First time running in a group

[MikeJones68]

Hello, lovely running people!

I've been continuing running my local routes this week, with a 7km on Monday night and a 6km yesterday evening. Last week I found out that a guy I see running every lunchtime at work is actually a qualified running coach and runs an informal lunch club here at work, so I agreed to join them today.

That was a different experience for sure. No music, broad daylight, and trying my best to keep up so as not to look like a wimp. To my surprise I didn't embarrass myself and set 4 PB's on my Strava dashboard and covered 6.15km in 32:24.

I definitely ran faster in the group, but boy, my legs ache!

[Hidden]

Well done...you are improving all the time 😊

[MikeJones68 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Claire. It was hard work though!!

[Hidden in reply to MikeJones68]

You did it though...awesome

[Hidden]

Hey, well done, that's fantastic! I've never run with anyone else. Sounds excellent!

[MikeJones68 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

It is very different!

[TedG Graduate10]

Well done Mike, Running in a group drags you round 😊

[MikeJones68 Graduate10 in reply to TedG]

Thanks Ted. The coach said he has a method for keeping everyone together. I asked if it was a length of rope.........

[pinkaardvark Graduate10 in reply to MikeJones68]

He probably just shoots the slow ones :b... I'd have no chance

[TedG Graduate10 in reply to pinkaardvark]

There’s nowt wrong with your pace Pink 😊🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[pinkaardvark Graduate10 in reply to TedG]

Dunno, if I was a second slower, I'd have to shoot myself

[TedG Graduate10 in reply to MikeJones68]

😂🤣

[MikeJones68 Graduate10 in reply to TedG]

You guys are all ay 10k. I need to get my act together!

[TedG Graduate10 in reply to MikeJones68]

When you do do it, I’ll wager you’ll go sub 60 😊🏃🏃

No pressure 🤪

[MikeJones68 Graduate10 in reply to TedG]

LOL

[MikeJones68 Graduate10]

The coach did say beforehand not to worry about pace as it is just a relaxed social jog, but I still felt the need to try not to lag behind. I was on a par with the lady that's training for half marathon, so I'm happy with that. One of the guys sprinted off at the end, I just thought "no chance".

[Hidden in reply to MikeJones68]

You did a great job 😊

[MikeJones68 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, Miss unicorn leggings

[Hidden in reply to MikeJones68]

Hehe 😁😁

[Hidden in reply to MikeJones68]

🦄🦄🦄

[Clairecandothis Graduate10]

I've just ran half your distance in 25 minutes. You seem fast to me lol 🤣😊

[MikeJones68 Graduate10 in reply to Clairecandothis]

You will get faster

[Sarakc Graduate10]

I usually run alone but on a Monday evening I meet up with about 5 or 6 others (we joined a jog Scotland group over a year ago but it no longer exists in our town so it’s just a few of us!)

We do 5 k and end up all going at our own pace! No music which I’ve got used to although I do pop it on sometimes if I’m not chatting!

I think it motivates me to get out on a mon evening! Much prefer mornings!!! 😀

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Phew...that was a quick run Mike...

I think lannodatruffe has said that you should only really push yourself once a week, and your other runs should be at your comfortable conversational pace😆...

Just something to bear in mind...it sounds like you had a great run though, and it will definately help your speed and stamina.

You were flying 😄x

[MikeJones68 Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Jan. It was hard work, but felt good afterwards. I have rested up over the weekend though and didn't do my usual Sunday night 7k

[misswobble Graduate10]

Well done! Running groups have a sweeper system whereby someone falls back to keep an eye on the back markers to ensure no-one gets left behind. There’s no pressure to keep up with the front runners 🙂

[Elfe5 60minGraduate in reply to misswobble]

...and here was me thinking, having read the first few words, that you meant that everyone gets swept by the tide- sounds like there's an element of that!

Well done Mike, I'm very impressed. 😄

[MikeJones68 Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Yes, the coach kept looping back and giving encouragement before sprinting off again!