I'm curious if anyone else here has tried this... I've taken two running classes now, last fall when I was down in Texas, and now here in Oregon. Both have been beginner running classes geared towards finishing a specific 5K race at the end of the 3 month class, though both had more advanced classes meeting at the same time.

It's pretty cool, you show up twice a week at the shoe store (it always seems to be organized by a shoe store), listen to a short talk about stretching or biomechanics or nutrition or something, then divide into groups based on speed, and head out to run around the neighborhood with one or two coaches per group. I was pretty intimidated for the first two classes, worried that no one would be as slow or out of shape as me, but both times I've been relieved to find at least a dozen other people in exactly the same spot I was. Sometimes there's even a group slower than mine! Amazing!

Anyhow, it's made the whole running thing so much more fun and enjoyable for me, since I don't have to run by myself or with people who are a lot faster/stronger than me, and having the coaches there to cheer us on and push us to go a little further really helps too.

I think these things are getting more and more popular, and I'm betting there's versions of this in a lot of areas across the country. I paid about $90 for each 3-month class, and they both came with nice technical shirts, running socks, a water bottle, and discounts in the store for shoes and stuff. I like it more than going to the gym, honestly... and at the end I get to say I finished a 5K!

Has anyone else tried one of these? Have they helped get you into running?

It sounds interesting--and fun too. A great way to meet people and keep exercise fresh. I love running but have never heard of these classes--I am also in TX.

I did one through 'Fleet Feet' and it was great. It helped me getting started running but the weather then got really cold and I stopped. I want to start again soon though.

Also, there might be 'running clubs' in your area. I've read they often have similar classes and group runs for after you start running.

I want to try this, I'm moving to a town with a running store that does these classes. I'm a little nervous about not being fast enough as well.

Honestly,

I was slow but I wasn't the slowest. It doesn't really matter because everyone is a beginner. I had a great time. My husband started out with something like a 17 minute mile and now he can run a sub 10 minute mile for 2-3 miles.

I needed to hear this so much! My friend and I have been talking about doing a running clinic, but I can only run a 15-minute mile (and only about 2 miles total) and thought that I would be far too slow and out of shape at this point. My friend is more in shape than I am (but she is so awesome - nothing but encouraging to me... and not in a patronizing way! She really is the best!) and really wants to do this, but I have been nervous about this.

I am gonna do it!

Wow, 2 miles! Congrats, MrsWolf!

So far, both of the running programs I've gotten involved with have been super beginner-friendly, with entire groups of people who simply go from zero activity to walking 3 miles continuously. So if I could run at all for any amount of time, I was in the next group up.

If you're concerned about this clinic, I'd highly recommend contacting the organizer or the store that's sponsoring it (I'm assuming, there always seems to be a store involved), and explaining your concerns. They'll either tell you not to worry, you'll be in good company, or they might know of another clinic or class that you might get more out of. People who organize these things love to answer questions about it, believe me!