How To Join A Running Group (And Why)
I used to do every run by myself. I'm an introvert and I like my routines and my schedule. Talking to people and planning my day around some pre-set run time just didn't seem like the thing. Until I tried it. Now, I'm hooked. What's go great about getting sweaty with other humans?
Relationships matter
What do you do alone and what do you share with others? One of the core areas of health we talk about in coaching is relationships. This can refer to intimate partners or family or colleagues, but it can also mean anywhere you feel a sense of belonging and community. This connection with others is healthy-- it may not be as obvious as, say, nutrition, but the benefits are very real (but don't take my word for it, go to the science).
Barriers to community
What communities are you part of? Do you have a book club, church group, D & D game?
Do you run with other people? I hear from lots of new runners that, like I used to, they only run by themselves. It's not that they don't like people, but it can be scary to do something new. Maybe you're self-conscious about your form. Maybe you think you're too slow. Maybe you have a really solid routine and meeting a friend or a group would mean doing something different. Maybe you feel like you're not a "real" runner and so you wouldn't belong. All of this is understandable, but it's not insurmountable. And if you're willing to give it a try, you may find enormous rewards.
Running with other people can bring a different quality to your running. For some, it turns out to be the secret sauce to get to a new level and deepen your relationship with the sport. A group can give you inspiration and information (seasoned runners love helping newbies!). It can give you motivation, validation, and accountability. It can give you a cheering section at your next race (or maybe even a pacer for your ultra). It can give you a community and a sense of belonging.
Running with a group can also help you connect even if you're shy (I am!). Chatting while running can give you some build-in topics to touch on (race plans, gear, best-runs-ever). It can let you connect without the weird forced eye contact of sitting across from someone-- and it doesn't involve alcohol, which can be such a crutch for some of us. It can help you keep your pace truly easy (a good thing!). And you can even run together in silence. It's not awkward, I promise.
Ok, you're sold. Now what?
So, how do you join a running group?
Look online. That venerable old chestnut Facebook might be able to hook you up. So can meetup.com. Then reach out-- remember, groups WANT members!
Ask at your local running shop and look for flyers in their store or on their website. Many host group runs, and the staff generally know a lot about the running community in town.
Ask another runner you know if they'd like to run with you. Communicate about what your pace is and what distance you have in mind. Many runners are really happy to go a little faster or slower than usual in exchange for company. Do you have a coworker who runs who might join you for a lunch run? Another parent you know from pickup who might want to put in a few miles before the bell rings? Go out on a limb and invite them. People love to be invited!
Chat up other runners at races and events. See some sweet matching singlets? Ask about them! Maybe they're a cool club open to new members. Maybe they know folks who are. Similarly, volunteer at races-- you'll get to know people who know people, and having a job to do can ease any awkwardness.
Find a training group, group coaching program, or running clinic. If you want coaching or the idea of "club" turns you off, this can be a great way to find a community and get some dedicated support. You may pay a fee for a group like this, but for some of us, that just make the accountability aspect stronger.
Just be willing to try! It's scary to go meet some strangers, but honestly, what's the worst thing that can happen? You have a lousy time for an hour? You can't keep up? It's just an hour, and you can still get some miles in and try another group next time. Embrace that vulnerability. It might be life-changing-- or it might just be a funny story some day.
Portland, Oregon running clubs
Where I live in Portland, OR, there are more running groups than microbreweries, and that's saying something.
That means there's truly something for everyone. Here are a few great ones, all with different vibes:
Flex & Flow Run Club. These yogis and coffee-lovers hit the trails in forest park bright and early twice a week for an hour or so. Some folks charge up those hills for seven or so miles, and some take it a little easier (no pressure to grind it out!). There's a selfie and a coffee date after. It's a super warm, adventurous community.
Trail Sisters. Trail sisters is a national group supporting female-identified folks in the trail community. Portland's group is super active and organizes several weekly trail runs at locations around the Portland area. These are truly, truly no-drop runs: no sister left behind, as they say! If you're looking for a non-threatening vibe, here it is.
Rose City Track Club. This training group provides an inclusive, team-based training platform for runners of every skill level and promotes accessible foot races for athletes of all abilities. This club is ideal for anyone from a first-time finisher to someone looking to run an Olympic Trials-qualifying race.
Cowgill Trail Collective. These folks are a cow-themed trail running collective that has group runs and events in Seattle and Portland. Everyone is welcome! The vibe is fun and social, and they aim to connect trail runners across the Pacific Northwest in the hopes of finding good training partners for trail adventures/races.
FoPo Run Club. FoPo is a relaxed and inclusive group dedicated to running with (s)miles in SE Portland. Pub runs are a regular thing!
November Project. November Project has groups all over the place, including Portland and probably your city, too. It's a free fitness group that mixes running and interval-style bodyweight exercises for a super fun workout that is adaptable for all paces and fitness levels. They meet once a week in the early morning to get those endorphins flowing.
Wy'East Wolfpack. The wolfpack is an inspiring bunch. They're focused on positivity, connecting to the body, community, humility, and growth. You can find them hosting incredible aid stations at local races. They also host weekly social runs including a 7 mile challenging route and a more relaxed option of 2.5-ish miles to make sure there's something for everyone.
Deadstock run club. Coffee? Sneakers? RUNNING? That's the menu here. Their motto is "honestly, we just run and kick it". How cool is that?
What’s YOUR jam?
As you can see, there are endless flavors of run group. The community is there for you. Do you have a favorite run crew (or sewing circle, or cooking club)? What makes it special?
