Starting a running group or other exercise community has its advantages. When Bill Rodgers, four-time winner of the Boston and New York City marathons, graduated from Wesleyan University in 1970, the first running boom was just getting warmed up.
Since he wasn’t going to be on a team any more, “Boston Billy” thought his running days were behind him. But he soon found himself watching the finish of the Boston Marathon each April, and says, “I was stunned to see finishers that included some fellow competitors from my college days.” Whether you’re running a marathon or just aiming to get back in shape, the warm winds of April are fast approaching. This means it’s prime time to start a neighborhood running group.
Forming a training group
“The key is to put yourself where like-minded folks are,” Rodgers says. “Whether that’s in your neighborhood, at a fitness center, a park, or a local track, soon you will meet other runners.” Despite the iconic status of Alan Sillitoe’s book, The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner, Rodgers predicts “you’ll find you will make new friends and that the runs are easier with another person (or group). Most runners talk throughout their runs. It is truly the most social of all sports!”
Set training goals
Like many people who let their fitness slide, Rodgers was self-conscious when he first returned to running. That’s why one key to starting a successful running group is finding birds of a feather and sharing common goals, aspirations, and abilities. “It does help to have a goal, maybe short-term like aiming to run 3 or 4 times a week, and long-term like shooting for a specific race you’ve heard about,” Rodgers explains. “Or you may be on a quest to lose weight or lower your bad cholesterol.”
Think small when forming your own training group. What begins as an intimate group of three or four friends can blossom into an extended family of co-workers and acquaintances. Just knowing that even one person will be waiting for you after work or early on Saturday morning will inspire and motivate you – and keep you accountable for your goals.
Plan a movie night
Friendly competition often develops among fellow runners. The key here is to remember why you got together in the first place: fun, fitness, and friendship. Planning social outings after a run and even on rest days strengthens the bonding. Hosting the occasional party for your group can’t hurt either; maybe a running movie night featuring Endurance, the story of Haile Gebrselassie, the great Ethiopian champion.
Maybe someone in your group will get inspired and end up running the Boston Marathon. At the very least, you will reach new levels of fitness and forge new friendships. Rodgers adds, “after all, running is more than a physical activity. It’s a way to live your life to the fullest. In a short time, you build so many important body systems and you literally start to feel much more energized.”
Start a running group
By Ron McCracken
Starting a running group or other exercise community has its advantages. When Bill Rodgers, four-time winner of the Boston and New York City marathons, graduated from Wesleyan University in 1970, the first running boom was just getting warmed up.
Since he wasn’t going to be on a team any more, “Boston Billy” thought his running days were behind him. But he soon found himself watching the finish of the Boston Marathon each April, and says, “I was stunned to see finishers that included some fellow competitors from my college days.” Whether you’re running a marathon or just aiming to get back in shape, the warm winds of April are fast approaching. This means it’s prime time to start a neighborhood running group.
Forming a training group
“The key is to put yourself where like-minded folks are,” Rodgers says. “Whether that’s in your neighborhood, at a fitness center, a park, or a local track, soon you will meet other runners.” Despite the iconic status of Alan Sillitoe’s book, The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner, Rodgers predicts “you’ll find you will make new friends and that the runs are easier with another person (or group). Most runners talk throughout their runs. It is truly the most social of all sports!”
Set training goals
Like many people who let their fitness slide, Rodgers was self-conscious when he first returned to running. That’s why one key to starting a successful running group is finding birds of a feather and sharing common goals, aspirations, and abilities. “It does help to have a goal, maybe short-term like aiming to run 3 or 4 times a week, and long-term like shooting for a specific race you’ve heard about,” Rodgers explains. “Or you may be on a quest to lose weight or lower your bad cholesterol.”
Think small when forming your own training group. What begins as an intimate group of three or four friends can blossom into an extended family of co-workers and acquaintances. Just knowing that even one person will be waiting for you after work or early on Saturday morning will inspire and motivate you – and keep you accountable for your goals.
Plan a movie night
Friendly competition often develops among fellow runners. The key here is to remember why you got together in the first place: fun, fitness, and friendship. Planning social outings after a run and even on rest days strengthens the bonding. Hosting the occasional party for your group can’t hurt either; maybe a running movie night featuring Endurance, the story of Haile Gebrselassie, the great Ethiopian champion.
Maybe someone in your group will get inspired and end up running the Boston Marathon. At the very least, you will reach new levels of fitness and forge new friendships. Rodgers adds, “after all, running is more than a physical activity. It’s a way to live your life to the fullest. In a short time, you build so many important body systems and you literally start to feel much more energized.”