Running clubs and groups are such a fantastic way to develop accountability. For those of you that train primarily solo, it can definitely be a great way to shake up your training and stay motivated during times when you’d rather be sitting on your couch eating popcorn and watching Netflix!! Here are a few pointers when dealing with running in social groups and ways to get the most out of being involved in a runner tribe.
Yes, Karen from Real Housewives of Potomac said it best.
–Leave the headphones at home. Or if you must keep one in one ear and not both. Get to know the people you are running with. Chatting with runners especially during a long run is a great thing and you don’t want to be distracted by music blaring in your ears. It’s best to stay alert and aware of what is going on.
–Be familiar with the route. If there is a route that is posted online or something ahead of time try to familiarize yourself with it. That way in case you get disconnected with the group you are aware of things and you can get yourself back safely.
–Establish a general pace prior to the run. Running groups are great for this typically because usually there will be someone out there that goes at your pace. Be sure that the folks you are running with run a similar speed as you, or if they’re faster that you are able to adapt and keep up. It can be to your advantage to run with faster friends sometimes too. Try it.
–Running talk. Try not to be a BRAG-alicious runner. We get enough of that on social media. We are all on our own running journeys. Honestly unless someone asks, I don’t bring up the fact that I’ve run 100 or 50 miles. It’s generally not relevant to the conversation. Ask people about themselves and learn about what makes them tick.
–Run opposing traffic. This one is so important. Especially in the morning and with blind curves in the road. A lot of drivers just simply are not paying attention. Always assume that they aren’t and do what you need to do to stay safe.
Any more rules of running etiquette to share with the group?
thedancingrunner 
The bf and I are house hunting and hopefully whatever little town we settle in I can find an awesome running group. or create one on meetup.com if needed.
Yep!! Meetup is a good place to start!! Happy house hunting!
Thank you!!!! It is a crazy process!!!
I am aware!! I can definitely wait to have a mortgage. 😉 LOL more power to ya sis!
Great tips! Thanks for sharing 🤗
Absolutely!!!
I need to find a group to run with because I do need to shake up my routine at times!! Great post!
For sure! I’m sure NYC is the mecca for that!!
Single file when you come across people on the sidewalk so the whole community doesn’t hate the running group!🤣
hahaha yep!!!
I hear you about the runner brag!! I often don’t respond well when someone starts off with “what’s your pace today” or “what’s your PR” or “I can do…..” Eventually, if you hit it off you’ll get to all that stuff, but what about a general introductions??!!
LOL general intros are good to lead off with first, for sure!!
Love the runner brag—I’ve gone on a run with a pace shamer or two….
There are loads of braggy runners. You think it’s a lot in ROAD runner land. Move on over to trail ultras!! 😉 Cheers!
I’m so guilty of bringing my headphones to group runs. If I see fellow runner friends, I won’t turn on music, but if I end up losing friends along the run, I need music to keep me going. Haha
It definitely can make you less approachable and less likely to meet new people if you keep both headphones in. Having at least 1 ear open especially to hear things around you is best IMO!! Cheers!
Biggest thing: Be on time! Always!! If you are going to be late or miss . . call or text someone in the group to let them know. Our group has a secret Facebook group where runs are posted. That way nobody is publicly posting where they will be running in the wee small hours of the morning and we have a place to check it if we are or aren’t going to make it.
Yep being timely especially with morning runners is important! We all have places to go and people to see!!!
Great Post! I agree that community is so vital to help you stick to your running goals. It also pushes you to be better when you surround yourself with people that are in fact better than you are!
I actually have created a facebook community with lots of runners to address injury prevention, motivation, and accountability to help people stay moving.
Feel free to check it out or recommend others here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thedailymotion
Excellent!! Thank you for visiting!!
Great post! I’ve been thinking of joining a Running club eek
DO.IT.DO.IT!! I hope you love it as much as I do and make some sweet new run buds!!
I’m kinda scared because I’m shy 😢
Trust me all of that will go out the window when you start running! For some reason running together just opens people up…I know what you mean, I grew up as an only child and (believe it or not) I’m reserved/shy when I first meet people but it’s something about running groups! I know you will love it! Definitely be open minded and see what happens!! Let me know how it goes 🙂
Thanks for the encouragement. I’m part of the only child club too haha. I want to add it to my list of things to do in 2018 so I’ll keep you posted. Thanks ☺️