It's 7 p.m. I'm ready for bed.
But my reason for being so sleepy was so worth it.
For a while, a long while, I've contemplated joining a running group. I first thought about this when I signed up for the Philadelphia Marathon. I thought it would be nice to be with someone as I'm out there for hours at a time. And I thought it would be fun to make new friends. And I thought it would be nice to go into this marathon with more support. But there was one major thing setting me back -- ANXIETY!
I'm not an anxious person, not at all. But for some reason the thought of joining a running group gave me agita. The whole thing is quite amusing actually being that I grew up playing team sports and I was a captain for nearly all of those teams. Running with other people would be like a team sport, right?
Sadly, my own head got to me, the anxiety set in and I opted to not join a running club. What if I'm too slow and can't keep up? What if they are really fast and they get pissed because I'm holding them back? What if I need to stop running and walk? Just don't bother with it and run alone.
Am I a runner!? See why it took me so long to believe that one...head game, total head game.
I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Long story short, I got reconnected with a fellow runner friend and she told me how she started a running club and there are LOTS of people who are a part of it. Soooooo I took the plunge and joined the private Facebook group they have. In my mind, this is how I looked at the running group -- I can join the group, go on a run with whomever -- if I like it, GREAT! If I don't, then I know I tried it and don't have to go back.
So I posted to the group asking if there were any EARLY, like 5-5:30 a.m., runners in the group because I kept seeing people post for runners at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m. Immediately I got a response back telling me about a group that runs Monday through Thursday at 5:15 a.m. PERFECT, just what I was looking for. I had planned to go with them on Tuesday morning but because of the whole Montco shooting and the guy not being found, I was squirrelly about running on the streets in the dark.
So today I joined the group. I woke up at 4:20 a.m., got dressed, hit the group and met the group to take off at 5:15 a.m. With temperatures in the low 30s and complete darkness, the thought of staying in bed sounded amazing. But I made the commitment to go and I'm so glad I did.
I had the best time
ever running with this group of women. The cold temperatures quickly became bearable as the time passed. They got to know me, I got to know them. I did a lot of listening, but that was great. I love hearing peoples stories. Not only was this my first time in a group but it was my first time NEVER wearing headphones while running -- WHAT?!!? Today was all about firsts!
If it was not for these few other ladies, I would have still been curled up in bed, snoozing away with Gatsby. I was actually disappointed when I had to leave after the first three miles (the group does two 3-mile loops leaving at 5:15 a.m. and coming back to the start for more runners at 5:50 a.m.) because I had to go into work early.
Maybe it was the first time excitement, but I can't believe I waited this long to run with others. I have a good feeling this is going to turn into a regular commitment.
A new group of friends. A new way to stay focused. And the best way to not slack off.
Thanks ladies, hitting the streets with you this morning was so much fun. I can't wait to do it again.
P.S. I have a soccer game at 10:30 p.m. tonight. I hope I can stay awake!
