Frequently Asked Questions

I'm just starting to run, will I be able to train with you?
Yes, definitively. We are a specially good match for beginners! Our members run at different speeds and we often divide into two groups accordingly. But even within each group the pace varies. Chances are that there will be more than one runner running at your level, so you won't feel left behind.
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I'll show up to one of your workouts, what should I do when I get there?
Introduce yourself and let us know that this is your first workout! A funny thing happens when a person shows up for the first time: chances are that most of us will assume that you're NOT a new person. Since not everybody can make it to all the workouts, we tend to assume that a person we don't recognize has been with us before -- it's just that we haven't seen you before because we missed a couple of workouts. The consequence of this is that in turn you could assume that we're a bunch of unfriendly runners because we don't welcome you. Once you tell other runners that this is your first time the ice is broken and we will do our best to make you feel welcomed (since we're NOT a bunch of unfriendly runners). It happens in every workout! We're trying to find a good term for it.
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Where does Community Running meet?
Our club meets three days per week at the MIT campus in Cambridge, MA, which is very close to Boston and Somerville. We will meet at the MIT outdoor/indoor track, Johnson Athletic Center or the Student Union, depending on the day. (Check out our workouts page for further clarification.)
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Do you have a mailing list?
Yes! We use several mailing lists but the main one is called "Runners." Please subscribe so you can get the latest news from CR members and our coaches.
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Do you have (measured) maps of running routes around Boston (Cambridge, Somerville, Burlington)?
Yes. Please check the resources section for maps of some of our running routes, including routes in Somerville, around Davis Sq. and Tufts, Burlington and other areas.
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Can I check out a Community Running workout before joining?
Sure! We encourage everyone to come and give us a try. Like any other club or gym, after participating in 2 workouts we would ask that you join our club and continue training with us.
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What is the cost for joining Community Running?
The cost of our yearly membership was reduced to $120 in March 2007. That's just $10 per month! The membership includes our coached workouts, water support for most of our long runs, and the use of the indoor track during the winter.
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What benefits do I get in return for my membership fees?
That's a fair question. You get a lot! See a summary here.
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How do I pay membership dues?
Please send checks and our membership form to:
Community Running
c/o Keith Manning
16 Lake Street #2
Arlington, MA 02474

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How do I pay the fee for the indoor track?
Starting in 2007, our yearly members don't have to pay an additional indoor track fee. "Outdoor season members" (see next question) can use the indoor track by paying a fee of $75. The fee will cover the use of the indoor track two days a week from December to March.
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Do you have two types of membership?
Sort of. We now offer Indoor and Outdoor season memberships for those who can't join the club for the whole year. The Indoor season runs from December to March and the Outdoor season from April to November. A seasonal member pays $75 per season. The idea is to accommodate the large number of people who want to run with us indoors during the chilly months of the year.
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I'm visiting from out of town. Can I run with your club?
Absolutely. We like making new friends.
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I am Speedy Gonzalez/Slow-Poke Rodriguez (Speedy's cousin). Will I have someone to run with?
Probably. We don't have an official staff of pacers, but the group of folks who show up usually spans a wide range of paces so you should be able find at least a few people to run with.
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Do I need to wear my water belt on Saturday morning long runs with the club?
Community Runners take turns leaving gatorade and water out along the course. We leave it in more spots during marathon training seasons to support the longer distances typically being logged. In the heat of summer, when public water fountains are running, your hydration will be more than provided for. In the winter, our water/gatorade stops are typically sufficient. If you use gels, you should pack those.
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How many people are in the Saturday running group?
Historically it varies from 4 people to almost 20 according to the season. The more, the merrier, so stop by and join us!
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