Where have you BEEN?
Maybe I am an introvert after all.
I joined a running club at the very end of December in 2010. I was uber involved with them from the get-go, almost always attending the winter weekend long runs and many of the midweek runs. I got faster. I made new friends. I helped with the website portion of the club 5K. But after the 5K in August, I kind of drifted off.
And I haven’t made an effort to attend any runs since then!
I am honestly surprised I am the only one who wore a tank and shorts for the race. Photo credit to a running club member.
So yesterday I showed up for the 5K in my club jersey and most people say to me “Kim! I haven’t see you in forever!”
Yeah…
I feel bad because it’s not like I haven’t been running. I ran all my long runs this summer with Erin (and loved it), and I’ve just been doing my own thing since then.
But… who joins a club and doesn’t participate much? Should I have even worn my jersey yesterday? (No one made me feel like I should not have – just typing out loud here – everyone in my club is super friendly).
I bet a lot of people are gung-ho about a club when they first join then kind of drift off like me. There is a core group in my club, that shows up to most things. I was like that for awhile, and now I am not.
I guess it doesn’t bother me, until everyone’s like “Where have you been?” and I am like… “Uh… I’ve been busy?”
I sort of have been busy. Busy being anti-social! But really, I have just not felt like making the effort lately. Maybe I should work on that? I still see some people every week at strength class. That counts, right? Right?
Are you a member of any clubs? How often do you attend meetings/events?
There is much more I would like to say, but I will leave it at this.
Themocracy
SOmetimes it’s what you need. And sometimes it isn’t. I was wondering how that part of it went for you 🙂
There are weeks when I realy want to run with everyone, and then there are weeks when I just don’t. And then, there are weeks when I jump in last minute (and I’m usually glad I did).
You gotta go with what you’re feeling…
I am part of a running club and I love it! I go at least once a week, at the most 3x! My best friend is also in the group so that helps. There are a few people that join and don’t come to practice all the time or just show up to races. I don’t think its bad – I like seeing people, even if its every few months (or even less!)
I need something like this right now!!! I need a group to make my workouts fun and to hold me accountable!
You should join our club – Grayslake is really close to you and there are tons of weekly runs and runners are different paces. And it’s cheap. Let me know if you want to check out a group run and I will accompany you.
You should just do what works for you
A running club? no. I think I would be to slow for most groups. But we have a small group that runs together.
I do belong to a ski club that became my way to meet people when I first moved to the Joliet area. I absolutely loved it and some of these people are some of my best friends today.
I feel like I have been a part of so many things where people drifted away – book clubs, monthly dinner get-togethers, exercise classes. I think it is typical for people to do that with any structured activity. They were probably asking you “Where’ve you been?” to let you know that you had been missed. (But I don’t think you need to plan your life around that…like Lindy said, “do what works for you.”
I’ve considered joining the club in my county but know I’m not the most social. I go to a few events they host but haven’t actually joined the club yet. Most of my runs are done with my coworkers during my lunch break so I’m not sure how often I’d want to run with the club anyway. Maybe someday I’ll join.
Def not an introvert because you actually joined a running club : )I’m still not there, yet. Running can be a really great social sport but it also can be a really great opportunity to have some me time and be alone with your thoughts.
I think it’s normal for participation in any club to ebb and flow. Sometimes you need the club – the social aspect, the speed, etc. And other times, running solo is more appealing (or fits your schedule better). I’ve gotten really into group runs for the past few months, and lately ALL of my running is in groups. I’m a little worried I’m becoming too dependent and won’t be able to run solo when I need to.
I agree that it’s totally normal for participation to ebb and flow. Especially with socially-based groups. I also think it’s normal to jump in whole hog at the beginning and then get a little burnt out. Trying to figure out a balance is hard.