Kiss off to running clubs

Sorry about the title but there wasn't room for what I wanted to call the thread. Basically I've come to the conclusion that my running with a club days are over. I used to run with Skipton AC when I lived in Skipton and have occasionally run with them since - in the summer they would all trot off road over some nice hilly routes dotted around Skipton and, although the winter road routes were kind of irksome, it was a really fine club and they were (and still are) a really nice bunch of people. But....

I've popped over to Skipton (25 minutes in the car) last Thursday and again last night and I think I'm wasting my time. My plan was to run with them weekly if I could to try and boost my speed (all my running on my tod and non-racing isn't exactly making me any faster) and last Thursday night I did have a really good blow out; we ran a fast off road course, if not a particularly hilly one, but unfortunately of the half dozen off roaders that night, I think they all wanted to run as a social trot along whereas I blasted off and ran the whole route on my own out in front :rolleyes:. Doh!

Last night I was hoping it might be different and I wasn't disappointed. Of the 25 or so runners who turned up at 7 pm at Skipton swimming pool, all of them but me chose to do an 8 mile road run out to Embsay reservoir and back!!! So I'd driven 14 miles to do a frigging road run!!!!

Anyway, rather than run to Embsay in my fell shoes, I still had a lovely run up to Bog Lane via the caravan site, along the Flasby track and over Sharp Haw and back but I did it on my own. I think Skipton AC have become a road running formation now and, to be fair, they've done an absolutely stirling job bringing in new runners.

But they're not for me really :(

(By the way I can't really run on Mondays or Wednesdays nowadays, well not in any organised way anyway, so Settle Harriers and K&C can't fulfill my running requirements either :D)

Lets face it, you are a typical fell runner. Which means you are 2 standard deviations from the mean of normality. So most clubs will not be able to cater for your idiosyncrasies (which you will perceive as perfectly normal expectations). What you need is a virtual club that will be a happy home for you. There are 2 choices waiting for you 'Down The Pub'!

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Originally Posted by Stolly

Sorry about the title but there wasn't room for what I wanted to call the thread. Basically I've come to the conclusion that my running with a club days are over. I used to run with Skipton AC when I lived in Skipton and have occasionally run with them since - in the summer they would all trot off road over some nice hilly routes dotted around Skipton and, although the winter road routes were kind of irksome, it was a really fine club and they were (and still are) a really nice bunch of people. But....

I've popped over to Skipton (25 minutes in the car) last Thursday and again last night and I think I'm wasting my time. My plan was to run with them weekly if I could to try and boost my speed (all my running on my tod and non-racing isn't exactly making me any faster) and last Thursday night I did have a really good blow out; we ran a fast off road course, if not a particularly hilly one, but unfortunately of the half dozen off roaders that night, I think they all wanted to run as a social trot along whereas I blasted off and ran the whole route on my own out in front :rolleyes:. Doh!

Last night I was hoping it might be different and I wasn't disappointed. Of the 25 or so runners who turned up at 7 pm at Skipton swimming pool, all of them but me chose to do an 8 mile road run out to Embsay reservoir and back!!! So I'd driven 14 miles to do a frigging road run!!!!

Anyway, rather than run to Embsay in my fell shoes, I still had a lovely run up to Bog Lane via the caravan site, along the Flasby track and over Sharp Haw and back but I did it on my own. I think Skipton AC have become a road running formation now and, to be fair, they've done an absolutely stirling job bringing in new runners.

But they're not for me really :(

(By the way I can't really run on Mondays or Wednesdays nowadays, well not in any organised way anyway, so Settle Harriers and K&C can't fulfill my running requirements either :D)

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Hi Stolly, the Hoodie i have on offer will be free to you upon joining the Fell ponies sort of a welcome gift

If you join Wharfedale they do a three tier ability speed training session somewhere near White Wells in Ilkley on a thursday night, only a fiver a year too and you can by all accounts turn yourself blue in the face trying to catch the pesky juniors.

Stolly - training with others is tantamount to cheating anyway, any improvements you make training on your own will be all the sweeter ;)

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Originally Posted by DazTheSlug

Stolly - training with others is tantamount to cheating anyway, any improvements you make training on your own will be all the sweeter ;)

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That sounds like Mr T in the rocky film i eat alone i sleep alone i train alone all Stolly needs to do now is drink raw eggs for breakfast and he is there, stolly is already a hero of mine if he became a pony and train like Mr T he will become a light in history

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Originally Posted by Wheeze

Lets face it, you are a typical fell runner. Which means you are 2 standard deviations from the mean of normality. So most clubs will not be able to cater for your idiosyncrasies (which you will perceive as perfectly normal expectations). What you need is a virtual club that will be a happy home for you. There are 2 choices waiting for you 'Down The Pub'!

