I have gushed over my MRTT running group many times over the years. Please indulge me again as I talk about the power and beauty of our MRTT Welcome Runs. Let me explain why I think they are so beneficial and maybe why you should join or host one yourself.
Our MRTT group now has over 600 members and we are growing each week. We have noticed over the years that many new members are hesitant to come out to group runs. What was keeping them from joining and how could we change that? We had an idea to start hosting these special Runs.
Joining a new running group can sure be intimidating. Will they be too fast or too slow? Will you have anything in common with them? Welcome Runs are just that. Runs to welcome new members that are low key and short in mileage. We started hosting these years ago and discovered that both new and old members attended in big numbers.
Older members came out to meet new people because you really can never have too many running friends. Seasoned members help to illustrate that we are an approachable and friendly group. They also got to catch up with running friends that they don’t normally see. Did I mention that we always finish up with coffee and breakfast?
“I remember feeling really nervous about joining the group. Not sure as to whether I would be able to keep up etc. I was made to feel so welcome from the very first day and this group has made such a positive impact on my life. If I can in any way pass that along to someone else who is new to the area or new to running I really want to be a part of that. That is why I go to the welcome runs.”
“I always enjoy the welcome runs and coffee/food.”
“I love meeting friends old and new at the welcome runs! They tend to be shorter runs with a relaxed pace which invites conversation. I’ve met 99% of my best friends through MRTT over the past seven years and one can never have too many friends ❤️”
“I always look forward to the welcome runs because I get to see the runners that I don’t get to run with. And any social event that makes me feel like I am part of a community”
Have you ever joined in on a group run when you did not know anyone? What keeps you from doing so? Does your group have welcome runs?
Linking up with Kim, Zenaida, Debbie and Marc
This is lovely! I did turn up to our club not knowing anyone but the guy on tail running worked at the university I had worked at and off we went. We welcome new runners on our Tuesday and Thursday night runs, give them a round of applause and set them off with our pace groups – invariably someone will chat with them and make them welcome.
I love that your group does this too! It’s always nice to meet new runners isn’t it?
Wow – over 600 members?! That’s amazing!
I think it’s so important to have a great group of women to run with – that’s so helpful especially on those days that you’re struggling to get out of the door!
Yes it warms my heart every time we have new ladies join us and come back for more runs afterwards
You, my dear, are the MRTT poster child 😉 I think the welcome runs are a great way for the new people to “feel out” the tribe…and why would they not want to return? All of those smiling faces are so welcoming 😉
Aww thanks consider yourself an honorary member!
I swear you have the best gang! I showed up to a running store with the intention of coming back or their group run and joining their run club, but immediately the conversation went to “how fast are you?” and I felt like they were sizing me up. Let’s just say I never went back.
Ugh that makes me so frustrated! I really wish running groups were all so welcoming. Consider yourself an honorary member of ours!
Can’t believe how big that group is! Comradery among women is so awesome, love having a group to run with!
They really are the best!
Welcome runs are a great idea. This surely makes any new joiner very comfortable…
They sure do thanks for stopping by
That sounds like the most awesome idea. Although I must say, as a slower runner, even in that type of run I’m often by myself. It kind of sucks to be slow, not even average, sometimes!
One of our running clubs has a lot of “all paces welcome” runs. Except that usually means a 9 or 10 minute mile . . .
We really do have so many paces and some walkers so everyone seems to have someone to run with
What a fun program! Love the idea of a welcome run to get to know everyone.
Thanks so glad that I have them!
I think welcome runs are such a great idea! It is intimidating to join a running club and this would be so helpful to help overcome the fears.
It sure can be intimidating!
I don’t know if I told you but I finally joined my local MRTTs. We have two — yes two — and they’re both quite large. But I’ve found long run buddies in these groups that have saved me a time or two this summer. 🙂
I love that you guys have welcome runs. What a great idea! Our groups don’t do that but I’ll certainly mention it to the chapter leaders.
I am so glad that you joined your group and that you have found some new running friends. MRTT is just the best!
This is a great idea to get new members to come out and feel welcome. Good for you gals for coming up with this for your group!
It’s the best!
You’re so right. You really can NOT have too many running friends! The more, the more encouragement – and that’s ALWAYS important in order to continue feeling motivated 🙂
It sure is! I consider myself very lucky
I am always so inspired by your running clan and especially your MRTT group. You have a lot to be proud of!!
Thanks I have so much to be thankful for as well!
I have done some group runs like this! I love meeting new people, these runs are great!
They really are!
I didn’t realize that you over 600 members! That is amazing!! I’ve been to a few runs with running groups and never felt welcomed. I think that is one of the reason I just run alone. For sure if you lived closer or I lived closer to you, I would join your group.
I am sorry you did not feel welcome when you tried to join a group. Maybe there is an MRTT group near you that you can try? You don’t have to be a mom to join
Running with a group is ALWAYS more fun than running alone. So happy you have your “tribe”!!
I am so very lucky!