Park the Bike and Join a Run Club
Even though I prefer a bicycle ride over a run any day, it’s always nice to add a little variation and meeting up with a run club is a great way to change up the week!
who would’ve ever thought RUN CLUBS would be trending ?!
I started running cross country as a pre-teen in junior high.. next , as a lil’ teeny bopper when I first moved to L.A. , my first adult (post-high school) run club exposure was @movementrunners meetups at the Culver City Stairs .. that’s one aspect that attracted me to Los Angeles — coming from a state that leads the nation in obesity — the active lifestyle being a pillar in communities and social life .
it’s BEEN a thing #aroundLA , glad to see everyone else catching on.. & I hope it sticks 🤞
swipe: run club event by @movementrunners x @rungoodr this past fall featuring a food truck , a socializing space and sunglasses to take home at the end of a guided run (all at ZERO cost to consumer.. new run clubs, please take note)
That’s a caption I wrote on my most recent Instagram post as I continued to noticed the uptick of run clubs up and down social media feeds. One person commented, “Heard of biking n hiking clubs never a run club🤨”.
Today, as I sat down at my desk to do a tedious task I’ve been avoiding, my procrastinator ways proceeded. Hmm, is it the whole recency bias theory in effect, are my eyes deceiving me? Of course, my ever-curious behind goes to look it up, to find some evidence supporting what I think I’ve been observing recently.
Graph depicting Google searches shows “run clubs” to have exponential growth in interest over time. | source: Google trends
And what’ll you know?! Running club popularity has grown exponentially across the country in the past few months!!
Who would’ve ever thought run clubs would be trending?!
Though I’d noticed the interest creeping up in the past couple of years, I surely didn’t predict this would be the spring/summer it would EXPLODE! I had to use the word explode and I had to put it in all capital letters because do you see that graph?! Running club popularity has skyrocketed. No, seriously, look at the above graph from Google trends, the search term “run clubs” is at its highest point of interest over time that it has ever been since the existence of Google’s Internet search tracking feature (2004).
I’m a nerd, yes, I like facts and data and proof and analyzation, yes.. but tell me being able to see that isn’t cool!!
Park the bike and join a run club!
Note: By “park the bike”, I absolutely do not mean stop riding bicycles, ever. I’m saying, ride your bicycle to the run club meetup location, then park it and join the running group.
Why You Should Join a Run Club for a Run
Hello fellow Angelenos and active lifestyle enthusiasts! It's TK here, your go-to gal for all things LA life, cycling, and now, the exciting world of run clubs. Haha! While my first love is riding my bike around the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, I’m embracing the surge in run club culture! Today, I want to share with you why joining a run club in your community is a fantastic idea, whether you're living in Los Angeles or anywhere else.
Community and Connection
One of the greatest benefits of joining a run club is the sense of community it fosters. Running with a group allows you to meet new people, make friends, and feel a sense of belonging. In a sprawling city like Los Angeles, finding a group that shares your interests can make the city feel a little smaller and more intimate. Whether you're new to LA or a longtime resident, run clubs are a perfect way to connect with like-minded individuals.
Motivation and Accountability
Sticking to a fitness routine can be challenging, especially with the myriad of distractions LA life offers. However, being part of a run club provides built-in motivation and accountability. When you know others are counting on you to show up, you're less likely to skip a run. Plus, the collective energy of the group can push you to run farther and faster than you might on your own.
Safety in Numbers
Running alone, especially in a big city, can sometimes feel daunting. Joining a run club means you're never alone on your runs, which enhances safety. Groups often run in well-lit, popular areas, making it safer to explore new routes around LA. This is particularly reassuring for those late evening or early morning runs.
Expert Guidance
Many run clubs have experienced runners and coaches who can provide valuable tips and training advice. Whether you're training for your first 5K or a marathon, having access to expert guidance can help you improve your technique, prevent injuries, and achieve your running goals.
Discover New Routes
Living in Los Angeles, we are spoiled with diverse landscapes and beautiful scenery. Run clubs often organize runs in various parts of the city, allowing you to discover hidden gems and new routes you might not have explored on your own. From beachside paths to urban trails, the variety keeps running interesting and fun.
Health and Fitness
Of course, one of the primary reasons to join a run club is the physical benefits. Running is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that boosts your fitness levels, aids in weight management, and improves mental health. The social aspect of run clubs adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making it easier to stick to a regular exercise routine.
Support for Safer Streets
As a community advocate pushing for safer streets in LA, I love seeing more pedestrians and runners out and about. Increased foot traffic helps in our collective fight for less car-centered communities and safer streets for everyone, including cyclists, skateboarders, and even kids playing outside. Your participation in a run club contributes to this positive change.
Accessible and Inclusive
Run clubs are generally very welcoming and inclusive, catering to all fitness levels. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a complete beginner, you'll find a group that matches your pace and supports your journey. Plus, running is a relatively low-cost activity, requiring just a good pair of shoes and comfortable attire, making it accessible to almost everyone.
I don’t even like running, but it’s so accessible, and something to do, and you get to be around people too.. so, I put myself through the very clear agony you can see on my face, running up the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, during one of my first run club meetups around LA. | source: Movement Runners LA. August 2018.
Finding a Run Club Near You in Los Angeles
Ready to join the run club boom? Here are a few ways to find a running club near you in Los Angeles:
Online Searches: Use keywords like "running club near me Los Angeles" or "run clubs LA" to find local groups.
Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook often have local run club pages and events.
Community Boards: Check out community centers, gyms, and local parks for postings about run clubs.
Word of Mouth: Ask around! Fellow cyclists and fitness enthusiasts might already be part of a great run club.
Shameless shout-out: Movement Runners LA is the running club I join whenever I’m in the mood to add a few miles to my tennis shoes. They’ve been around since before I moved to Los Angeles, and they’re led by a vetted runner, founder, Kit John, that’s currently an official Adidas Runners Los Angeles strength coach, and has had a number of other endorsements from his years of running and community building around LA. You can find out about upcoming meet-ups by following the running club on Instagram @MovementRunners.
Is the run club craze here to stay?!
I don’t know, but I hope so!
Joining a run club is more than just about running; it's about community, safety, motivation, and contributing to a healthier, more active city. Whether you're in Los Angeles or any other part of the world, the benefits of running together are universal. So lace up those sneakers, find a club that fits your vibe, and hit the ground running!
Stay active and see you on the streets!
-TK
Have you given a run club near you a whirl? Is meeting up with a run club an outing you’d be willing to do? Tweet me on Twitter @aroundLAwithTK, or leave a comment under an Instagram post!
By the way, if you're also a biking enthusiast, feel free to peruse bike life around Los Angeles!
