I have graduated from college and with some decent PB's. sub 30 for 10k and sub 14:30 for 5k. Nothing incredible but I figure I am at least at the level where continuing to compete and fulfill that desire is still worth it. Does anyone know of any post college groups that may help out with finances slightly and allow me to train and compete with some decent runners. Thanks Letsrun.
Where do you live?
We are trying to put together a small post-col group in Turlock, CA. We are in the works of getting some sponsorship, but it would probably just be shoes/gear/race entries. Turlock is warm, great place to train, close to major meets/races. Depending on your level of interest, we may be able to help you find a part-time job and recommend some really cheap rent (about $300/month or less).
Sorry we can't provide finances at this point, but the training facilities and group would be ideal for the kind of times you run.
Still working on website and stuff, but if you're interested, email me @
I'd seriously consider a career and running before and after work. You may find that the $$$ a salaried job brings in is of better benefit than the free shoes and occasional travel stipend you get from moving to train with a group somewhere like Flagstaff, California, or Boston.
Pretty much any of these: http://www.usatf.org/Resources-for---/Clubs/Elite-Development-Clubs.aspx
Also you can have a career and still be sponsored. Most of the sponsored runners I know around that level have careers., but they still get the money for travel, free shoes and gear, and some of them get a small stipend. They are not mutually exclusive. If you are disciplined you can train at a high level with a good group and have a career at the same time. And there are Elite Development Clubs in so many cities that there's a pretty good chance you can find good work near them.
Help!!!!! wrote:
I have graduated from college and with some decent PB's. sub 30 for 10k and sub 14:30 for 5k. Nothing incredible but I figure I am at least at the level where continuing to compete and fulfill that desire is still worth it. Does anyone know of any post college groups that may help out with finances slightly and allow me to train and compete with some decent runners. Thanks Letsrun.
The only post-grad group worth being involved with (unless it is NOP) is Speed River in Guelph, Ontario. DST is easily the best coach (without Nike money) in North America with many elite runners (2h10 Marathon, sub-8.20 steeple, 1.45 800m, etc.). If you can't make the move then are you really committed? Only downside is the brutal winter's there, but then how tough are you?
new balance boston, BAA, NYNJTC, Furman
Thanks for all of the suggestions. As for Speed River, I'm from four hours north of Guelph. The winters don't faze me.
You might be able to train with one of these groups if you were to live close by, but trust me, you will get zero assistance with those times. Sorry to say, but unless that "sub 30" is more like 29:0X then you're out of luck. OR keep training with your college team for another year. most of the groups people are listing on here have guys running in the mid to upper 13 min 5ks, you wouldn't even be able to hang if you wanted to. I'm not saying don't keep running, but don't get your hopes up. Many of them have pretty stiff standards.
mr reality check wrote:
You might be able to train with one of these groups if you were to live close by, but trust me, you will get zero assistance with those times. Sorry to say, but unless that "sub 30" is more like 29:0X then you're out of luck. OR keep training with your college team for another year. most of the groups people are listing on here have guys running in the mid to upper 13 min 5ks, you wouldn't even be able to hang if you wanted to. I'm not saying don't keep running, but don't get your hopes up. Many of them have pretty stiff standards.
Most of the USATF Elite Development Clubs would sponsor a 14:30 guy. That's basically why they exist, to develop elite runners who aren't the top of top but are still pretty damn good and can get faster but could use some help.
Cali4nia wrote:
We are trying to put together a small post-col group in Turlock, CA. We are in the works of getting some sponsorship, but it would probably just be shoes/gear/race entries. Turlock is warm, great place to train, close to major meets/races. Depending on your level of interest, we may be able to help you find a part-time job and recommend some really cheap rent (about $300/month or less).
Sorry we can't provide finances at this point, but the training facilities and group would be ideal for the kind of times you run.
Still working on website and stuff, but if you're interested, email me @
turlockelite@gmail.com
I live in Turlock and can attest that the folks coming into this group are solid. 3:48/14:40 guy, 2:09/4:25 lady , sub 1:50 guy, I think there might be a solid female steepler as well, but am not sure. Pretty good mid-d performances. Not sure who else is joining group, but we have a 2:15 marathoner in town as well as a couple more decent, veteran road racers.
It's cheap to live and a short drive to the bay area and there are quite a few road races around to pick up some easy cash (Cali4nia made some good dough road whoring it up last year). You could do alright with a decent part time job and a couple of roommates who are looking for the same thing as you.
Hell, come on over to my house and I'll even burn a steak for you.