As stated in previous posts (and I'm sure in future ones as well) I find pleasure in the solitary aspect of running. This entire blog is based upon capturing the thoughts I encounter during solo runs. But, during the last several months I have started to have an epiphany about running with others. I have recently been introduced to one of the most amazing groups of women I have ever encountered. In the past my interactions have been limited to either easy 4 mile runs or social gatherings. But this past weekend (27 Oct 13) I was invited to join them all for a 90 minute run. I hemmed and hawed at the idea...I'm running 12 miles so I'm not sure our workouts will align, I don't want to slow you down, I don't want everyone to see how slow I am, blah, blah, blah! Excuses after excuses about how I wasn't sure I would be able to make it. After some "peer pressure" I forced myself to overcome my serious bouts of anti-social anxiety I agreed to meet up with everyone for the run at 8am.
We started the run at a pace much quicker than I typically warm-up with. I quickly dropped to the back of the group as we started the first lap around the golf course. As I came down the last stretch of the first lap I noticed the entire group was waiting for everyone to catch up before taking off on the second lap. No women left behind...a nice mentality to be a part of! We started out on lap #2...this time I hung in the middle of the group, maintaining what I thought was a comfortable pace. Again, we all regrouped at the end of the lap. This pattern repeated once more, where I crept farther into the front of the pack. We regrouped one last time. Once we were all together we headed back out to the original starting point.
Knowing I would be approximately 2 miles short of my planned distance I tried breaking away from the group saying I could just meet up with everyone back at the house. I was tired, I felt like slowing down...I knew I could give myself a little break (cheat a bit) if I isolated myself.
"I'll finish out your run with you" I was offered by one of the runners.
"Oh...you really don't have too! I don't want you to feel like you have to do extra," once again, I tried pushing away.
"It's not a big deal. I would have done an extra lap at the golf course, but everyone else was heading back"
"Well, okay. But it might be slower than you'd want to run" I was still incapable of just accepting a running partner. I didn't want to expose any weaknesses I might have to this group of exceptionally talented runners. Rather than accepting help, I tried to avoid possible embarrassment. But I couldn't just flat out say "no" and turn down such a nice offer. So, off the two of us took adding in an additional 2 miles of out and back.
Short of breath I did my best to maintain the conversation...we talked of work, school, the stress of purchasing a house, and of course our many running goals and upcoming races. The pace continued to quicken as we came upon the final mile. All I wanted to do was stop, for even 10-15 seconds. But we pushed on.
"Imagine yourself pushing down the final stretch of a big race. You've got to push it and you'll take the win!" My running partner continued to push and encourage me. "Almost there, we just have to make around the stop sign. Keep going for that win!" These kind words pushed me through the end of my 12 miles, feeling strong and accomplished. As I checked the splits on my watch I noticed that my pace picked up every 2 miles, finishing with a solid 7'58 pace. What started as an easy 12-mile run wound up being a progressive 12 miles that physically and mentally challenged me. This run elevated the confidence I have in my ability to run strong over long distances.
From this run I learned the value of surrounding myself with runners who are better than I am. Runners who know how to take their hard-earned talent and use that to encourage, push, and motivate others. It's humbling to be able to say, "You are better than me and that's okay". It's humbling to be at the back of the group, but if you're never at the back you'll never learn how to push yourself past a comfortable level. It's in these uncomfortable phases that growth can occur, and I'm learning that surrounding myself with those more talented than myself will get me to these uncomfortable zones quicker and keep me there longer. And therefore I will hopefully accelerate my development as a runner. I still find value and joy in the aspect of solo running...it develops different areas of mental strength. Solo running still gives me that much needed reprieve from the craziness of life; but it's nice to know that when I need it I have friends who will be there to round out my training. Friends who wake up at 5am to run a challenging tempo with you; friends who will run that extra mile (or 2) so that you can finish a long run feeling strong. I have learned a lot from these friends and I look forward to learning even more. So thank you to the ladies of the Dukes Track Club for being you and for being in my life!
