It's ironic. Running is largely a solitary sport. Unlike football (both kinds), hoops, or hockey, running only takes one player to round out the field. Even at races, the overwhelming majority of participants aren't part of an official “group”. But joining a running club offers a wide range of benefits at a low price.
Plenty of “been there, done that” experience
One benefit is a human database of advice. Runners new to the sport have a much higher chance of being sidelined by a sports injury than novices in many other physical activities. The wrong running shoes, improper eating and nutritional habits, trying to reach the next level of performance, it's all there.
But being able to talk to and interact with a group that have thousands of miles under their collective belts can nip injuries and bad habits in the bud. This is especially important when runners go through the inevitable stages of progression. It starts when the verb “jogging” morphs into the term “running.” Then the first 5K, then 10K. And when the desire to run the first marathon, with all the mileage it entails happens (and usually, it will), the emerging athlete really needs advice and support. Club members are always willing to lend support.
The loneliness of the long distance runner
It was a great book and movie, but far from the truth. Runners are usually outgoing types and they like company. A running club provides that. When 5:00 AM on Saturday morning arrives and it's time to get ready for that 15 miler, it's a lot easier to roll out of bed knowing that the group is waiting for you.
And speaking of getting up that early on Saturday morning, serious runners don't fit in with the regular Friday night clubbing crowd. But they do enjoy the club Christmas parties and post-workout socializing.
Finding a local running club
Like they say in the restaurant business; location, location, location. Metropolitan areas usually have populations large enough to support many clubs, and each has its own personality. Looking for a social life? There's one for that. Want one that focuses on track and field with competitive members and a coach who prepares interval workouts? There's one for that. Searching for one that just does hashes? There's one for that too. Down, down!
In areas with smaller populations, it's not always possible to be so picky. Go with what's available or become a founder.
Houston is one of the largest cities in the country and has fairly good weather for most of the year. As a result, there's a big selection of clubs. My club is in the Clear Lake area and is the Bay Area Running Club (BARC). It has members at all levels, grants scholarships, does race management for charity runs, and hosts the Lunar Rendezvous 5K, a local favorite for the past 30 years. Another local club is Bay Area Fit and offers a coaching program.
Moving up to Houston proper, there are the Tornados, Bayou City RR, Houston Striders, Al Lawrence RC, Houston Harriers, Houston Masters, Finish Line Sports, etc. There are so many clubs that they all fall under the umbrella of HARRA, or the Houston Area Road Runners Association. The list goes on, and this doesn't even touch on the triathlon clubs.
So why wait? Get out there and get involved!
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