run club and it’s important to clearly understand your own goals. Without them, you’ll soon find your only goal is competition with your own workout group.

The positives of training with a group far outweigh the negatives. A dedicated group of peers to run with is a fantastic resource and offers a motivational focus to help you reach your race goals.

Do you train with a run club? Why or why not?

Have a challenge or question you want me to tackle? Leave it in the comments below.