A lot of people ask me about joining a running club. There are loads of free running groups that you can join and get awesome coaching from. There are crews that will take you on unique and creative training runs and instagram the whole thing for you. When Laura suggested I join her club last year I wasn’t quite sure it would be for me.  One year on, why am I glad I joined a run club?

Because I love my club vest.

I received my club vest when I joined and christened it with some wine & cheese.

I wore it during the hardest run of my life – a Met League cross country race at Alexandra Palace. Even though I was very close to last place the constant “Go on Serpie” cheers kept me moving forward.

After the mud washed off the vest and I was proud to wear it through SW London on a speedy half marathon attempt.

I don’t only love my club vest when I’m wearing it. I lost my voice cheering on all the Serpies running the London Marathon.

Alex & I entered a small trail race last weekend and even though I was the only Serpie the East London Runners let me leave my bag at their flag and the Orion Harriers cheered me on at the start and congratulated me on my finish.  Each marshal gave me a smile & a “good run Serpie” which really did make my legs go faster up each hill.  I also met up with friends Claire & Jolekha who spotted the Serpie vest from miles away.

I love my club vest because it means I’m a part of a community whenever and wherever I wear it.
I am biased, but if you want to join the best run club in London come join the Serpentine.