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Why a Run Club Beats a Downloaded Running Plan or App (Especially After Pregnancy)

If you’ve ever Googled “running clubs near me” or downloaded a free 5K training plan at 3am while nursing a baby … this post is for you.

Because yes — you can download a plan.

You can train alone.

You can show up on race day and hope for the best.

I’ve done it.

But joining Run Club+ changed everything.

And if you’re navigating postpartum running, running after pregnancy, or simply trying to become the strongest version of yourself in this chaotic season of motherhood — community matters more than you think.

Let me tell you why.

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My Running Story Started in Pregnancy

I originally joined FIT4MOM in Northern Virginia for FIT4BABY when I was pregnant with my first baby.

Not only did I want to exercise safely during pregnancy, but I was the first of my friends to have a baby. So honestly? I really needed community.

About 9 months after our son was born, I lost my community when we moved to Chattanooga.

Life got busy, and I didn’t join FIT4MOM here right away.

Instead, I downloaded an app and followed a running plan on my own.

I built back up to a 5K (yay!).

Then I got pregnant again (of course).

And after baby #2?

I did the same thing.

It worked … technically.

But something was missing.

Learn More About Run Club+

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The Difference Between a Plan and Run Club+

After my third baby, I finally joined FIT4MOM Chattanooga. I started with Body Well, the 8-week wellness program, because I wanted to rebuild my strength, endurance, and healthy habits. I simply wanted to take care of myself after being pregnant and/or breastfeeding and pouring into my babies for the last 4-ish years.

Then I heard about Run Club+.

My goal was simple: finish an official 5K without stopping — something I hadn’t done since college, pre-babies.

When I joined, I assumed I was just getting another training plan.

But what I actually got was a coach I could text with all the questions, help organizing my workouts around mom life (because something always needs to get shuffled), education on pacing and fueling, accountability, a private group of women training toward the same goal, group runs (kids in tow when needed!), and race-day guidance so I didn’t have to stress about logistics.

Yes, they gave me a structured plan, too.

But the coaching and connection? That was the game changer for me.

And when race day came all I had to do was show up and run.

The coach told us when to get there, where to park, and what to bring. It’s not very often moms aren’t carrying the mental load, so what a treat that was!

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From 5K to Half Marathon (During a Hard Season)

Post-pregnancy, my body was different. My schedule was different. My energy was different.

But despite all of that, I (mostly) stuck with my plan and finished my first 5K since becoming a mom because I had the support I needed.

I. Was. Hooked.

So I joined Run Club+ again — this time to train for my first half marathon.

I was nervous.

It was the longest distance I’d ever run.

And I was solo parenting three kids under 4 in a very hard season of life.

In between official sessions, my coach gave me a 10K plan so I could stay consistent - there was no starting over for me this time!

During my half marathon training, I couldn’t make most of the group runs because of my schedule.

But I still always felt part of Run Club+.

The private group kept me connected.

The one-on-one coaching kept me accountable.

The education helped me feel prepared.

And on race day?

I finished.

I was legit the last of the mamas from Run Club+ to cross the finish line.

But every single woman in the group was waiting there for me.

I ran straight to my coach, hugged her, and just cried.

The early morning, cold winter runs. The heavy stroller runs. The brutal treadmill runs.

All the miles, all the time, all the dedication.

It just hit me all at once.

I couldn’t believe I had just done that.

This was never about speed for me - it was about proving that I could keep going.

And I did.

Get Your Free Run Club+ Week

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Why Joining A Running Club Matters More Than You Think

When you search “running clubs near me,” I don’t think you’re just looking for miles.

I think what you’re really looking for is accountability, encouragement, coaching, community, and people who understand motherhood because they are in the thick of it with you.

Yes, you could download a free plan.

But a plan won’t check in on you when your baby is going through a sleep regression, adjust your mileage when you can’t get a long run in because your husband is travelling for work (...again), teach you how to properly fuel for long runs, cheer you on throughout the course with signs, celebrate you at the finish line, or even wait for you when you’re last.

The coach and moms in Run Club+ will, and you deserve that!

Meet The Run Club+ Crew

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And Now … A Marathon

One year after my emotional half marathon finish … I’m training for my first marathon.

Not because I suddenly became “a runner.”

But because I joined a community that helped me become one.

I still do stroller runs — my youngest is the best sidekick!

I look forward to my Saturday solo “freedom runs.”

And perhaps the most surreal milestone for me? A 5K training run now feels easy.

Me?! The mom who once rebuilt to a 5K after every pregnancy is now training for 26.2 miles.

It’s incredible.

So if you’re navigating postpartum running …

If you’re getting back into running after pregnancy (even if your kids are older!) …

If you’ve been debating whether to train alone or join a run club …

Take it from someone who’s done both:

The miles matter.

But the women next to you matter more.

Get the support you need

Ready to See What a Real Run Club Feels Like?

If you’ve been searching for a run club, wondering how to safely approach postpartum running, or debating whether to follow another app plan …

This is your sign.

Come try Run Club+ with us — for free.

You don’t have to commit to a race.

You don’t have to be “fast.”

You don’t even have to be confident yet.

You just have to show up for a free week of training.

Because the difference between downloading a plan and joining a run club?

Is everything.

Click for your free week