The Benefits of Joining a Running Group
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
A trend in 2024 has single runners joining running clubs as an alternative to dating apps. It is, after all, a way to meet new people who have a shared interest. No swiping required.
Although runners have reported mixed results in this trend, running groups have many benefits beyond a date.
Read more about how joining a running club can help you with your physical and mental health.
Being social is healthy
Social connection is essential for health and well-being. People who have a strong social network and close relationships experience improved physical health, increased longevity and a strong immune system, according to Stanford University. A standing weekly event ensures you maintain a strong social network.
You’ll have a group of people with similar interests. Running is a great way to get to know people and make friends. It’s also a fun way to learn about a new place if you’ve recently moved or get to know your home in a new way.
Running in a group can also offer increased safety, especially when you’re running in the dark.
Accountability
Consistency is one of the most important parts of fitness and health. Your running group can keep you accountable, especially on the days you don’t feel like running. When someone is counting on you, you don’t want to let them down.
The behaviors of people around you are influential, so meeting up with dedicated runners can help you stay dedicated, too.
Provides better fitness
Many running groups have multiple paces to suit a broad group of runners. For some, one person’s easy pace is another person’s half marathon pace, and having someone to hang with on a weekly run can help you get faster.
The work of staying with runners will give you something to focus on, and it can encourage you to try harder and make running at a faster pace feel easier.
Makes miles more fun
Sharing the miles with fellow runners can lead to conversations, jokes and stories about your foibles in the sport.
You may also find new places to run. If you’ve typically trodden the same routes around your home, joining up with a running club a new location will allow you to learn about new routes or local trails or parks. Switching your routine up occasionally can provide interest to keep you from getting bored.
Learn about running
Being around runners of varying experience, you’ll learn about the sport from specific running workouts to injury prevention to new races to experience. While running is a relatively simple sport, it’s easy to find yourself mulling over which GPS watch to buy, what kind of workouts are the most effective and what kind of strength training to do. With a running club, you have a built-in group of experts to talk shop with.
Find a local running club
If you’re ready to join a local running club, the next step is finding one. Searching for local groups on social media like Facebook or Strava is one way to find them. Road Runners Club of America, a national organization that supports running clubs, could help you locate one nearby.
Your local running store will have information on regular group runs or host their own. Chatting with fellow runners at races is another great way to learn about group runs.
If there isn’t a group in your area and you know a few local runners, you can start one of your own.
Image: Getty Images
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