If you’re new to running, you should consider joining a group run. Logging miles together provides space for great conversations while also making the experience more fun all around. Training partners can also help you become a better runner by building accountability while working toward goals, among other benefits.
These days, you’re bound to find dozens of group run options via local running stores or run clubs that meet all over your area. Here are a few things to keep in mind when joining a group and hitting the trails with fellow runners.
Introduce Yourself to the Group Leaders
If you’re looking to join an organized run crew, consider doing research on the group’s route—many post the workout on social media ahead of time—and reaching out to the leaders of the club before they meet. Abeo Powder, the cofounder of TrailblazHers Run Co, a Boston-based club for women, often receives messages from people interested in learning more about the group. She says it’s a great way to get a pulse on the club’s culture and the paces they run.
Arrive Early
It’s helpful to show up for your first group run a few minutes early to allow time for warming up and introducing yourself to other participants. Many run clubs have designated group leaders helping newcomers feel welcome, but if that’s not the case, don’t be afraid to initiate a conversation before the run begins. While the first impression can be slightly intimidating, Shoes & Gear fun.
am I going to be able to keep up and hit this pace It’s helpful to show up for your first group run a few minutes early to allow time for Other Hearst Subscriptions Miles For Justice in Columbus, Ohio, suggests starting with an icebreaker. Simply ask a person if they’ve been to the club before. “I run every single day and go to a lot of run clubs, and it can even get awkward for me. So, I know it can be awkward for a person that doesn’t run all the time,” Murphy says. “But they want to run more and have that community. And runs are generally more enjoyable when you have another person to run with.”
Healthy Habits for Running and a Longer Life community, group runs can also help you expand your running knowledge and get connected within the sport. Through interactions with runner friends, TrailblazHers Run Co gear, training methods, new routes, and upcoming races. Group runs can also be a great way to meet new people, especially if you just moved to a city.
Come Solo or Bring a Friend
Powder notes there are pros and cons of bringing a friend to run with you. A friend can provide emotional support, but showing up solo can help you be more open to meeting new people within the group. “Sometimes, deliberately putting yourself in that vulnerable situation encourages this courage you wouldn’t necessarily have if you showed up with somebody else,” Powder says.
Joining a group run can also open doors outside of the sport. “Within a running community, there’s so much diversity, whether it’s pace or professional backgrounds,” Powder says. “Oftentimes running is the starting point for a conversation, but then it expands to so many other things.”
While it can be intimidating to join a group run with people you don’t know, try to approach the workout with a positive mindset. “Sometimes we go in with a negative self-talk loop, wondering, How to Adjust Your Run Schedule After a Big Race? But be open to the possibilities of showing up, and who knows what could happen?” Powder says.
Be Mindful of the Course, Your Pace, and Other Runners
While on a group run, be sure to stick with the course provided and stay with the group to avoid getting lost along the way. If the group is running at a pace that’s too fast for your fitness level, listen to your body and avoid pushing too hard.
Healthy Habits for Running and a Longer Life headphones, be mindful of communicating with others. Of course, it’s always more fun to strike up a conversation with a friend. It’s also important to remember some people like to talk while running, and others may want to focus on their breath and prefer to avoid conversation while holding their pace. Don’t take it personally if they’d rather not chat, but if you see someone running solo, try to connect with them to make them feel included.
“The beauty of a run club is, generally, everyone is pretty receptive to talking to someone,” Murphy says. “Even if they can’t hold a long conversation, they will be receptive to meeting you and saying hello, and that opens a perfect window to reconnect with them after the run.”
Check Out Multiple Group Runs
As you learn more about the running community in your area, try out several group runs to find the right fit for you. Every crew has its own mission and workouts. Determine your preferred pace and goals, and take the time to find a group that meets your needs.
Taylor Dutch is a writer and editor living in Austin, Texas, and a former NCAA track athlete who specializes in fitness, wellness, and endurance sports coverage. Her work has appeared in Runner’s World, SELF, Bicycling, Outside, and Podium Runner.
