Today I have mainly been...

[sfb350]

...joining a running club !

I haven't run since the Friday before last. I had a couple of runs that were a struggle and a bit disappointing, then a weekend away that I hoped would help me feel rested but I just felt worn out, then I picked up some sort of lurgy from Beloved and spent the weekend and yesterday feeling drained and with a niggly cough and sore throat. I still didn't physically feel quite right today but in my head I was feeling bouncy !

I've been stalking the local running club on line for a few weeks now, wondering if have the courage to turn up. I decided that it was now or never, regardless of how I felt. I cut it a bit fine and only just arrived on time, quickly handed over my membership application form and fee (£18 for a year) and was pointed in the direction of the 4mile group.

I apologised to the group "leader" in advance, explaining that I've only been running for 11 weeks and have only run 5k so far. He assured me it would be a comfortable pace and that was it, we were running. A couple of people introduced themselves and chatted a bit - not something I'm used to doing while running so I was pleased to find I could manage a conversation. I wasn't familiar with the route at all so it was interesting to see new scenery, some nice woodland and lakes as well as pavement. It felt a bit of a struggle to start with and I noticed I was the only person carrying a bottle of water. I was glad to have it though as my throat felt a bit tight and the water helped me feel more comfortable. As I started to feel more comfortable with my pace, one of the men announced that we had covered 1.9 miles. I was glad to hear this - it made me feel I could complete the 4 miles.

I hadn't taken my Garmin and didn't use MapMyRun on the phone either - I really just wanted to get a feel for the club and not worry about timing, pace etc. The route was quite hilly, up and down, but there was only a short time when I needed to walk and several of the others did more walking than I did. The people at the front would turn around a do a little loop to check we were all still there so no-one felt as if they were holding anyone else back. Everyone was really friendly and encouraging, a few commented on how well I was doing - I was exceeding my own expectations to be honest, given that I hadn't been feeling great to start with. The leader told me not to overdo it "You're meant to enjoy it, so you come back again!" I assured him I was very happy. At last he announced that we were "nearly there". I decided then that I wasn't going to walk any of the rest of it, even though we were running uphill at this time. It seemed quite a long hill and a few of the runners in front slowed to a walk so I jogged past, made it to the top of the hill and we were in site of the car park we started from. There was a short sharp downhill and then a final uphill section across the car park. I decided to give it all I had left and ran as quickly as I could to finish (it wasn't very quick really, but never mind). I was even congratulated as I finished "Well done Hazel!" - Ooh, that sounded good

"We've done 5 miles"

Ooh, that sounded good too ! So there was the confidence boosting run I needed. I was happy, glowing (in a soggy, sweaty sort of way!) and aching and pleased to welcome back those endorphins

"Will you be coming back next week ?"

Oh yes ! What a lovely, friendly, welcoming club. Just what I needed to keep me focussed, I think.

So, for anyone dithering about joining a club - go for it ! I've always enjoyed running alone but running with a group made a nice change - I think perhaps it makes pushing yourself a bit easier, or at least makes giving up and walking less tempting.

Happy, happy, happy !

[Tapira Graduate]

This post makes me so happy!! Sounds like you've found yourself a really welcoming bunch. Well done

[AliB1 Graduate]

i'm so glad it went well tonight for you!

I'm just in from my 3rd run with a club and found tonight so hard and did a lot of walking as I couldn't breathe for the first 30 mins but everyone was encouraging and as the leader said you'll love it when you've finished! he was so right! Next week we go to the pub after the run...now I'm looking forward to that!

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to AliB1]

Pub sounds good !

[MaryAB Graduate]

That sounds really good! I've thought about joining a club but I think i'll be too slow.

Well done!!

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to MaryAB]

i wouldn't worry about being slow. I'm the slowest in the lowest run group (outside of the beginners) but nobody minds they all make sure you are OK, encourage you etc...it makes you keep going (even if it's just walking pace). most clubs let you have a trial go before you join to see if you like it (reminds me I must sign up as a member soon)

[Anonymous36 Graduate in reply to MaryAB]

We all think that till we go and see we aren't nd even if we were it doesn't matter. From what I've seen and heard we seem to be able to walk less than some of the regulars at the running clubs.try emailing them first if you're worried

[Anonymous36 Graduate]

Smashing news, you're back loving the running and joining running clubs!!

[sfb350 Graduate]

I wasn't sure how I'd feel about running in a group but I think I probably managed more than I would have done alone - I had no idea where I was so I just had to go with the flow. It was all a really pleasant experience - I'd worried I'd feel out of my depth but that wasn't the case at all. I just turned up but you could always contact a club first, and chat to them about what levels they cater for.

[Deryn61 Graduate]

Fantastic! I have run on my own (well me and my dog!) apart from one run with the infamous running big sis, but this post is really making me think about plucking up the courage to join a club now!