The life cycle of clubs

There comes a time for many, perhaps most clubs, where an enthusiast takes over. It's usually someone who identifies very strongly with the groups that they're a member of - a strong group identifier, in social psychology terms.

In some respects they can be a boon. The status of the club is closely tied up with their own self image, and they have a really strong motivation to improve things. They will put in massive amounts of effort to improve facilities, attract new members, and raise the profile and public image of the club.

Which is great, if that's what you want. It's certainly what they want, it's important to them.

They do tend to be rather thick skinned though, and they won't understand that not everyone feels the same level of involvement they do. They often take it as a personal affront if not everyone turns up to their organised club events, and they can get quite resentful and bullying in their attempts to get people involved. They also feel strongly that they are putting a lot of work in, so everyone else should too. They tend to overlook the fact that they are inventing this work for themselves (and everyone else), in order to 'improve' things (in their eyes).

For those of us who prefer things a little more low key, and don't see it as important that everyone around has heard of our club, they're a pain in the arse, however well meaning they may be.

Vivobarefoot Primus SG - durability update

12 months on, and the first pair are still wearable. I couldn't tell you exactly how far they've covered, but I think >500km.

The uppers are starting to develop some holes, and the studs have lost 3/4 of their depth, but they still grip the mud pretty well. I'm currently using them as my primary running shoes, and have just bought a new pair (while they have them in stock in my giant clown shoe size).

I didn't run in them through the summer (hence they've lasted this long). I like to run in shoes without socks in summer, and one go at that was enough. I love my SGs, but wearing them without socks is like going at your feet with a mini grinder.

Once the rain and mud arrived in earnest though, these came out of the cupboard. I'll be wearing them until about March/April.