The Compelling Reasons to Join a Running Community
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Chapter 1: My Journey as a Runner
I never really identified as a runner in my earlier years—unless you count the sprint from home to first base as running! My path to running began during my freshman year at the University of Portland, inspired by athletes like Casey Neistat, Courtney Dauwalter, and Cameron Hanes. The mantra, “By endurance, we conquer,” resonated deeply with me.
Initially, I only ran occasionally, primarily when I wasn't lifting weights. However, everything shifted on April 22, 2023, when I participated in a three-mile run in New York City with the Endorphins run club.
“The mission of Endorphins is to spread happiness and positivity through movement and exercise.” — Tyler Swartz
This experience opened my eyes to a vibrant community of individuals who share my enthusiasm for fitness and a desire to make the world a healthier place. It filled a void I hadn't felt for over a year.
My initial run with Endorphins coincided almost exactly with the one-year anniversary of my decision to close my gym in San Luis Obispo, CA, and embark on a new journey. I realized I had left behind a supportive community I had built over two and a half years, which weighed heavily on me after returning from a European tour in the fall of 2022. I missed the camaraderie of early morning workouts and the connections I had fostered with others.
Chapter 2: The Power of Community
Running with the Endorphins club has revitalized my spirit as I now belong to a collective that values health and fulfillment. Let's delve into the reasons why joining a running club can be beneficial for anyone!
Section 2.1: The Importance of Accountability
A common obstacle to maintaining a workout routine is the absence of accountability. Whether it's a run club or a CrossFit class, engaging in group exercises provides essential external motivation.
It’s much harder to skip a session when you know your peers are counting on you. As a newcomer to running, having the support of the Endorphins community has been invaluable, eliminating excuses and keeping me on track.
Section 2.2: Social Connections Through Fitness
Every Endorphins run presents an opportunity to meet someone new. Living in NYC offers a diverse array of individuals to connect with, but even in smaller towns, running clubs foster social interactions.
Human beings need social engagement for their overall well-being. Research shows that those with strong social connections tend to live longer, and participating in health-focused communities can lead to positive behavioral changes.
Section 2.4: Finding Common Interests
Exercise groups are a fantastic way to connect with like-minded individuals. Regardless of background, movement serves as a universal language that fosters connections.
Joining a run club helped me, a newcomer from California, forge friendships rooted in shared activities.
Section 2.5: Boosting Your Mileage
One of the most apparent advantages of joining a running club is the increased likelihood of regular exercise, which is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
Since joining, I've averaged over eight hours of exercise weekly, largely due to the consistent group runs. Regularly scheduled workouts make it easier to stick to a fitness regimen and turn exercise into a lifelong commitment.
Conclusion: The Impact of Group Exercise
While not every running club may offer a mission statement as inspiring as Endorphins, the opportunity to engage in physical activity with others is invaluable.
Group exercise can significantly alter your self-perception and help you achieve what you once thought impossible. When you're surrounded by supportive individuals, all you need to do is show up.
If you've read this far, you're either already part of a running community or contemplating joining one. I encourage you to take the leap. Lace up your shoes, meet new people, and embrace the journey.
Cheers,
Noah Cracknell