Yep, 43.7km completed this past week. I knew it had been a long time since I put that mileage in, and I was more than a little shocked when I looked back in my running logs to find out just how long it has been. Let’s just say the last time I did that was a long time before the snow fell and if memory serves correctly, the snow started falling early this winter. A few other numbers; I ran 6 of the last 7 days, 10 of the last 14 days. While none of the runs felt fantastic, I definitely feel better for the outdoor time and exercise.
A driving force in my increased mileage is the fact that I am starting to run with others. While I have done a few Running Room clinics in the past two years, I have for the most part remained a solitary runner. Even in a couple of the clinics I ended up running alone, my pace somehow putting me between all of the fast runners at the front and the slower runners who stuck to the back. I do like running by myself though, I love the down time and I have so many great songs on my playlist that I never get tired of any of them. But I went into this year feeling the need to run with others and enjoy the social aspect as well as the little push you automatically get when surrounded by other runners.
Since running in a group was one of my goals, I had a choice; either sign up for a “local” clinic (any clinics near me are at least a half hour drive) or start my own group. It occurred to me that I knew enough people with whom I talk about running that I might actually be able to get a group going. So a Saturday morning run club has been started. With about 10 people interested – all with busy schedules and most with kids – the goal is to at least have a small group out each week.
Yesterday four of us hit the road on a perfect winter morning and had a fantastic run. Each one of us was at a completely different stage in our running but it all worked and great things happened. One runner got her first run done in three months, one did her first ever 10k and the most experienced in our bunch got me past the 10k mark, in fact all the way to 14 and then after a long walk while she continued on, another run back for a finish of 15.7k. For whatever reason this was just not something I was managing on my own. When by myself I was just giving up too easily. At 5k I would tell myself, hey I got a run in, it’s ok if I finish now. But when running with a group, I barely looked at my watch and just enjoyed the run and the company. I will still look forward to my solitary runs, but I am definitely looking forward to future group runs on Saturday mornings!
I have decided to start posting my weekly mileage in the hopes a little accountability will keep me going and perhaps I will be somewhat prepared for Around the Bay in 10 weeks. As can be seen below, I have a long way to go…
- Sunday: 5k race
- Monday: 9.5k
- Tuesday: 3.5k
- Wednesday: rest
- Thursday: 4k
- Friday: 6k
- Saturday: 15.7k
Nice work Kristi!
Sometimes we all need to change things up to make running fun again. That can be a different route. A new goal. Or a new group of fun people to share a run with.
See you in Hamilton 🙂
You’re right – I guess even in running a change is as good as a rest!
Running in a group seems to have magic results! I think I’m going to have to try and run with the Running Room group on Sundays when it is time for marathon long runs!
Back when I coached cross country at the school, I really enjoyed running with the students – they were rather speedy! I remember getting to 7K for the first time with them and being super happy!
I’m running the MEC race this weekend – going to freeeeze but it should be fun!
It’s too bad you are at the opposite end of the city, if you were at this end you could join us on Saturday mornings (and if you ever have to be out here on a Saturday you are welcome!)
I wanted to do the MEC race but this weekend is looking too hectic. I definitely want to try some of the others – the one at the old Equestrian Park looks good. Good luck!