Everyone talks about the running drills, the cross-training and the best shoes to wear. But there’s a secret weapon that I feel not many runners consider. From my experience it has improved my running, even makes my runs more fun and is helpful for those who don’t always look forward to their next long run.
The secret: a running group! A running group is a community of people who love to run. About a year after I started racing I joined the Tampa Bay Runners and they welcomed me with open arms, something that seems to happen everywhere in the running community. We meet every Wednesday night, same time, same place. We push each other, we encourage each other and we learn from each other.
“Joining the Tampa Bay Runners has been motivating, enlightening and has made running a lot more fun”.
Since I’ve only been a part of one running group during my short running career, I can’t say all running groups are as great or even if it’s the right fit for you. What I can say is joining the Tampa Bay Runners has been motivating, enlightening and has made running a lot more fun. Always remember having fun during your run is essential, it will keep you motivated to do more. All work and no play makes a dull running career.
The first run with the TBR I was nervous and anxious. I had only ran on my own and had never ran with someone else and definitely not with a group of people. I didn’t know what to expect, were they going to be super fast runners and leave me behind in the dust? Were they going to laugh because I was slow? Are they going to have any expectations of me for joining a group? I was still a rookie, so I was wondering why am I joining a running group when I basically have no experience?
Even though I had my doubts, I still showed up on a Wednesday night, scared to get out of the car and start. Immediately after walking up to the group everyone welcomed me and were so nice and easygoing. Everyone was chatting about running, how long their last run was, where they ran, passed races, etc. I finally found my people!
I’ll never forget my first run with the running group because it was the first time I ran and talked to someone at the same time and I couldn’t make it halfway around the 3.5 mile loop. I felt so embarrassed. Running and talking is way harder than I ever thought, but everyone was respectful and encouraging and no one was ever left behind.
After belonging to the running group for almost 3 years, I can now say my best runs are when I run with the group. Don’t be intimidated by running with a group. Throw those fears aside. There is a speed for everyone and if you feel like pushing yourself you can run with a faster group, if you want to take it easy and make it more of a social run you can run at a slower pace. After the group run is done, we hang out, chat for a bit and even go out for a bite to eat together.
I had my doubts, but joining a running group was one of the best things that has helped me learn and grow as an athlete and it is the secret weapon that no one talks about. I encourage you to look for local running groups in your community. If you don’t know where to start, look on Facebook groups, Google running groups near me, or even stop by your local sports store like Fit2Run, Running Room or other boutique running shops. They usually have many connections with local groups and races.
So now you know the secret weapon for running!