This was a big running week for me, though for no apparent reason. It just worked out that I was able to meet up with friends multiple times, and ended up running every weekday.
Weekly Fitness Recap:
Monday: Veteran’s Day! Ran 5.75 snowy/cold miles with Abby. Then “strength training” at Vertical Endeavors (Read my review HERE)
Tuesday: Ran 5.9 early morning miles with Abby. Spent evening taking care of Ms. Matilda post teeth-cleaning
Wednesday: Ran 7.5 miles with Abby/Theresa/Kelly. Kettlebells+Circuit at Balance Fitness
Thursday: Ran 4 easy, slow miles with Ms. Matilda
Friday: Ran 5.5 morning miles with Kelly/Abby
Saturday: Ran 10 miles with the CBRC (YES, I do still run with this club! It’s just been nice to get my weekly runs done in the AM). I also had about an hour or so of walking around the dog park with Matilda and a bunch of her doggy friends.
Sunday: 60 minute yoga at Moksha Yoga Minneapolis. I haven’t been here to this studio in months, and it was nice to change things up from Corepower with a Moksha class.
With about 40 miles of running, 2 strength training "events", and 1 yoga session, I feel pretty good about my week. I guess that’s a good thing as we head into the holidays next week, where my mileage probably won’t be as high, and I am guessing I won’t be burning more calories than I consume!
How Not to Be Afraid of Running with Other Runners:
Before joining the Calhoun Beach Running Club, I trained for six marathons on my own: TCM 2005, San Diego 2006, Grand Rapids MI 2006, Chicago 2007, TCM 2008, and Big Sur 2009.
I ran all my long runs alone. I did the vast majority of my weekly runs alone as well. Occasionally the D-man or another friend might join me for the shorter runs, but I was mostly alone....
...and I liked it that way!
I could run when I wanted, without having to coordinate with anyone. I could vary my pace based on how I felt that day, with no pressure to go faster or slower to keep up with others. And I did okay…I ran 4:20 marathons, and I was content with that. I didn’t need a running club.
...and I liked it that way!
I could run when I wanted, without having to coordinate with anyone. I could vary my pace based on how I felt that day, with no pressure to go faster or slower to keep up with others. And I did okay…I ran 4:20 marathons, and I was content with that. I didn’t need a running club.
....Or maybe I did?
In February of 2010, I joined the Calhoun Beach Running Club. And my marathon time went from 4:20 to 3:55 during my first training season with the club.
Yes, our club did speed training; yes, our club did hill training. And these were both things I never did on my own. But I do believe that a huge factor in my improvement was running with other people! It’s amazing how much more you push yourself, or how much faster you just end up running naturally when surrounded by a great group of people.
But still… I completely understand your fears of running with a club. Here’s some bits of advice:
Don’t fear speedy runners.
I’m not saying that if you’re a 10 minute miler that you should join a competitive running club made up of all 6 minute milers. But just because your friend’s marathon PR is faster than yours doesn’t mean you can’t run together. Lately, I’ve been running with Abby and Kelly, whose marathon PR’s are in the 3:30’s, but it’s okay! Yes, running with them pushes me a little harder than I would run on my own. But they’re not doing speedwork on our morning runs. We’re not going at their “race pace” for our 5-7 miles. Our paces are close enough at this point in base training that it’s okay. Most runners prefer having company, at least for part of the run, even if their partners aren't exactly the same pace.
Run with people you like.
Well, that’s an easy one! But so true….the miles fly by when you’re catching up with friends, and it really is an amazing way to stay close.
{Abby, me, and Kelly at the Muddy Buddy in 2011}
Most runners like water stops.
Don’t be afraid to be the one to ask to stop for a drink at a water fountain. Most runners appreciate the break!
Everyone has had a bathroom emergency.
Sometimes your friends are polite and they don’t mind waiting for you, though it’s not to be expected. You can always plan a way to meet back up later in the run. Don’t be embarrassed if you need to bolt for the bathroom. We’ve all been there. We all understand. It’s a runner thing.
Be honest.
If you want to speed up, tell your running buddy. If you need to slow down, tell your running buddy. Even if you choose to run with friends, running is still an individual sport. Just be honest, and explain that you need to either go faster or you need to back off. Find supportive running buddies.
Use your running buddies to motivate you. Don’t be discouraged if you’re a bit slower. But also don’t get nasty if you’re faster. Instead, try to build off each others’ strengths and weaknesses so you can both become better runners and enjoy the process together.
Ease into it.
Don’t necessarily make your first run one with a big group. Try it out first with a buddy you’re comfortable with, then go from there.
Even if you consider my advice, and still don't want to run with other people- that's okay! Yes, it can be fun. Yes, it can make those miles go a little faster. But some people simply like doing their own thing, and in my opinion, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
{running alone at the cabin}
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