Tips on finding group runs for marathon training

[jmasgat]

So as my mileage increases, I am thinking for the longer runs, I may actually like/want to find a group to run with. I'm okay so far up to 11 (hey Spinal Tap fans!), but I'm thinking that 14, 16, 18 ,20 might be rough.

So far, I have looked at local running stores-nothing there that fits (January is an odd time for Michiganders to do a marathon!). I am not looking to join TNT. Suppose I could post something at the gym. Plus, 14 is close enough to 13.1 that I could always "just run a half" (Geez, never thought I'd say that!)

Any ideas on finding the right pace/length group runs?

Maura

 

[Cindylou]

Maura: Any running clubs in the area? I know we have several around here that have a LR each weekend of various lengths. Check out runningintheusa.com for some listings. Even if you can do the first 12 with someone, the next 4 or 8 miles might not seem so long. A second suggestion for dealing with the long runs is to do loops. I do 2 or 3 loops of different lengths to make it more manageable. I leave a cooler of drinks and gels at the end of the driveway then after a 9 mile loop I'll stop for a few minutes, drink, stretch then head out for a 6 miler then do another loop if need be. That way I'm only going for a 9 mile run or a 6 mile run. Much easier to handle.

Good luck,
Cindy

 

[wtpclc]

How far do you want to travel?

 

[FireDancer]

The first thing I would suggest is the local running stores but you already checked there. I would follow the suggestion of looking for local running clubs. In my area there are a couple of groups that set up runs and hikes through meetup.com.

 

[jmasgat]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll look online.

How far do you want to travel?

Carrie How fast do you want to run? I am going to attempt to do my training shooting for a 4:00-4:15 marathon (figuring that I will hoepfully end up running 4:15-4:30)

Maura

 

[wtpclc]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll look online.



Carrie How fast do you want to run? I am going to attempt to do my training shooting for a 4:00-4:15 marathon (figuring that I will hoepfully end up running 4:15-4:30)

Maura

Yeah, I was afraid you might ask that. We're going for 5 hours. Scott could probably keep up, but you can't take him away from me. I will let you knwo when we are training on the east side, though in case you get desperate.

 

[DianeL]

4:15-4:30 and 5:00??!?!?!?

Give me a heads up so I can step out of the way before you guys run me over

Maura I wish you were closer, not to run with slow me but the Stoney people have runs. Next up would be the Ann Arbor Track Club. I know they do organized long runs, type in that name and check out their calendar. They used to do one, pay a small fee to cover water/gator. Never did it but always sounds interesting just to far for me.

Of course you ARE welcome to run/walk with me but I am DEFINITELY slower than you

 

[deekaypee]

I know it's out of your way, but Diane's mention of Ann Arbor had me thinking. Did you look into the Tortoise and the Hare running store (Ann Arbor). When we lived in the metro Detroit area, that's where we went for gear and they used to have running groups. It would be a drive out that way for you, but maybe if it were just the weekend runs... If nothing else maybe they know someone closer to your area?

There also used to be a group called the Motor City Runners (I think). Are they defunct now?

Last thought--could you start a workplace running group?

ETA: Okay, another thought. Is there a running group associated with the Detroit marathon you could join? Maybe you could meet up with runners that way, people who are doing other races through the season.

 

[mkymsehi]

Maura you can come out here and run with me Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday. Friday's I try to cycle for cross training.

Try calliing the local parks & rec department, check with the local university or high school track team, or do a google search for your city.

You've got the experience to start your own running club.

 

[lil mermaid]

Lots of good advice here, just wanted to add that if you go onto the RRCA website at www.rrca.org, you can find a listing of all of their member running clubs by state.

Not sure where you are in Michigan,but there are 28 clubs listed. Hope this helps!