Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Running Club, Take Two

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!!

16 comments:

  1. 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.

    I hope it goes better this time though!

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  2. Oh my gosh the kilt. Holy crap! I'm sure the group will be great - def. let us know how it goes!!!

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  3. Good luck! I'm sure you will be fine and never know who you might meet! ;)
    That kilt story is hilarious! Why would he do that?!

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  4. 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!

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  5. Oh good for you!! I LOVE when people go for breaking out of their comfort zone. Too funny about the kilt. Best of luck!!

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  6. You 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.

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  7. Hahahahah - Ohhh, I will never forget your kilt story! Sooo frustrating!! Yet sooo funny. I pray all the "Wanna-be Scotts" stay away! ;)

    I 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!

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  8. "I'm not going to skirt the issue, mister. Your outfit is making me run off kilter."

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  9. Hoot! 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.

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  10. I'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!!

    I can't wait to hear how it goes for you! Good luck!

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  11. 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 =)

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  12. When 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.

    Since 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.

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  13. That's hilarious about the guy in the kilt! I wouldn't know whether to take him seriously or to just start laughing.

    I'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!

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  14. 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.

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  15. I 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!

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  16. This is *hilarious* I love that you walked into that experience and immediately went "Or maybe you don't need running club friends!" =)

    I'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!

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