[bcc594]

I've decided not to join the running/triathlon club I'd found here in Munich.<br>
Here in Germany, most sports run through clubs, and most clubs are pretty willing to take on new members. I went to a couple swims, and only had one person tell me so much as their name. Maybe the club is too big, maybe it's just a Munich thing, but I'll be relying on folks here to provide some more motivation than usual.<br>
My last swim workout, everyone followed the same plan, but nobody made an effort to swim together. At that point, what's the point of going to a group workout. It was 5 guys in a lane all doing the same workout, on their own time. <img alt="confused.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/confused.gif"> And, they're organized Germans, to boot. That kind of convinced me that I can follow my own swim workouts, and swim on my own in the morning. Oh well.

 

[Tithers]

Yah...I see what you mean. Are there other clubs in munich?<br><br>
I've been part of a club for 3 years and am leaving.<br><br>
I work out 95% on my own...

 

[Stitcher]

That's why I love my master's group, as well as the group I swim with during the week in the mornings.....<br>
yeah, everyone does their own thing at their own level, but the pre/post workout gab fest is very friendly and welcoming.<br><br>
My running group.....mucho friendly, but if you're not doing 10-ish minute miles, you're running on your own (unless you cut the route short. <img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif">)

 

[bcc594]

I think I was spoiled with my group back home (in Hamilton, ON, Canada). We all did the same essential workout (our 'lane of shame' had a reduced plan, but the basics were the same), so we all swam together. There was a ton of structure, which a non-swimmer like myself needs to make sure that I only rest 20 secs when that's what's on the board.<br>
Stitcher: I wouldn't mind a group like the one you describe. That would be fun. Less fun was getting to the pool and being ignored by EVERYONE. Nobody really chatted, or hung-out, or anything. They'd all arrive, swim their own thing, and then take off. Weird, I tell you!<br>
Tithers, you're probably right. I should be able to find another club here in town. I'll have my work cut out for me tomorrow.

 

[RunningForT3]

I'm in a tri club, and never worked out with them yet <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[joy2theworld]

Try talking to some of the members and see if some of them actually open up to you. I work for a German company and have been over there on many business trips. The Germans come off as being cold, but they really aren't. One of my colleagues in Munich opened up so much once she found out I was a runner. We had that bond. We are no longer work colleagues but still stay in touch via e-mail and talk about running all the time. Give it a chance. Or you could try to find another club, but my guess is that someone has to make the first move and break the ice. Good luck.

 

[jkaiser20]

Just found this post. Bradley, I have things about the same as you. One comment would be that if you actually joined, that might, I say might, help. Once you are on the inside, meaning have forked out the euros, things would be different.<br><br>
I have found it easier and less of a danger to my attitude to simply go at it alone. It is strange, but best I can tell, very few memebers of the local tri-club actually participate in tri's. They just like to be part of a club. Nothing really wrong with that I guess, just not for me. I would rather be part of a group that has folks actually training for an event. For a running club I would not say that, but for tri's I do.<br><br>
Another way you could find training partners might be to look through entry lists on some German tri's and cold call someone from your area of Munich who is doing one.<br><br>
Jim

 

[Boyerdavea]

At least you have a club around. I am completely on my own here. Nobody to lean on but you guys. And I am going for my first tri in two months.

 

[bcc594]

Thanks Jim,<br>
I've been doing pretty well on my own. My roommate is a pretty awesome athlete himself - he came along on the ride Saturday - so I'm not going it totally alone. Swimming alone kind of sucks, but I'll get over it. I think I'll save the 45 Euros, and use that for admission to the pool. I'm not going to be here overly long, so it won't kill me.<br>
Part of my surprise was the club in Marburg, where I used to live. They were awesome, and I still keep in touch with them all. They were really welcoming to new folks, and made everyone feel welcome right off the bat (I do, however, joke that I was allowed to use 'Du' only after I'd gone under 40 mins for 10k!<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">) Different places.<br><br>
Bradley

 

[jkaiser20]

So geht's in Bayern!

 

[jkaiser20]

Hey, that's a good way to pad posts-- do each one twice, once in english, once in german! Watch out LRR ich werde schnell vorbei gehen!

 

[Tri_coach06]

The one thing I really enjoy about swimming is the alone time. Just me and the water. <img alt="dontknow.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/dontknow.gif"><br><br>
CS

 

[bcc594]

Ja, Bayern ist schon anders. Ich bin was anders gewohnt. Naja, man kann nicht immer gewinnen. Wenn du aber in den Bergen radeln willst, sag' mal Bescheid.

 

[Silly Sally]

I was part of a tri group when I first decided to do tri and though I felt encouraged by my fellow athletes, I didn't at all by my coach. He didn't think I'd be able to do the Ironman for which I was training and didn't even really notice when I had finished my Half Ironman, no sign of being proud or anything though he was there at the finish watching his athletes come in ...<br><br>
The best thing I got from the group was learning how to swim and knowing that others were in the same boat. And it was great, I met some lifeguard triathletes who gave me fantastic tips that changed my technique. These tips should have come from the coach, but oh well ...<br><br>
I ended up doing most of my trainings alone though since most of the athletes were training for sprint and I had to do a lot more mileage. All in all, I don't regret my experience but wouldn't join the same group again. My personal coach helped me the most! (even though it was all online)<br><br>
I'd like to do a master's swim class one day though ... and get faster!<br><br>
Sally