Sunday, June 28, 2009

Lonely Too Long

For a long time, I've really preferred to run alone. That's still true - the solitude and silence can be absolutely great. But at the same time, I really want to get more involved in my local running community. I want to know my fellow runners and be able to chat with people I see at races - that was one of my 2009 goals. So, when the opportunity to join a training group for the Quad Cities Distance Classic half marathon trisko, I decided to go for it.

Turns out, running with a group is fun... and doesn't cramp my style at all. There are cool people to hang out and talk with before we hit the trails. I usually end up running by myself, but I can join someone else if I want to.

So, when the opportunity presented itself through my running club to train for fall races, I jumped on it. For fifty bucks, I get supported group runs every week, coaching, access to weekly track workouts, a discount for the Quad Cities Marathon or trisko, a pasta party, and a t-shirt. Sold!

The group has been wildly popular. There are 120 people signed up right now to train for fall marathons and triskos. Last Tuesday, I went to my first group track workout and saw that about a hundred people showed up. One hundred people, willing to do speedwork on a sweltering hot Tuesday night! I am so proud of my running club.

4 comments:

Aileen said...

That's a pretty sweet deal, I must say!

kara said...

Wow - that's a lot of runners.
Running seems to very popular right now.
Sounds like you had fun : )

Bill Carter said...

Hi Betsy

I'll admit that I am somewhat of a loner when it comes to running. Although, for the summer I am running on Thursdays with a great group from the Brooks Hanson Distance Project. It is such a struggle to hang anywhere near those guys for 8 miles, but I know it makes me a better runner.

Have a great summer and best of luck with the family.

Nat said...

I keep meaning to do that... just for the company. Hmmmmm...