So you’re interested in joining a running club? Maybe you…
- Ran previously and are looking to get back into it.
- Are looking for help with getting started.
- Want to start training for that upcoming 5k, 10k, half, or full marathon.
- Have been running and want to get better.
Regardless of where you’re at in your running journey, Queen City Running has a variety of running programs that can help you become the better runner you want to be.
There are many reasons why a running club can be advantageous for any type of runner, but a few key benefits are the increase in commitment and performance, additional safety, and of course, the support from the community.
Starting off with commitment and performance. Some of us are very familiar with the dreaded feelings of knowing we need to go out on a run, but we just don’t want to do it. Or, we’re getting really burnt out on running our same route every week. Creating accountability is the first area where a running club can support you as an athlete. Every week, you’ll have your set running schedule and you will begin to look forward to hitting the pavement with your pace group. Additionally, you don’t need to worry about creating or finding new routes, they’ll be preplanned for you to ensure that you get the most out of that day’s run. By running with your peers and on different routes, it won’t be long before you’ll be able to see improvements in your abilities.
Next, let’s talk about safety. Sometimes a solo run can be a great way to get out and clear your head. But besides the fact that they can get pretty boring, especially with longer distances, they also aren’t always safe. There’s numerous things that can go wrong on a run, like getting injured or fatigued, but being a part of a community of runners can help you navigate and avoid these encounters. In our run clubs, we have a range of pace groups that allow for each runner to find a time that works best for them. Additionally, these groups are staggered, meaning that if you want to speed up or slow down, there’s a group that can match your pace and you won’t have to run alone.
By running in a group, you have multiple people looking out for everybody’s safety by keeping everyone on route and aware of road obstacles and traffic. The pre-planned routes are made available to the group beforehand to make sure everyone feels comfortable with the path. Our goal is to help each runner have a successful run so we incorporate water stops throughout the routes to make sure everyone is staying hydrated.
Here at QCR, we want to see everybody finish each run and we make sure to look out for our own. Whether that’s cheering each other on as we go up hills, or stopping to walk with someone when they need a breather, that’s what our running club is all about. Providing the opportunity for a community of runners to improve themselves while also supporting one another.
So what do you say, are you ready to join the club?
