The All New MSE Running Club.

Lizling

I tried out a couple of local running clubs, but didn't join either because they weren't right for me.

The first turned out to be ultra-serious: I've since found out that the slowest female senior runs a 41 minute 10k, which equates to roughly a 1:30 half marathon :eek:. They also have a beginner group that just does 5k jogs around the park. I fall firmly between the 2, so no good to me. I might try again if I get a fair bit faster or they start an intermediate group. They are just sooooo local it's a real shame.

The second were just too big for me. There were hundreds and hundred of members and I wanted something a little smaller and friendlier. Also, they tend to focus more on triathlons. Lots of friends there though.


I hope no one lets my experience of the first club there put them off trying one out. Nothing ventured... :cool: I was still made welcome, and this club must be a bit of an anomaly - I know I can hold my own against at least some members of all the other main local clubs, just not this one!

Lizling

fufu_banterwaite wrote: »

I’m concerned that it will all be really serious fast runners and then me who can chug out a 1hr 40minute half-marathon and probably do a 20 minute 5k at a push!

I missed this bit before.

I'd LOVE to be able to do a 20 minute 5k or a 1:40 half! Those are my targets for a full year away, and they're very ambitious at that! You've got nothing at all to worry about if you're running those sorts of times.

For example, taking the last 5k I did (which is mainly a club-level sort of event) a time of 20 minutes would put you in 5th place if you're female or 88th if you're male, out of 235 runners. You'd be ahead of some members of Serpentine (who contributed at least 1 member to this year's Commonwealth Games), Clapham Chasers (another really big club), Fulham RC, Ealing Eagles, Wimbledon Windmilers, Mornington Chasers, Collingwood AC, Ranelagh Harriers and loads and loads of smaller clubs.

Indie_Kid

I would love to do another 30 minute 5k. I am about 6 minutes off that this year.

I am debating whether to go back to my old club. That was much more challenging; but not so challenging that I couldn't deal with it.

fufu_banterwaite

Indie_Kid wrote: »

I would love to do another 30 minute 5k. I am about 6 minutes off that this year.

I am debating whether to go back to my old club. That was much more challenging; but not so challenging that I couldn't deal with it.

Why did you leave the old club?

You should definitely do the two half marathons in successive weekends too. You've been running for ages I think so it shouldn't be a problem at all.

fufu_banterwaite

Lizling wrote: »

I missed this bit before.

I'd LOVE to be able to do a 20 minute 5k or a 1:40 half! Those are my targets for a full year away, and they're very ambitious at that! You've got nothing at all to worry about if you're running those sorts of times.

For example, taking the last 5k I did (which is mainly a club-level sort of event) a time of 20 minutes would put you in 5th place if you're female or 88th if you're male, out of 235 runners. You'd be ahead of some members of Serpentine (who contributed at least 1 member to this year's Commonwealth Games), Clapham Chasers (another really big club), Fulham RC, Ealing Eagles, Wimbledon Windmilers, Mornington Chasers, Collingwood AC, Ranelagh Harriers and loads and loads of smaller clubs.

Maybe, I think I could be half-decent with a bit of proper training. I trained for my ultramarathons but that was a lot of long slow runs. I did about six weeks training for the last half-marathon I did and I did that in 1hr 40mins. I think if I joined a running club I could do sub 1hr30mins for a half, but I don’t want it to become too serious, which having googled my local clubs it looks like it might!

Gonzo1987

Hello all, do you mind if I join?

I'm just getting back into running after a 4 month break, working my way back to 5k with an aim to do the Bath Half next year.

Firstly, I need new running shoes, any recommendations as to where is good to get a pair? what's a good price to pay? I run out doors a mix of roads and fields , not sure if that makes a difference?

Indie_Kid

Gonzo1987 wrote: »

Firstly, I need new running shoes, any recommendations as to where is good to get a pair? what's a good price to pay? I run out doors a mix of roads and fields , not sure if that makes a difference?

Sweatshop f you have one nearby. Sports Direct do have a decent selection; but the staff (apologises to anyone who works there; but this is my experience) don't have the same knowledge.

I wouldn't pay any more than £70-100.

If the weather's dry, you can run with road shoes on fields. I did a multi terrain race on Sunday and was told if the weather is fine, road shoes are fine. But would need trail shoes if it's wet.

Lizling

We need a sticky for the where to buy trainers question!

I think any specialist running shop should be ok. Sweatshop's good, but there are other chains and independents with good reputations too.

Just look for a good fit, not specific brands or models.

Indie_Kid

Another option might be Go Outdoors. I know they do trail shoes, which is where I got mine from.

Wherever you go, go in mind with a budget. And don't worry about the brand. The more expensive shoes aren't always the best either.

Gonzo1987

I'm happy to spend up to £100. I run 4x a week so worth investing in decent shoes.
Thanks guys will head to town this weekend.