Running with a group
I usually hate running groups because I'm not fast and I'm afraid there won't be anyone running as slow as me. It doesn't so much bother me that I would be the last person to finish or that I would have to run by myself. What bothers me is that I'm afraid I'd get lost if I don't know the route really well.
But last night I decided to say to hell with all those fears and worries about running with a group and headed out to my local running store to try one of their bi-weekly fun runs. They had e-mailed the course map out during the day and while it wasn't an area I was familiar with, it was a distance I could handle.
When I got to the store everyone was talking about their super fast running times and it was like my worst fears come to life. I almost turned around and walked out the door. But I waited until the lady started calling out pace groups.
She started with the slowest, "Anyone for 10:30 to 11 minutes?"
One girl raised her hand and I was thinking praise be the sweet baby Jesus. I raised my hand too and was like sure I'll do that one.
Our little group ended up having three people in it and we did our 4.75ish miles in 50:54ish. We had fun chatting along the way and exploring new areas that were completely new to me.
I found myself pushing harder up a hill that if I was by myself I probably would have stopped to walk because it was huuuge. But I didn't want to punk out in front of the group. There were times when I led and times when I lagged, but the whole time it was pretty fun.
I might even consider going back tomorrow.
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20 comments
yay thats great!!!! great job for facing your fears, i know i am always scared of trying new things too.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I've really enjoyed the running group I've been going with recently.
ReplyDeleteI have thought about joining a group but I am way too slow. It would have to be a walking group.
ReplyDeleteThat's great that you went out to try the running group! The first time I ever showed up to a running group, I was terrified they'd all be speed demons too.
ReplyDeletethat's awesome!!! glad you found a fun group; I'm hoping to find one when Im not training with TNT anymore
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome. One thing I really like about running with a group or another person is the fact that I push myself harder than I would if I were alone!
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Jess!
Way to go Jess...I was like that too with my first group run. The group I run with usually ends up with 4 or 5 different time groups. It's a nice change to the daily run.
ReplyDeleteGlad it worked out well! Group runs are a good motivator, especially for long runs.
ReplyDeleteThat rocks. I *am* my own running group within my running group. I would love to have two others to run with!
ReplyDeleteBut I must add, Coach runs with me for part of the course almost every time, so I'm not entirely alone.
I am always afraid of getting lost too! Glad you found others to run with.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! It is scary to run with others - especially if you don't know their paces. Glad you found some like-paced runners! Enjoy the group!
ReplyDeletesounds like a fun run! we joined the track club here but have yet to go to any of the group runs. we're just lazy like that i guess.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking praise be the sweet baby Jesus
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHAHAHA!
I represent Teh Marcy's collection agency and you owe her royalties on this because "Sweet Baby Jesus™" is HER catch-phrase, which she might allow you to use for free if you can prove you are a not-for-profit runner.
I avoid running with groups for all the reasons you list.
Those, and because I'm a misanthrope. I'd feel the need to try to make small talk and I HATE TALKING TO PEOPLE, mostly cos I suck at it! It's part of my misanthrope mojo.
But I'm glad you enjoyed yourself sister. I swear to Sweet Baby Jebus™ I am!
Haha I've been wondering why I've been saying/thinking sweet baby Jesus so much lately. Must be spending too much time reading Teh Marcy!
ReplyDeleteThat's GREAT! I really wanted to start running with a group for extra motivation but the one at my running store requires you to have already completed a half-marathon, so maybe I'll start running with them after my half-marathon in May! I'm REALLY slow though so I think I'd be kind of nervous about it...
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the running group went so well. I've had those same fears. But part of me wants to be nuts enough to START a running group in our little community to help others discover running and not be so afraid of it. Guess I need to get over my own fears before I can help others face theirs!! Thanks for the inspiration! :)
ReplyDeleterunning with strangers is intimidating but it usually turns out to be pretty good :) glad it went well for you and you enjoyed it!!
ReplyDeletesweet. I don't get to run with a group often, but I enjoy it when I do!
ReplyDeleteI have those same fears about running with a group - I'm super slow. Nice job facing your fears and running with the group!
ReplyDeleteYay! Running with a group is super fun, so I'm glad it turned out to be good and you found buddies! :)
ReplyDelete