Club run 2, I think I like it.

[Dottie_D]

Well Week 3 of my consolidation runs and 2nd trial run with local club. I felt more nervous going to meet them than I did on Monday night. I had all sorts of doubts about what might happen. What if the rain puts people off? What if that means there’s only fast runners and no slow group? What if they’re only doing 10K not 5k? But I text the group Facebook and got a speedy reply assuring me there would be a 5k mixed ability group. I knew this though but the doubts were still trying to stop me.

However, determination won out and I got there to find the group really welcoming and encouraging. They seemed pleased I made it back a second time. There were more groups tonight and so the 5k group was slightly smaller and more consistent in abilities. I even got to be at the front for longer before the faster loopers caught me up 😂😂.

In the end I thoroughly enjoyed the whole wet 5k and felt super smug and pleased with myself afterwards. I have now completed the club membership form to join 😬 and plan to go along regularly; I find that it’s so much more enjoyable running with others, even though I’m still too out of breath to talk much.

Happy running folks 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️👍🏼

[Stephen_UK Graduate10]

Well done with that. Not sure I would like the pressure of running at someone else's speed, but if they are relaxed about it then even better. It must be good to meet likeminded souls, too.

[Dottie_D Graduate10 in reply to Stephen_UK]

Thanks Stephen. There was definitely no pressure and I wasn’t quite the slowest in the group. The actual end 5k time was slower (38:45) than my two recent park run times (36:34 & 35:44) so I even felt it was a slightly easier pace 🤪😜😂. Still can’t believe I enjoyed it as opposed to endured it 😃👍🏼

[Stephen_UK Graduate10 in reply to Dottie_D]

There are so many different ways to run. It’s great that you found another one that works for you.

[backintime Graduate10]

That's great, firstly for the running, and secondly for drumming up the courage to join a running club. That is really brave of you!

[Dottie_D Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

Thank you. I knew that I would more likely give up in the end if I didn’t join a club. I really want to keep my running going but was struggling more and more when going out solo. Still going to do Ju Ju’s Magic 10 plan though, just incorporating it with the club runs and parkrun 👍🏼

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

An excellent idea Dottie. A friendly club can be a great way of keeping up with the running, especially if you are working during the day. It makes parkrun fun too as you can celebrate anniversaries together. One of our local clubs always dress up as a group for special runs.

[Dottie_D Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks; dressing up, hmmmm 🤔 that could be fun 😃