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How to Find a Training Group
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Dr. Jason R. Karp, Ph.D.
May/June 2009
For the Washington Running Report
There is No "I" in Team
Much has been written about the loneliness of the long-distance runner. Through my hours alone on roads and trails, I have learned how to become my own psychologist, how to "work in" rather than "work out." Although running or cycling by yourself has its perks and gives you a chance-maybe the only one you have all day-to be alone, sometimes it helps to train with a group. After all, humans are social animals.
Group training can help you become faster since it is easier to push yourself when someone is running or cycling right next to you. Group training also offers camaraderie and accountability, resources and a network for information about your sport, and encouragement and motivation. You will also feel a sense of belonging to a team if you decide to join a formal group that competes together in races. Some groups even offer formal coaching.
How to Find a Training Group
Before searching for a group to run or bike with, decide what type of group you would like. There are many options, from small, informal groups that include runners or cyclists of all levels to large, competitive, fee-based clubs that meet at a track for coach-led formal workouts to the unique Hash House Harriers, the self-proclaimed "drinking group with a running problem" who drink beer during their run.
Perhaps the easiest way to find a group to run or cycle with is by doing an Internet search using Google or another search engine. Use search terms like "running clubs" or "cycling clubs" and your city and state. For a more specific search, add terms like "recreational," "coach," "fee," "competitive," "trail," or "mountain biking." Runners can check Road Runners Club of America, which has a list of running clubs throughout the U.S.
(Editor's Note: The Washington Running Report Web site has a very complete listing of local area running clubs. Click on Resources, then click Regional Running Clubs.)
Owing to the popularity of the marathon, training groups specifically geared toward training for a marathon are among the fastest-growing types of running groups. If you are interested in running a marathon, national organizations like Team In Training, which is charity-based, and USA Fit , which is fee-based, have local chapters in nearly every major city in the U.S. Both offer weekly group long runs and a written training schedule for their members.
If you are interested in something more informal, there are hundreds of local groups around the country, most of which meet on a regular basis for runs or rides of varying distances based on the members' abilities. Check out message boards like those on runnersworld.com, active.com, or runwashington.com, which often have people who are looking for others to run or cycle with. You can also post a message yourself to inquire about groups. Many universities have running or cycling clubs that are open to the public as well as to students, so if you live near a university, check out their Web site or their recreational sports department.
In addition, many specialty running shoe stores lead informal groups that meet in front of their stores for weekly runs. The store's staff may also know of other clubs or coaches in the area. If you are a cyclist, visit local bicycle repair shops, which usually have knowledgeable staff who can give you information about cycling clubs and tell you everything you want to know about the local cycling scene. If you are interested in finding a running or cycling partner, check out Web sites like exercisefriends.com or craigslist.org, which contain profiles or "ads" of people looking for others with whom to exercise.
If you are looking for motivation or simply want to sweat with others, running or cycling with a group may be what you need. Once you have started training with a group, you may never want to go back to running or cycling alone. Just don't forget to wear deodorant.
Dr. Jason R. Karp is owner of RunCoachJason.com, a coaching, personal training, and fitness consulting company, providing science-based coaching to runners of all levels, fitness training to the public, and consulting to coaches and fitness professionals. He has a Ph.D. in exercise physiology and is director and coach of REVO2LT Running Team TM, a freelance writer and competitive runner. He writes for numerous international running, coaching, and fitness magazines and scientific journals.
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