5 reasons to join Linlithgow AC
For some, joining a running club can be daunting, but equally it could be one of the best things you can do for you and your running. From the friendship of like-minded people, safety in numbers on cold winter nights, tips and advice, there’s a variety of reasons to join your local club. Here’s some of our top ones…
1. Support and friendship - Your non-running family and friends may only tolerate your parkrun obsession or carefully crafted training schedule for so long. However, your fellow running club members will gladly discuss running highs and lows, and through shared running experiences or the post race cuppa, you’ll forge new friendships with people who share your love of running.
“Having never run before, I joined the C25K course almost 2 years ago and have been shown nothing but support and encouragement ever since. I challenged myself to take part in the first Winter Paced run last year. I took a bit longer than the others but on reaching the end, found that a lot of the group had waited behind on a cold wet night to “see me home” truly let me experience how it felt to be part of the LAC family!”
2. Commitment and motivation - Running with others is likely to make you push on that little bit faster or run that little bit further. When it’s cold and dark outside, it’s also much easier to get out for a run knowing you won’t suffer alone. Committing to a running club session will help get you out the door - the hardest part - rather than putting your feet up. At the same time, there’s no obligation, rest is important too.
“I took up running in April 2019, joined the Let’s Go Linlithgow C25k programme and Linlithgow Athletic Club. Since then have been fully helped and encouraged in my running, I have also became a jog leader and have just completed my Coaching Assistant training which I wouldn’t have done with out the club.”
3. Variety, structure and new routes - you’ll get the opportunity to try different ways of training, from hill training to fartlek or track. Adding a weekly coached session with a club like LAC will help structure your training, whilst support and encouragement from your fellow runners will help push you to new levels or keep you going when you’ve hit a rut. You can also be sure that you’ll learn lots of new routes in and around Linlithgow.
4. Improve your running - You’ll meet and run with experienced runners and get the chance to pick up lots of tips, from training, to injuries, to how to improve etc. There are some experienced runners at the club and many hold coaching qualifications awarded by our governing body Scottish Athletics and jogscotland. A common misconception is that a club like Linlithgow is for elite runners only, or that you have to wait until you’re faster or more experienced before you join. We’re a diverse lot, fast and slow, young and old, men and women. Some run competitively, others socially, and most a bit of both. We aim to offer a friendly, inclusive club, where everyone is welcome.
“Building up from zero to ‘mummy runner’ I had no real belief in myself as a runner until I joined the club. I was terrified going along the first time! Not only did they make me feel welcome as the runner I was then, the coaching, encouragement, track sessions and club races have transformed my running and my own perception of what I am capable of.”
5. Feel part of a team - Linlithgow Athletics Club is affiliated to scottishathletics. Your full membership fee includes membership of scottishathletics (which entitles you to £2 discount on most events). Also, you can participate in events that are organised by scottishathletics, such as the cross-country season and championship road races. It’s a great way to take part in local and national events as part of a team.
“A great thing about being a member of the club is pulling on the ‘Linlithgow AC’ vest for race day. With the vest on, you are immediately part of something a little bigger. As you mill about the start line with the pre-race jitters, you’re surrounded by friends from the club. Fast, slow, it doesn’t matter – the joy in racing is in pushing yourself and being part of a like-minded group – and often reliving this in the pub afterwards.”