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Brilliant response Wheeze - that made my morning LOL.
I'm going to add "2 standard deviations from the mean of normality" to my e-mail signature and see how long my boss will tolerate it being there ;)

I'd also like to join Amex in the Stolly Appreciation Society. I've never met Stolly but I read these pages and I just know that he's the runner here that I most identify with. I keep going out for runs in the Dales and just hoping I'll meet the guy.

Sad I know - but we all need heroes :cool:

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Originally Posted by Stolly

Sorry about the title but there wasn't room for what I wanted to call the thread. Basically I've come to the conclusion that my running with a club days are over. I used to run with Skipton AC when I lived in Skipton and have occasionally run with them since - in the summer they would all trot off road over some nice hilly routes dotted around Skipton and, although the winter road routes were kind of irksome, it was a really fine club and they were (and still are) a really nice bunch of people. But....

I've popped over to Skipton (25 minutes in the car) last Thursday and again last night and I think I'm wasting my time. My plan was to run with them weekly if I could to try and boost my speed (all my running on my tod and non-racing isn't exactly making me any faster) and last Thursday night I did have a really good blow out; we ran a fast off road course, if not a particularly hilly one, but unfortunately of the half dozen off roaders that night, I think they all wanted to run as a social trot along whereas I blasted off and ran the whole route on my own out in front :rolleyes:. Doh!

Last night I was hoping it might be different and I wasn't disappointed. Of the 25 or so runners who turned up at 7 pm at Skipton swimming pool, all of them but me chose to do an 8 mile road run out to Embsay reservoir and back!!! So I'd driven 14 miles to do a frigging road run!!!!

Anyway, rather than run to Embsay in my fell shoes, I still had a lovely run up to Bog Lane via the caravan site, along the Flasby track and over Sharp Haw and back but I did it on my own. I think Skipton AC have become a road running formation now and, to be fair, they've done an absolutely stirling job bringing in new runners.

But they're not for me really :(

(By the way I can't really run on Mondays or Wednesdays nowadays, well not in any organised way anyway, so Settle Harriers and K&C can't fulfill my running requirements either :D)

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Suspect this is a very good wind up but will respond accordingly and with feeling.

What a selfish post, its up to you whether you run with a club or not, but you cannot just turn up after a break and expect them to do what you want or for them to be running in a similar pattern than they did in the past.

Keighley do a number of different sessions, sometimes what the the majority do suits me for my training needs other times they don't (hill reps in the autumn every Thursday are not for me) but that's fine I do my own thing or or find like minded souls who wish to do something else.

Its up to you who you run with but you cannot slag off the club system just because they don't meet when you want them do or do what you want.

I think Skipton have had a narrow escape and wouldn't even wish you on Wharfedale and I certainly hope you don't find out that our main off road sessions are are Tuesday and Thursday.

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Originally Posted by Stolly

Sorry about the title but there wasn't room for what I wanted to call the thread. Basically I've come to the conclusion that my running with a club days are over. I used to run with Skipton AC when I lived in Skipton and have occasionally run with them since - in the summer they would all trot off road over some nice hilly routes dotted around Skipton and, although the winter road routes were kind of irksome, it was a really fine club and they were (and still are) a really nice bunch of people. But....

I've popped over to Skipton (25 minutes in the car) last Thursday and again last night and I think I'm wasting my time. My plan was to run with them weekly if I could to try and boost my speed (all my running on my tod and non-racing isn't exactly making me any faster) and last Thursday night I did have a really good blow out; we ran a fast off road course, if not a particularly hilly one, but unfortunately of the half dozen off roaders that night, I think they all wanted to run as a social trot along whereas I blasted off and ran the whole route on my own out in front :rolleyes:. Doh!

Last night I was hoping it might be different and I wasn't disappointed. Of the 25 or so runners who turned up at 7 pm at Skipton swimming pool, all of them but me chose to do an 8 mile road run out to Embsay reservoir and back!!! So I'd driven 14 miles to do a frigging road run!!!!

Anyway, rather than run to Embsay in my fell shoes, I still had a lovely run up to Bog Lane via the caravan site, along the Flasby track and over Sharp Haw and back but I did it on my own. I think Skipton AC have become a road running formation now and, to be fair, they've done an absolutely stirling job bringing in new runners.

But they're not for me really :(

(By the way I can't really run on Mondays or Wednesdays nowadays, well not in any organised way anyway, so Settle Harriers and K&C can't fulfill my running requirements either :D)

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That Narcissus does have a lot to answer for.

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Originally Posted by Woo hoo

That Narcissus does have a lot to answer for.

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Is that the old bloke who runs for Hubris Harriers?

Why do you need a club to train with Stolly? You seem quite a motivated individual.

If you want to do speedwork, can't you just plan in a speed session once a week instead of one of your normal runs (or as part of one of your normal runs)?

