As humans, we typically all need or want a sense of belonging to other folks whom we identify with. From community, church, and career positions, belonging gives us a purpose in life in which to interact with like minded individuals. And in almost every area of our lives, from hobbies and family activies we often find benefit in joining groups associated with those areas of our lives.
So, as runners, walkers, crawlers we are drawn to groups of indivduals who also run, walk, and crawl. Finding a group can be a challenge however, with a little research and snooping we can come up with several options.
The Road Runners Club of America is the overseeing body of support for running clubs across the country. Their mission centers around this concept:
"seeing organized and active running clubs and events in every community in the US by educating prospective members, providing outstanding customer service, and providing useful and affordable services that benefits members." (https://www.rrca.org/about/rrca-strategic-plan) Through out the year RRCA has several programs/events that promote running and many of these happenings include childrens events as well as races. The organization provides guidance for groups of runners/walkers to start their own clubs across the nation and in doing so, RRCA provides guidance for development and sustainability for the clubs going forward. At the local level, clubs nationwide center around community involvement that provide organized runs, races, and other events or programs. It is at the local level where we find other runners/walkers/crawlers and thus finding that sense of belonging and friendship in the effort.
Outside of RRCA there is an endless supply of groups that can be found in the various social media formats. Examples include running/walking/exercise groups found locally through Facebook, through gym memberships that organize running/walking events or programs, and in some locations, YMCAs have offshoot groups focused on running/walking. Additionally, running stores such a Road Runner Sports or Phidippides on a nation wide level or say, Salt Lake Running Company or some other such local store often forms groups runs and events.
It's a matter of doing some homework via RRCA to find a local club, wandering on Facebook Groups searches, or visiting a local running store. Of course, Google can help find almost anything so locating an assortment running/walking/crawling groups should be a Google away.
As we said, belonging to a group of folks who have a common interest can provide many benefits; some which are:
*the obvious ones of camaraderie, motivation, and support; we look forward to spending time with those we identify with thus providing a motivation to ourselves out the door
*other people in your group can lend knowledge that allows a beginner or even a seasoned runner to improve on speed, form or distance
*accountability is a huge benefit of belonging to a group of runners/walkers/crawlers; when you know someone is counting on you to join them for the planned outing, you are much more likely to show up than blow off the whole event
*many running/walking/crawling groups/clubs host races or other types of event through out the year and this is a great way to find focus in your chosen mode of movement or find that competitive streak you never existed; if you have an upcoming race ahead, it is much easier to stay with a training program
*other not so obvious benefits include opportunities to volunteer within the group/club; the races/events that are hosted are almost always operated by volunteers and this is a great way to promote exercise to others. Another benefit that often comes with membership are the discounts found at running stores or other gear outlets that have an agreement with your group/club (shop til you drop). And the list is endless.
Personally, over the 30+ years I have been involved in numerous running clubs/groups. From the Peachtree City Running Club and Georgia State Cross Country Team to Cleveland Running Club to Pikes Peak Road Runners to Mom's Run This Town, there have been many organizations that have allowed me company on the roads and trails. From these experiences I have gained valuable friendships and knowledge about running and racing. Those found friends have included:
Lori, (Garden of the Gods Blazer),
Angela ,(H9 Princess and great trail story teller),
Stephanie, (what happens on the trail, stays on the trail)
Jake, (don't run behind him),
Valerie, (we have 4 dogs running with us),
Scott ,(longest running streak in the US),
Tony, (I want to be his massage therapist)
and dear, dear friend Nora, who help start this passion of running.
These are only a few of the folks who have crossed my running path over the years and I could not have trotted so many miles without them. The miles have passed while we shared our challenges, triumphs, and many, many laughs.
In finding your way with running/walking, crawling, seek out a club or group of like minded people. For those who may think they are too slow, too new to running/walking/crawling, too whatever, please don't be shy or intimidated. Most likely in any group you will be welcomed and supported. We all started somewhere and none of us were very good at it when it all began.
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