Social media for running, exercise and the outdoors - support is out there

Hi
 thought I'd write a follow up post about getting support and interacting with other runners, or folks interested in increasing physical and mental health through exercise and outdoor activities.

I wrote a post about this a while ago and there was a lot of interest, running/exercise and outdoors activities are great for increasing confidence, fitness and positive thinking but if your not part of a large social group as I am not, then they can be a bit solitary. Now I know the natural response is join a group but for some people (myself included) this can be difficult down to confidence/depression or anxiety or even things like your location.

So where do we  find some support through difficult times, or get given tips on training or even just a pat on the back when we have done a good session. I have found a lot of support from social media or on websites where you post your training, also I know a lot of people have found local groups to train with from sites like this, and as they have already chatted with members of local clubs have got the confidence to join.

Some sites I use : http://therunningbug.co.uk or
                             ukrunchat.co.uk
                             http://www.mapmyrun.com/my_home/


 twitter -@TheRunningBug
              @UKRunChat   hosts regular group chats on twitter about running topics

also its worth following sports brands on social media they interact and often provide some interesting and motivational articles which they put up for discussion.


Happy and safe running all, on a safety note as with all social media avoid or report anyone trying to meet up or inappropriate messages. Stay safe!
Gareth.