If you’re someone who likes to stay active, enjoys the outdoors, and/or wants to meet new people… look no further than joining a run club in your neighborhood! No, you do not need to even consider yourself a runner to join one. Most people do it for the social aspect with the added benefit of movement. Seriously, this was the BEST decision I made when I moved to Boston. I met some of the most amazing people who became some of my closest friends, who then opened doors to other connections that I would have never made.
After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, I moved to Boston for my year-long dietetic internship at Massachusetts General Hospital. I was nervous, but so excited for this new chapter in my life. Everything was new, I was figuring it all out on my own with my family on the other side of the country.
Running has always been something I have enjoyed. Some days it’s my mental challenge and pushes me outside of my comfort zone. On other days, it’s my calm time to reflect and feel a sense of gratitude for the world around me. *Queue the soft, inspirational, euphoric music.* Running has always made me feel the present moment and cherish it.
Sometimes I run alone, but I LOVE having a buddy. It took me 6 MONTHS of running all over Boston for me to realize… shouldn’t this place have a run group that I can join, with other like-minded people who are cool, like the outdoors, and enjoy a little runners-high? DUH, there are probably thousands.
I ended up joining a run club in my neighborhood (North End Run Club) through Meetup, and yep… BEST decision I made while living in Boston. Little did I know I would meet one of my best friends on the first day and we would end up running a half marathon together a year later. She introduced me to another AMAZING run club (Midnight Runners), where we met even more friends, hung out every weekend, and made memories to last a lifetime.
Meetup is SUCH an amazing app (no this is not sponsored) for those who have just moved to a new city or neighborhood. This app brings communities and people together, valuing friendship and connecting like-minded people. Groups on Meetup range from dinner parties, drinks after work, pottery, book clubs, hiking groups, run clubs, and SO much more.
For those of you wondering about the vibe of the run clubs…in my experience, everyone is so inviting, and inclusive, and makes you feel a part of the family. Everyone runs at the pace that they’re comfortable with, and no one judges ANYONE. We typically ran anywhere from 5-6 miles at a pace anywhere from 6:30-9:30 minutes/mile (each is different though).
Run clubs are such a fun atmosphere, they get you outside, and allow you to make connections with people from all over the city/ world. My time in Boston would have been SO different if I had never tried it out.
It can feel daunting to put yourself out there and try something new, but I promise you… it is SO worth it, you never know who you’ll meet and the friendships you’ll make!!
Xx,
Sabrina
