According to the Athletics Canada Road Running Survey (2015), 39.4% of Canadian runners say they run as part of a club. And these runners might be on to something – many group runners say that they run at a faster pace, that the miles go by quicker, and that they enjoy their runs more when they share them with other people.
Mountain Equipment Co-Op offers different types of run groups year-round in London. While they’re all great, if you’re thinking of joining a group, it’s important to find one that fits your personality and your needs as a runner. Here are five of the most important questions to consider:
What kind of running do you want to do?
No two runners are alike – and neither are two running groups. MEC offers trail, track, and hill running sessions on the pavement in different locations around the city. Choose based on what gets you most excited about running. There’s nothing like joining a friendly group of trail runners at a meet-up and learning the ropes by asking questions, observing, and having the direction of a passionate run leader. Choosing the right group doesn’t mean choosing based on the kind of running you do right now, but you should think about how you want to spend your training time before committing. You can check out more details about the MEC sessions at events.mec.ca.
What are you looking for in a group?
Common reasons for joining a group include wanting to make friends, seeking external accountability, and wanting to improve or work towards a specific goal. It’s important to think about what you want from a group – if it’s just the social piece that you crave, and you aren’t really looking to compete, maybe a clinic targeting a faster marathon is overkill when there are lots of groups who run more casually. Some groups thrive on the post-long-run brunch, while others are all business and members buy matching team running gear – the culture and ‘vibe’ of each group is different, and there’s bound to be one where you feel like you can fit in! The best thing to do is to get out there and see for yourself.
What kind of commitment are you ready to make?
Commitment to run groups varies in terms of time and money. Some groups operate on a drop-in basis – with or without a fee (MEC’s run meet-ups are free, but they also offer registered clinics with a reasonable fee). These clinics might be aimed at a goal race, or be 10 weeks in duration, or operate year-round. While there’s no arguing that being free is a nice perk, if you pay for a spot in a group, most people are more likely to show up to workouts and take them seriously. However, if your calendar is overflowing for the next few months, you might be better off sticking with a group where your attendance can be more sporadic.
What are the group’s logistics?
Sometimes, a group can fit all your criteria and you can be ready to join – until you see the schedule or location. If the group meets across town on a night when you have other commitments, it’s probably not for you. Likewise, if the workouts are too long for you, it’s worth looking for a more suitable option. Consider the location and duration of the workouts, and be realistic about how they’ll fit into your life.
Are you ready to spice up your running routine?
If you’re used to running alone, group-running brings with it both challenges and opportunities. The man who’s faster than you, or the runner who seems to laugh through the things that you find difficult, can be reasons for you to get jealous and down on yourself – OR they can be great examples and motivators of what we’re capable of as runners. Your running shoes won’t tell you that you’ve missed a few runs, but a group is bound to notice whether you’ve been attending or slacking. All of these things are perks of a running group – if you’re willing to rise to the challenge!