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Originally Posted by Woo hoo

That Narcissus does have a lot to answer for.

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Narcissus, or Hero?

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Originally Posted by Amex

That sounds like Mr T in the rocky film i eat alone i sleep alone i train alone all Stolly needs to do now is drink raw eggs for breakfast and he is there, stolly is already a hero of mine if he became a pony and train like Mr T he will become a light in history

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He's already a Pony, or he was?

Anyway, why kiss off running clubs, don't they organise the vast majority of races we all run in?
Respect to em i say, if you don't want to join one, don't, but pointless slagging em off.

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Originally Posted by tinyman

I'd also like to join Amex in the Stolly Appreciation Society.

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Without meaning to be too brown-nosey i'd like to count myself in for this fledgling society aswell; i'm frequently wishing i had the fitness, local knowledge and postcode to do what Stolly does and am hugely envious of his training pattern and adventures.

I would have thought in your location that you might find what you need at either Wharfedale or Bowland.

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Originally Posted by merrylegs

Anyway, why kiss off running clubs, don't they organise the vast majority of races we all run in?
Respect to em i say, if you don't want to join one, don't, but pointless slagging em off.

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Very true, I think this calls for all local clubs to ban Stolly from running in their events (other than road ones) forwith!

In fact given this forum is a fairly tight knit community it could be called a club so he should be banned from here as well, please close his account at once Brett.

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Originally Posted by mr brightside

Without meaning to be too brown-nosey i'd like to count myself in for this fledgling society aswell; i'm frequently wishing i had the fitness, local knowledge and postcode to do what Stolly does and am hugely envious of his training pattern and adventures.

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what trespass and disregard others property?

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Originally Posted by merrylegs

Anyway, why kiss off running clubs, don't they organise the vast majority of races we all run in?
Respect to em i say, if you don't want to join one, don't, but pointless slagging em off.

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Totally agree merrylegs!

I don't see any point coming on here and slagging running clubs off, a lot of people give up a lot of time to make these clubs work

Surely Stolly, you have another 6 days in the week where you can do as you please?

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Originally Posted by hopey

I don't see any point Stolly coming on here.

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Agreed.

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Originally Posted by merrylegs

Anyway, why kiss off running clubs, don't they organise the vast majority of races we all run in?
Respect to em i say, if you don't want to join one, don't, but pointless slagging em off.

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Totally agree, without clubs there would be no sport at all, not just running. I got a lot of support and advice from Settle Harriers when I started with this sport just over two years ago and through work commitments etc cannot get out on the training runs but find it invaluable when I do make it to watch them disappear into the distance and the reality of how slow I am sets in. still its nice to catch up with them in the bar just before it shuts. training with them is harder than the races.
a bit of an own goal there Stolly methinks

Lawks, isn't this getting a bit excited?

I can see what you're saying here Stolly. And if you don't want to train with 'em, don't.

I don't think anyone is saying that all clubs should be disbanded or anything like that.

Right thats it, i am no longer a member of the SAS club and want to put Stolly on trial for er er er er
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
wait for it
yes got it

Being from Yorkshire!
Hang him

I think to reinforce my point of view there are pros and cons to clubs and its up to people whether they run with them or not, clubs are extremely diverse in what they offer and how they manage themselves (the ponies for example - whatever they say they are, they are a club) - they are also not for everyone. (A bit like inov's).

However to expect members to do what you want, when you want it on demand as an occasional (most likely non paying) member is unrealistic and selfish.

[QUOTE=Antisocial;337090](the ponies for example - whatever they say they are, they are a club) - they are also not for everyone. (A bit like inov's).

QUOTE]
Your right Paul, well at least about "they are also not for everyone"
i admit here i would join a club but it would have to be a local one, the most local one to me was a club that i went running with on a few occasions (with a view to join them) about 8 to be fair but i was made to feel very unwelcome, so that is why i opted to become a pony.

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Originally Posted by Amex

Your right Paul,

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Always am, but thank you anyway.

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Originally Posted by Amex

Your right Paul, well at least about "they are also not for everyone"
i admit here i would join a club but it would have to be a local one, the most local one to me was a club that i went running with on a few occasions (with a view to join them) about 8 to be fair but i was made to feel very unwelcome, so that is why i opted to become a pony.

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I found that with one of the big clubs in Sheffield. In the end I started my own club instead. Its working well, like a localised version of the Ponies. I know somebody else that has done something similar too. We might see this more and more in the future, although I'm also running for Dark Peak now too.

Anyhoo, I think Stolly was just making a casual observation in relation to his own situation, not criticising clubs in general. If you re-read his original post he is actually quite complimentary about Skipton, Its just its not the right fit for him anymore. That could happen to any of us. His post reads more 'disappointed' than 'subversive'.

