Runooshkas Running Group

The Commitment Deposit.

Every year we see people sign up with the best intentions. Then winter arrives, life gets busy, a week is missed... then another... and before long they quietly disappear, often before they've discovered what they're truly capable of.

We know it isn't because people don't care. We all know that life happens.

The thing is ... we've also had (and will continue to have) incredible volunteer coaches who show up every single week, rain, hail or shine. They generously give their time because they believe in helping others achieve something they never thought possible. Turning up to one or two runners (or sometimes none) can be incredibly disheartening, especially at 6am in the rain.

We want our runners to succeed, and we want our coaches to feel their time and commitment are valued.

There's an interesting idea in psychology called having "skin in the game." Research shows that when we make a small commitment upfront, we're much more likely to stick with our goals. It's not about the money—it's about making a promise to yourself.

So this year we're introducing a $50 Commitment Deposit.

Attend 9 sessions of the 12 week program at least 36 sessions and you can choose to:

• Receive your $50 back. or...

• Put it towards your RUTH Run registration...or

• Donate it to help MOTHs fund next year's Runooshkas program.

We'll register attendance with the help of our smug end of run group photos and possibly a preferred running up to track distances and times etc.

Most importantly, we never want cost to stop someone from joining us. If the commitment deposit would prevent you from coming, please get in touch. We'll make it work.

This isn't about charging a fee (because we're encouraging you to attend to potentially give it back).

It's about creating a culture where we all show up for each other, our coaches show up for you, and you make that same commitment to yourself and to the group.