In reply to Ava Adore:
> Is there any place for a slow (10:30 minute mile pace max at the mo) runner in a running club? How would your running club feel about such a runner joining?
Yes, our club has quite a few folk running at that sort of pace, so you'd be quite welcome. A decent club will accommodate all sorts of abilities and standards.
We have one woman running with us who at the start of last year weighed about 18 stone. She's now half that weight, puts in a terrific amount of effort and is happy to volunteer with club activities such as marshalling at races. She's still not fast, but she's a much more valued member than the dilettante who shows up for the occasional race, doesn't help out with club activities and doesn't generally make a contribution.