Running Clubs

I love running clubs.

Many people are hesitant to join them because they don't know how serious the participants are or if they could keep up.

I ran cross-country in HS and college and LOVED the team aspect of the sport. I loved getting to know the other gals and guys. There was something about being shoulder to shoulder with people for an hour a day that made you really grow close.

It wasn't until I graduated college that I realized what a solitary sport I was a part of. Running can be terribly lonely.

A few years ago I trained for my first marathon...alone. I would drive to a park to do my long run (which sometimes could be 2-3 hours) all the while wondering what I was missing at home. My husband even got me an MP3 player. But it wasn't an ipod, so I heard the same 11 songs for 3 hours. I had to switch the environment frequently to keep from getting too bored.

It was during this time that I heard about a running club in our area. I drove to a park, paid $5/week just to run with a bunch of 40 year olds (I was 25 at the time). But it was company, and I loved it.

Then I found a "training group" in Indianapolis. So I drove 40 min. once a week and paid $100 for group camaraderie. It was worth every penny.

Next I moved to St. Louis. Whoa! People here love to exercise. I immediately found a running community for free! I now enjoy every Tuesday with this group of crazy folks. We talk about our lives, we talk about the "Biggest Loser", we talk about one guy's hair. We have a blast...all while taking care of our bodies. And we all come from different abilities, body types, and fitness levels. And we all take care of one another.

I love running clubs.
Please join one! We don't have to love a lonely sport!