I think I want to run?

[bareblueskin.livejournal.com]

I am interested in learning to run as part of a group in the Cambridge/Somerville area. I have been searching for months for some sort of community group or paid program that offers a way for non-runners to get into the act through a couch to 5k type program. A friend living in Upstate NY joined a program through Fleet Feet Sports that had scheduled group runs along with runner support - experienced runners or trainers coaching her along - and working toward a community 5k.

I know there are many downloadable audio programs but I need the support of running buddies in person.

It seems to me that all the resources for runners in Boston are for people that already run. Any suggestions?

Comments

[dcltdw]

There're both in-person and online resources.

In person: you can't throw a rock without hitting a running group around here. Off the top of my head, there's the Somerville Road Runners, Somerville Striders, Cambridge Running Club, Community Running, and The Most Informal Running Club Ever. Whether those groups have C25K programs, I'm not sure; I do know that Community Running does: http://communityrunning.org/new_runners.shtml . (Full disclosure: I'm an officer with Community Running.) Running clubs vary in whether they have coaches or not, which is usually reflected in membership costs.

If there's a running store or gym near you, it might be worth checking in with them to see if they have regular running groups. I suspect it'll be very hit-or-miss, but if you're lucky, there'll be a group that goes at a time that's convenient for you. Whether they'll be accepting of new members, I have no idea. My wild guess is that "everyone runs at their own pace" will be the norm, so you'll have a group to socialize with while people are gathering but everyone may outrun you once y'all start, which may or may not work for you. (For some people, knowing their buddies will be there, even if they don't run together, is enough to motivate people to show up.) Marathon Sports, City Sports, and the Greater Boston Running Company would be places to check out, if any are near you.

Online: there's both the http://couch-to-5k.livejournal.com/ and http://runners.livejournal.com/ LJ communities. I'm an active commenter on the c25k LJ community, and lots of people have posted about how it's great to have an online community. The runners' community has a wide variety of runners as well.

It seems to me that all the resources for runners in Boston are for people that already run. Any suggestions?

Yeah, I noticed that too when I started running back in 2008. It's why I helped resurrect Community Running's C25K program. :)

[ron_newman]

I've always wondered why Somerville has two separate running groups. What difference is there, if any, between the Striders and the Road Runners?

[dcltdw]

I don't actually know. I have a vague impression of why, but as I wouldn't bet 25 cents on it, I think it behooves me to not propagate bad info on the Internet. Hopefully someone does know and can pipe up why. :)

[cthulhia]

The Somerville Road Runners Bur-Run on Mondays is pretty relaxed. Just give them a heads up that you're new.

Sometime this or next month, there'll be a healthworks'-based running training on the Tufts track, around the same time on Mondays. Because it's outside, it may be open to non-members.

Otherwise, check the bulletin board at Marathon sports, which usually provides a lot of community contact info.

Most local 5K runs are also walks. I run slowly enough that this is very helpful for me.

[freetobeme18.livejournal.com]

Check out Meetup.com and see if there's anything there. I know they have running groups, though I'm unsure of the skill/experience level if any that's expected of members; each group has a description that you can read to find out.

[dcltdw]

Oh right, there's the Davis Square Evening Runners or somesuch.

[secretlyironic.livejournal.com]

If you're a fan of beer, check out the Hash House Harriers, as well. http://bostonhash.com/ -- their whole deal is "run around with a bunch of people, then hit a pub." It's sort of game-like and they have a wide variety of fitness and enthusiasm levels.

[pywaket.livejournal.com]

I've Hashed, in a bunch of different cities: Boston, Burlington VT, Santa Cruz. It's loads and loads of fun and I highly recommend it. Even if you aren't a good runner (I'm not), you'll still have lots of company. I've never met a Hasher who wasn't at least 3 kinds of awesome in some way or another.

Their slogan: "We're a drinking club with a running problem". Though, there's no requirement or pressure to consume alcohol if you don't want to.


The wikipedia entry gives a good overview of what it's like: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hash_House_Harriers

[angerona.livejournal.com]

bostonfit is a freat runinnig group, meets in Cambridge.

[geekpixie.livejournal.com]

If you're looking at actual running classes I know that Ithamar at Outback PT up on Highland does actual classes http://www.outbackpt.com/running_classes.html

It may be a good option if you don't find exactly what you are looking for :)

[bareblueskin.livejournal.com]

Thanks all for the suggestions. I should have clarified from the start. Before I posted here, I searched all the Somerville running groups, Meetup, running clubs, etc. I don't run at all, so trying to join a group, even for beginners, is a scary thought. I think geekpixie hit the nail on the head - I need/want someone to be there along with me as I start the whole "run for 30 seconds, walk to recovery, do it again" thing and help me pace myself, as I overdo things at the start and end up injured. I will definitely check out Outback PT!

On my walk home Thursday nights, the Somerville Road Runners group passes me in clumps and motivates me to try this, especially now that the weather is nicer. The group was much bigger last night and everyone was definitely running, not scraping by like I will be - maybe in a few months I'll be ready to join in.

[Also, I tried to tag this post as running, exercise, fitness, anything, but the forum wouldn't accept tags. Do tags need to be approved?]

[geekpixie.livejournal.com]

Glad to be of help :)

[ron_newman]

To prevent tag entropy, only moderators can add new tags that haven't already been used. I put 'local sports' on this one, but that's not ideal, and we probably should add 'fitness' or 'exercise'.

[ext-1756648.livejournal.com (from livejournal.com)]

I'll run with you! I'm pretty terrible and recovering from a knee injury, but I can totally keep up with c25K. Contact me at muffintop73 at gmail.