I ran with a running team. Not just a group of runners, an actual team. It says so right in their name. And you know what?
I kind of liked it.
For the past year I've been ogling their Facebook page, wishing I had the guts to join them. My excuse was the same as most every other runner, "I'm really slow." I didn't want to be 'that person,' you know what I mean?
After attending one of their get-to-know-yas last night at a running store, I manned up and met them this morning for a chilly 6 miles. One of the leaders of the group ran with me and another newbie to the group. While a dozen of the faster runners headed off for 10, we ran a nice, casual 6 miles. He didn't seem at all bothered to go our (slower) pace. In fact, he seemed to have a real passion for running, no matter the distance or speed.
I think this group has real potential, and I'm excited to join them for more runs.
So what took me so long? Lack of confidence. As we were getting to know each other, the other new runner said she couldn't believe I could run a marathon and still think I'm "not good enough to join the group" (those were my words, not hers).
Truth is, as much as I crack jokes about being a speed demon and how awesomesauce I am at setting new PRs (it's all sarcasm, by the way), I really don't have that much self-esteem when it comes to being a runner. I enjoy running, but I don't see myself as a 'fast' runner or a particularly good one (just an obstinate one).
I mean, how ridiculous is that?! I love and try my best to encourage all my friends with their running, but I don't listen to my own words. So I'm hoping that I keep coming back to this group to both build my speed (gotta run faster to get faster, and what better way than to run with faster people? Genius!) and my confidence.
Do you run with a running group? Do you (or did you) worry that you're the slowest person?
yayyy congrats on running with a group! I have all the same fears as you, though as you said, it's silly. Runners are usually very accepting and willing to hang back with people who are slower just for a group feel. I really want to run with a group sometime, maybe now that you did it, I'll get the courage to too :) i sure hope you go back sometime!
ReplyDeleteIt is silly, but that makes it even more bizarre that just about every runner has the same fear! If you joined a running group, they might have problems keeping up with YOU! =)
DeleteI am the same way! When I lived in Philly, I ran with a group, but it took me forever to meet up with them on a run because I was scared of being slow or not fitting in. Once I did it, I loved it and met great friends who I did all of my training with. There are two groups near me now and I totally stalk them, but haven't met up with them yet :) It's partially because I'm nervous and also because they run at night and I like to go in the morning. Congrats, glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteAgain- SO silly! I have yet to meet a runner who has a story of "I finally joined a running group and I hated it."
DeleteThat's great. I've tried running with a group twice. The only problem is that there seem to be 2 speeds for that group and I fall in the middle so it's a struggle to keep up (meaning not a fun run for sure). Plus it's 6pm on Thursday evenings. Um....that's past PJ time LOL
ReplyDeleteI understand the importance of PJ time!!
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