Too Slow for a Running Club?
Pace is a poor gatekeeper for belonging; fair competition can account for different ability.
Plain answer
You do not need to reach a particular pace before your running can matter to a team. Look for handicapped scoring or matched divisions rather than one raw-speed ranking.
A no-drop promise may still feel stressful
Even welcoming groups can create pressure when you are watching everyone wait. Running alone removes that negotiation.
Raw pace answers the wrong question
The fastest runner will usually stay fastest. A useful recreational competition asks how your week compares with your own established ability.
Belong before you improve
Community should not be a reward reserved for finishing a private transformation first. The structure should make room for the runner who arrived today.