For those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile - do you remember the first time I tried out a local running club? It was last June, so it's been awhile... You can read about it here, but here's the ESPN highlights version of my experience:
I showed up and there was a guy wearing a khaki kilt.
It was scarring, people. Absolutely scarring. Now, I am all about being proud of your heritage - and honoring traditional clothing.... but this guy didn't appear to be Scottish, didn't have a Scottish name, and didn't explain why he showed up for a vigorous 4 mile run wearing a freaking kilt.
After that experience, I thought,
"Self, maybe you don't need to make local running friends. You love to run alone. You don't need running friends - and certainly not ones that wear khaki kilts."
Well, nearly a year later, I have decided to give it another shot. This time I am meeting up with a group at a local running store.
And I am super nervous. I keep thinking,
"What if everyone is already BFF and I am a total outcast? What if everyone else is super speedy and I am the tortoise of the group? What if they want to talk during the entire run and I run out of things to say (or am gasping for air because I can barely keep up AND talk at the same time)?"
But it's time to get out of my comfort zone. Running is a big part of who I am so it's high time that I meet some other local runners. Plus, as much as I love running on my own, it would be nice to have a group to run with 1-2 times per week, especially when I am training for the marathon this summer. I emailed the organizer to make sure my pace would work with the group and was told there are 4-6 regulars that run at my pace, so I need to stop worrying that I will be the slowest.
I'll be back tomorrow to let you know how it goes. Wish me luck.
And I swear to God, if I walk in and see a guy in a kilt, I am walking right back out.
Have you ever joined a running club or a meet-up group or something like that? If so, how did it go? Tell me your success stories - it might make me a little less nervous about tonight!!
LOL!!!!!!!!!!! I know I shouldn't be dying laughing here but I totally am. I reason is because Eric bought a kilt when we were in Scotland and thinks its funny to wear it at random times and I get so mad at him lol. However, he would not do it with strangers at a running club, and would definitely make fun of himself in the process. Still though, I'm going to tell him your story.
ReplyDeleteI hope it goes better this time though!
Oh my gosh the kilt. Holy crap! I'm sure the group will be great - def. let us know how it goes!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I'm sure you will be fine and never know who you might meet! ;)
ReplyDeleteThat kilt story is hilarious! Why would he do that?!
Yay I'm so excited for you! I think it's a great idea! I'm looking forward to the update! I would have all the same fears that you do if I was going to do something like this!
ReplyDeleteOh good for you!! I LOVE when people go for breaking out of their comfort zone. Too funny about the kilt. Best of luck!!
ReplyDeleteYou will be great and I hope you have a fun time. It is important to get out and meet new people. Can't wait to hear all about it.
ReplyDeleteHahahahah - Ohhh, I will never forget your kilt story! Sooo frustrating!! Yet sooo funny. I pray all the "Wanna-be Scotts" stay away! ;)
ReplyDeleteI think it would be really to join a running club. Have I done anything like that? - h-e-l-l- no. I am so antisocial here in Tucson. Hence my "large group of friends" not surrounding me ;).
Good luck, and I hope it goes great! If anything - you're going to be the super speedy one!
"I'm not going to skirt the issue, mister. Your outfit is making me run off kilter."
ReplyDeleteHoot! Love the kilt story and Gracie's comment is making me laugh very loudly!!! Good luck! I am looking forward to hearing about the first run with the group. When a group runs together, is that called a herd of runners? Just wondering.
ReplyDeleteI'm running with a Running Room group too and I love it!! I was super nervous before my first run as well, for the same reasons you are. But, honestly, it's worked out perfectly. Knowing I have group runs a few times a week has really kept me motivated AND the people I run with are really great. No kilts, so far!!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear how it goes for you! Good luck!
You'll be great, I just know it! Part of the reason I didn't go to a running group was because I thought I'd be the slowest person (I probably would be) but I know you're speedy so don't even worry about it. Can't wait to hear how it goes! Good luck =)
ReplyDeleteWhen I ran my first marathon, I trained with a running group. At the time, I was running 9 to 10-minute miles and I definitely was not the slowest. I'd say the fastest groups ran around 8-minute miles and the slowest were around 14-minute miles.
ReplyDeleteSince then, I've run in various forms (groups and solo). I find that running groups that meet at running stores are more casual than other kinds of running groups. They're in it for the same reasons as you - to get in some mid-week runs with others. Period. They generally aren't gangbusters and certainly won't leave you in the dust. I'm sure you'll be fine.
That's hilarious about the guy in the kilt! I wouldn't know whether to take him seriously or to just start laughing.
ReplyDeleteI've never joined a running group, but I did join a new soccer team where everyone had played together for a couple of years. It was intimidating but once I got to know everyone it was fun :)
Ps- hope it goes well tonight!
Ive often thought of joing a running group but wasn't sure I was "qualified." But I guess if you show up in actual running gear, you're in.
ReplyDeleteI am afraid to join a running club too! I dont know why but I just get scared and I get nervous about meeting new people!
ReplyDeleteThis is *hilarious* I love that you walked into that experience and immediately went "Or maybe you don't need running club friends!" =)
ReplyDeleteI've never joined a running club, but I'm going to join a yoga studio soon and I think I'm in the same boat. If there are any kilts, I'm out!