So after a year or so or total Internet stalking, I’ve gone and done it.
I joined a local running group.
I know this isn’t a big deal for many runners out there, especially many of my fellow running bloggers, but I’ve had cold feet for awhile now. While the club talks about welcoming “runners of all abilities,” I admit I was still pretty skeptical. The idea of being the slowest or largest or least accomplished runner bothered me, even though I know it shouldn’t.
But it did, and so I continued to chicken out, making up excuses for why it didn’t make sense for me to join, yet kept up with my cyberstalking.
That is, until a few months ago, when I totally lost my running mojo. And suddenly running became a dreaded chore akin to cleaning the bathroom or going to the dentist.
I realized I needed something different. I needed to mix things up, to push myself out of my comfort zone.
And I missed being part of a team. While I certainly wasn’t a star athlete in my youth, I played sports and loved the camaraderie and encouragement and (yes) the competitiveness of being part of a team.
So I bit the bullet. I joined a localย running club for a year and signed up for their Wednesday track workouts as a way to dip my toes in the water. I figure even if for some reason the running club doesn’t work long term, I can still work on my speed, both to improve my 5K time and as part of my overall half marathon training.
About two weeks ago, another mom from my town and I made our first appearance on the track. I was still pretty nervous and felt pretty inadequate, but I put on a brave and confident front.
There were about 30 of us and we split into two groups, each led by a coach, and both were working on slightly different ladder workouts. After a one mile warmup run, I joined Group B and our ladder workout went something like this: 400m, 600m, 800m, 1200m, 800m, 600m, and 400m, all with a 400m recovery lap in between.
So. Freaking. Hard.
My pace slowed mightily at the end, but I did it! 6 miles of speedwork! And the support and encouragement of my fellow runners (many of whom are pretty hysterical) was a big help — even though about half of them are crazy fast 6-minute milers. We all did our own runs and no one really cared who ran at what pace, and I went home sweaty and smelly and exhausted, but happy.
And while I repeatedly got beat by a speedy 12-year-old, I was never the last (or slowest) runner in our group.
Oh, and there were ice pops after ๐
My second night at the track was even harder. It was a smaller group and the workout of the day was an Indian run (running in a single file line while the last person in line sprints to the front).
I really enjoy sprinting and short bursts of speed, but it’s a little hard when 60% of the group run 7:00 minute miles as their recovery pace. Whoa. I just could never catch my breath and recover during my recovery, and it was significantly warmer, so I ended up sitting out a lap here and there. Not ideal, but so it was.
So I guess I’m 1-for-1 so far in terms of the workouts, but I am totally loving the whole group dynamic. For someone who has never been part of a formal running group, I’m hoping that just being around faster runners will continue to inspire and motivate and challenge me in a positive way.
I’m headed back again tomorrow for another go at the track…excited to see what’s in store!
Erica D House says
Run groups are the best! I signed up for a marathon training program for my first marathon 2 years ago and LOVED running with a group. I was SO NERVOUS to join. I thought I’d be the slowest one there (and often times I was) but no one cared, and I made the best friends.
Jessica says
I love hearing stories like this!! And nice to know I’m the only one who was nervous to join one ๐
Jessica @ The Silvah Lining says
I just joined my local running club too! I haven’t joined them on a group run do to my work schedule but I’m enjoying being apart of the newsletter and I’m pacing a race with them next month!
Jessica says
Yay! It’s so nice having the support of other runners who just get it ๐ Congrats on joining!
Jennifer says
I don’t belong to a running club and have always been a solitary runner, but right now I am a pacer for our local running store’s marathon training group. It definitely has pushed me out of my comfort zone (no music! talking and trying to be motivating!) but it has been nice to do speedwork with a group and get out of my regular route rut. Even though it stresses me out more than when I would run on my own, I have really grown to enjoy my group and try something new.
Jessica says
Getting out of a rut … that’s totally what motivated me to join ๐
Danielle Kempe says
Great job!
I have been the last one many times at running groups.
That’s why I only run with She Runs Boston & November Project teams. Both groups are serious about not leaving anyone behind.
She Runs Boston even assign a leader to stay with the last person and other leaders to “sweep the route” to be double sure no one is left behind.
Jessica says
I LOVE November Project and wish I lived closer to the city so I could go more often. Such an awesome vibe there, and an awesome workout.
Liz says
Woohooo! kudos to you for stepping out of your comfort zone- that is where the magic happens ๐
Jessica says
I sure hope so! ๐
Raechel says
I’m part of the running club where I live and I love it. I first joined a club when I trained for my first half marathon and then I was definitely hooked. Where I am now, we have a “Thirsty Thursday” social run where we run 5-6 miles (all sorts of paces, including run/walking) and then go out to dinner and drinks after. I’ve met a ton of new and interesting people doing this. It gives me something to look forward to each week.
Jessica says
Oooh, Thirsty Thursday sounds awesome! What a great idea!