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Originally Posted by simgreen78

Anyhoo, I think Stolly was just making a casual observation in relation to his own situation, not criticising clubs in general. If you re-read his original post he is actually quite complimentary about Skipton, Its just its not the right fit for him anymore. That could happen to any of us. His post reads more 'disappointed' than 'subversive'.

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Don't spoil an opportunity for people to have a go at Stolly by posting facts please

Noted.

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Originally Posted by simgreen78

I found that with one of the big clubs in Sheffield. In the end I started my own club instead. Its working well, like a localised version of the Ponies. I know somebody else that has done something similar too. We might see this more and more in the future, although I'm also running for Dark Peak now too.

Anyhoo, I think Stolly was just making a casual observation in relation to his own situation, not criticising clubs in general. If you re-read his original post he is actually quite complimentary about Skipton, Its just its not the right fit for him anymore. That could happen to any of us. His post reads more 'disappointed' than 'subversive'.

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I guess that it's a case of Horses for Courses - that should allow the Fell Ponies free rein :D

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Originally Posted by Antisocial

Its up to you who you run with but you cannot slag off the club system just because they don't meet when you want them do or do what you want.

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I agree with AS (for once)

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Originally Posted by simgreen78

Anyhoo, I think Stolly was just making a casual observation in relation to his own situation, not criticising clubs in general. If you re-read his original post he is actually quite complimentary about Skipton, Its just its not the right fit for him anymore. That could happen to any of us. His post reads more 'disappointed' than 'subversive'.

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Thank you. That's exactly what I meant. :D

No idea why antisocial wants to turn every flipping thing into some kind of antagonistic argument. Thank god I don't run with the red, green and whites!

Oh and amex I'm already a fell pony :)

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Originally Posted by Stolly

Thank you. That's exactly what I meant. :D

No idea why antisocial wants to turn every flipping thing into some kind of antagonistic argument. Thank god I don't run with the red, green and whites!

Oh and amex I'm already a fell pony :)

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You started it! if you don't want responses don't post! You had a hissy fit online cos the club did not do what you wanted and you seem to think that everyone will agree with you. And now you slag off a whole club cos one member challenges your narrow minded outlook, who do you think you are - Me?

I think if you read all the posts you are out numbered and out gunned with this one.

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Originally Posted by Antisocial

You started it! if you don't want responses don't post! You had a hissy fit online cos the club did not do what you wanted and you seem to think that everyone will agree with you. And now you slag off a whole club cos one member challenges your narrow minded outlook, who do you think you are - Me?

I think if you read all the posts you are out numbered and out gunned with this one.

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You're such a baby sometimes, what's your next move stamp your feet and go fetch the grump :p?

I'm glad there are people who talk straight on here, you know where you stand with them whether you agree with them or not.

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Originally Posted by Antisocial

what trespass and disregard others property?

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We've got some land in North Stainmore that climbers are always 'trespassing' on to climb on our cliffs, guess i'd better have a NO TRESPASSING sign nailed to the gate and show no further understanding to their sport and cause.

The Grump's just a beginner.

Can't stamp my foot Stolly already put a hole in the floor. I would challenge you and others to a spitting the dummy out of the pram contest but given the original post I don't think we would win.

Not sure what you are defending here, if its Stollys right to express his opinion - I agree totally, I know exactly where he stands - I just don't agree with him and am exercising my right along with others to say so.

If its the sentiment in the original post - read it and digest what is actually being said oh and re read the tile which he modified from what he wanted to type.

and I thought I was not going to enjoy today.

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Originally Posted by mr brightside

We've got some land in North Stainmore that climbers are always 'trespassing' on to climb on our cliffs, guess i'd better have a NO TRESPASSING sign nailed to the gate and show no further understanding to their sport and cause.

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Fantastic - you come with your own self winding mechanism or do you use Duracel

Jesus AS you are stark raving bonkers. Did you even read my original post? I agree the actual title isn't brilliant but I did apologise for that too - basically I was pushed for time and my planned thread title, something like "I think I'm kissing goodbye to running clubs" wouldn't fit so I just shortened it okay? Secondly I think Skipton are an excellent running club (whereas I think you're a complete and utter prat ;)). Thirdly I wouldn't dream of trying to get the club to fit in with me - its the membership as a whole who dictate what they do and if they all want to run roads then thats fine with me. Fourthly whereas running is obviously your top priority, running (being,walking, whatevering) in the wilderness is mine so running roads, although okay every now and then, is far from my top ten of things to do. Fifthly I live 14 miles from Skipton and also have a 12 hour door to door working day; the last thing I'm going to do is spend time going over to run with Skipton if they're not running in the hills. Sixthly.... I can't be arsed with this or you any more :D

and your point is?

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Originally Posted by Antisocial

and your point is?

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http://www.spygun.com/wp-content/upl.../08/wanker.bmp

:D :D