Poised on the edge of your bed, you cast a fleeting glance in the direction of your closet’s open door. Unable to dismiss the unrelenting stare from the multiple sets of eyelets of your running shoes, you don’t begrudge their existence. Rather, you miss the satisfaction resulting from quality time spent together. While running solo can be a cathartic and introspective experience, sometimes the motivation to head out the door becomes fleeting.

Fear not, runners of Henry County; you are not alone. For more than 15 years, the Atlanta Southside Runners Club has welcomed runners who not only seek more from their own running regimen, but the undeniable benefits of belonging to a community of like-minded individuals. It is such a community, in fact, that is described by world-renowned digital anthropologist, futurist, and best-selling author Brian Solis as a collection that is “much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.”

A member since 2010, first-year club president Sean Davis aims the club toward even greater benefit to the Henry County community. A casual runner prior to joining the local club, he has become a veteran runner of myriad forms of races, including Boston Marathons. Davis believes that this club, in a good way, is a balanced mix ranging from one runner who has run all six of the major races, to a few who have completed half marathons and still others focused on increasing their distances. He likes that it has become a hybrid motivated by performance, socialization and promotion.

“There are some elites in our group, but my vision is to grow from the bottom up,” says Davis. “Most of the top tier runners are already experienced, but we want the newer runners to feel comfortable and make sure they are setting their goals and do what we can to help them elevate as well. In the long run you really want champions at every pace to help facilitate that upward movement.”

With no experience necessary, runners can discover a variety of reasons why membership in the Atlanta Southside Runners Club matters.

Social Connection and Community – For many the community and friendships fostered are its most significant byproduct. Boasting a current membership of approximately 50, one way in which members can benefit is from promotions tied to local businesses. Planned events such as a weekly Monday One-Mile Run Day and Taco Tuesday and monthly Medal Monday encourage not only membership but also serve to expand participation from locals running together in local and regional events.

“One of my main goals was to bring back that ‘let’s travel as a group’ mentality and participate in races, whether it was your first marathon, half marathon, or you are just working toward a PR (personal record),” says Davis.

From that participation and club membership, members can qualify for drawings for gift cards from local businesses, a $30 prize that nearly covers the price of the $35 membership. It’s a win-win, as members can reap the benefits of fitness and camaraderie, while local businesses benefit from promotion.

Accountability – While the environment is intentionally low pressure, it’s much harder to skip a workout when you know a group of people are waiting for you. Davis enjoys the fact that no matter a runner’s level, accountability is readily available. “I think it’s cool that you’ve got people that you get to know, and if you’re looking for accountability, there are people willing to give you that,” says Davis. “So just like we have different levels of runners, we also have different levels of smack talk to hold them accountable,” Davis jokes.

Motivation and Performance Gains – No matter the aspiration, running with a group can help achieve goals that may not have been achievable otherwise. Examples range from simply increasing your pace, adding the extra mile, setting a personal record, to extending beyond 5Ks and 10Ks to half and full marathons – a few even achieve monthly goals of running 100 miles every month. Outgoing President Phillip Wilder has extended his streak to 88 consecutive months. 

“We want everybody to know that we’re not all about trying to run as fast as you can,” says Davis. “I think the ones that are serious, they state their goals, and many times when they run with a pocket that’s closer to their pace group, or maybe a little bit faster, they’ve been very successful.

“Others are just more into it for active activity and fitness; that’s just their goal. Tell us what your goals are, and we’ll definitely help you achieve them. And if you want to keep improving, we have different levels of experience that will help you get there.”

Safety and Shared Knowledge – “Being a bit smaller, more intimate group than others around the Atlanta area, we stress safety as one of our main benefits, as no one will be left behind,” says Davis. Increased visibility and safety and knowledge of safe running routes, especially during the early morning runs, are certainly a benefit for the club. It’s also a great way to provide variety in runs, as club members often share their experience.

Davis is encouraged that the club has and continues to be a healthy resource for Henry County residents. Demonstrating that you don’t have to go it alone in order to live a healthy lifestyle, the Atlanta Southside Runners Club continues to benefit its community.

“Whether it’s just being active or trying to prove something to yourself, it’s just about getting out there,” says Davis. “Atlanta Southside Runners Club is proud to be about getting active, having fun, meeting new friends, being safe in your environment, and promoting community.”

By Craig Threlkeld