Club Running!

On June 6th I attended my first club run with City of Hull Athletics Club. To be really honest, I was bricking it. I really wasn't sure what to expect. Were they all going to be elite runners and I'd be sprinting after them for the entire session or would everyone just think I'm a nobhead? I was so nervous turning up.

But I got ready and headed out to the meeting point. I got chatting with a couple of people immediately which was lovely. It was a steady 6-ish mile trail run out around the countryside and it was absolutely great. Everyone was very welcoming, there were all levels of running ability and plenty of regrouping throughout. At the end I even got asked if I was coming next week, so that was nice.

From then onwards I was going to the Thursday night trail runs every week (where possible) and really enjoyed the different routes around the countryside that I didn't even know were there! I also started running on the Tuesday night runs which are more ran mainly on tarmac. They're a great run out and usually about 6-7 miles.

One of the great things I find about being in a club is that it really is a community of like-minded people all cheering each other on. Running with others really makes those days you really really don't want to lace up your shoes and get out the door enjoyable.

One of the main reasons I wanted to join a club was to help with my boring lonely runs and more importantly gain knowledge. Some of these runners were sub 16 minute 5KM runners, some had completed 110 mile races, you don't get that good without learning a trick or two and I wanted to obtain as much of that knowledge as I could.

Race days are awesome. There are some people in the club who are beyond human. I always thought these were the people that want nothing to do with anyone that isn't on their level, but instead the majority of them wait at the finish line cheering every single person on as they come across the line. Every goal is celebrated and every achievement shared, it really does make running much more enjoyable.

I'm very appreciative of the friends I've made in run club and can't wait to get more involved next year, now I actually know which races are on and when...