My legs are tired this evening, and, odd as this may sound, this excites me. I'm thrilled because the soreness and tiredness is a result of having had the best running week I've had in a long time. Not only did I go out for a run 4 times this week, but each time I ran strong and pushed myself just enough to up my game without leaving me to crash and burn at the end. But I don't take any of the credit, because three of the four times I was running with my group.
I'm still not timing my runs, but both yesterday and today's runs felt on the fast side for me,
and I kept up with some of the faster ladies in the group. While I huffed and puffed, I didn't die. In fact, I even participated in the conversation.
Running with a group, of course, can keep you from going insane on a run by providing comaraderie, but there are hidden benefits of running with a group. Motivation and accountability are big ones, but also, running with others pushes you to go harder and faster in workouts. That has definitely been the case with me, and the enthusiasm for running is contagious when I run with the group. Suddenly, I forget about any of the pain and before I realize it, my nine mile run is over.
Aside from high school track, I'd always been a lone runner. I'd occasionally find a friend here or there willing to go for a run with me, but no one consistent and no one to really push me outside of my slow-and-steady tendency. After my daughter was born, I struggled to get back into running, and everything about that effort was sporadic at best. I finally decided to join a running group, and though Portland is busting at the seams with running clubs and store-sponsored group runs, I found one: The Running Mamas. The name says it all. Moms who run. Fast and slow. Sometimes with the kids, sometimes without. Some moms are regulars, some make an occasional appearance. My first run with them was tough but exhilarating, and I looked forward to the next run.
Now, a year and half later, not only do I have an entire group of ladies who are willing to wake up early on a weekend to run 8-10 miles in the cold (and dark) without batting an eye, but I also have a group of friends who have been incredibly supportive and encouraging. Without them, I wouldn't be the runner I am now.
*****
Tuesday miles: 2.5 (pub run in the dark!)
Thursday miles: 2 (early morning run in the cold!)
Saturday miles: 9
Sunday miles: 3.5
Total: 17
Time: no idea and still loving that.
A thirty-something running mama in Portland, OR, who finds sanity in lacing up her Nikes, enjoys the challenge that running and racing brings, but doesn't run very fast. I try to improve my speed with each race, and I share my efforts here.