This past Saturday was my very first running group!  It was a really fun experience – maybe more fun than I had anticipated (sans the 7:30 am meet time).  For starters, I had talked to my coach via email before the 1st run, and she placed me in the “Intermediate” group rather than the novice group.  When I got to the meeting place, I was rather surprised at how fit everyone was.  Not to judge, but if *I* was put in Intermediate, who would be in the beginners?  I’ve only done two 5K runs, and the first one I walked the whole way and the 2nd one I ran 3/4 of the way, but not 100 %.  I saw the “Intermediate” folks and they had their running gadgets and their breathable shirts with their wispy shorts on and I though, “Okay, I’m definitely a beginner.”  

I didn’t let Ego get in my way.  I felt more comfortable in the beginner group so I switched.  There was one woman in our group who seemed upset that we’d have an interval of walking + running the 2 miles, and when I suggested to her that she might want to join another groups, she seemed put off.  So during our run, we were in our little pack dog formation, and she always had to make sure she was right up in the front – the lead dog.  She reminded me of the person in class who always had to sit in the front of the class to feel the smartest.   Anyway, I thought it was rather funny.  Oh, she was wearing running gloves or something which I didn’t get.  Okay Tiger Woods.  Whatever.  

Everyone else in my group was super nice.  It’s funny to have to strike up conversation with people when you’re running.  Feels like a first date – lots of get-to-know-you conversation and heavy breathing.  

I was wearing my iPod to get me pumped up.  I rarely run without my tunes.  But I realized I was being kind of anti social (Julie?  Being anti social?)  so I turned down my music.

We did a walk + run combo for about 2 miles (30-minutes).  We ran through Ansley Neighborhood which was just so beautiful.  Very picture perfect with lots of Saturday morning yard sales.  

I have kept up my workout routine since Saturday.  We have a 7-day running schedule so it’s like homework.  Saturdays are just the day we all run together.  I did buy some wispy shorts and a breathable shirt and a running gadget.  I only look the part.  I’m still a beginner.  I am okay not being lead dog, but I don’t want to be last on race day along with the Atlanta trash pick up people.  I love this challenge.  I **NEVER** would have even thought about joining a running group in my former life, so it’s a cool step to see how my weight loss is creating new ways for me to physically challenge myself.  I’m looking forward to this upcoming Saturday!  I’ll keep ya’ posted!

Happy Trails.

J

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