I started with my new running group today. I am going to make a confession here: I actually lost sleep last night because I was anxious about the group. You know - will I be the slowest, will anyone be nice to me, blah blah. Kind of felt like the first day of school or starting a new job. I hate not knowing what to expect.
I pulled up to Coot Lake by the Boulder Reservoir at 7 a.m., coffee and Luna Bar in hand. I surveyed the scene. I know people in Boulder are generally and stereotypically in good shape, but this was ridiculous. I was greeted by Joanne who must have been pushing sixty. Her muscles and veins bulged (in a good way). She looked like she hadn't missed a day of exercise since she had the chicken pox in third grade. And the trainers? Don't even get me started on those people and their bods.
Funny thing, I didn't wear my Garmin because I didn't know if that was necessary. We have coaches after all, isn't someone timing us? Well we started with a 15 minute warm up run. At mile one everyone, and I mean every one's Garmins went off - bells and whistles all around. I think I was the only one without the big laptop on the wrist.
We did some stretches, then sets of 20 second sprints. Then it was onto four - five minute intervals at a 1/2 marathon pace with a minute slow jog in between. I did these at less than an eight minute mile pace, which is hilarious because there is NO WAY I could run a half at that pace. I just didn't want to get left in the dust so I pretended this was my pace. Stupid, I know. I need to grow up. Then it was more one minute intervals at a 5K pace. In total, it was a 10K run.
I decided I liked this group. They were all very friendly, all very middle aged like myself. I wasn't the first of the pack, but I certainly wasn't the last. Sometimes it sucks to stick your neck out and start new things, but usually you are glad you did.
So glad to hear that it went well! I would have been nervous about it too. :) Sounds like you did great!
ReplyDeleteawesome! I'm still hesitating on joining my local group for the same reasons! Well that and I can never find a babysitter on tuesday nights, haha
ReplyDeletegreat job getting out there!! i would be nervous too, i get so nervous for stuff like that. you did great though... cant wait to keep hearing about your group runs :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds awesome! How funny with the Garmins. Everytime I read anything Garmin related, I want one so much!
ReplyDeleteWell done for fighting the nerves and getting out there!
Sounds like a hard workout...I hope you recover well. It would take me days to recover from a too fast speed workout like that!
ReplyDeleteAwwww - first day of school. You are so cute!
ReplyDelete:-)
This sounds great! And they say that running with other people can be a good thing for your pace. I don't think it's stupid at all to run faster pace when doing the 1/2 marathon pace intervals, I think THAT'S AWESOME.
ReplyDeleteI ran with a new group for a long run for the first time last Saturday and was a little nervous too. It was great and I really enjoyed having people to talk to during the run, made the time fly by! I think it's very important to step outside your comfort zone from time to time.
Awesome that your first group run went well!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about all the Garmins going off. I always laufgh at all the BEEP, BEEP, BEEEEEPS when my grooup gets started.
Yay! That sounds like a fun group of people! I hope I look that rockin' when I am in my 60s.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been so funny to hear all of the Garmins go off at once!
Glad you found a group to run with and that you like. Don't forget the Garmin next time.
ReplyDeleteThat is so funny about the Garmins!
ReplyDeleteI am hesitant to join a running group as well. I know I need to just get over my feelings of insecurity and give it a go...
Your posts crack me up. :)
Good for you! I probably would have pushed my pace too. :-) We gals are good at fakin' it...
ReplyDeleteGlad it was a good experience!
I loved reading this! Good for you for not giving in to the fear or awkwardness of new things. Can't say that about myself...
ReplyDeleteOur local running store just started their summer running group on Monday nights. It's free and open to everyone and there are 3 different distances to choose. They offer discounts on merch, give away free stuff, and there are pro athletes. Since I only have one friend who runs and she lives out of town, I'm dying to meet a running buddy. Well, Monday night came and I was dressed and ready to walk out the door, but I chickened out. I'm imagining all 20 and 30 year olds that run 7 min. miles, and I'm 51 and run an 11 min. mile. Social stuff is really hard for me. Ugh.
You go girl!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are involved with a running group. I am Deaf myself and still do go with my running group. It's hard for me to read their lips when they are running. However, it is always so cool to meet a lot of runners and I am glad you did.
ReplyDeleteThat's so great when you can find a new running group that you like. Great job!!
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