The vast majority of my runs are done alone. I have no problem with this, I use the time to think things through and empty my mind, listen to music and talking books and compose blogs, although, not this one as I haven't run yet today, I'm saving that for a club run tonight. I haven't run with the club for ages and I am somewhat apprehensive about it.
My first run of the year was done with my daughter in law. New year's day dawned and we were determined to get back into running having both signed up for the Taunton Half in April. Now, her legs are considerably longer than mine and she is a good deal younger too but at least we were on a fairly level playing field in terms of fitness and she didn't seem to mind too much when I had to walk here and there. Into our third month of training and we're pretty much level pegging in terms of miles run but she is way faster than me and on the day she'll probably have time to go home, shower, change and get back to the finish before I stagger over the line!
I aim to park run fortnightly and I can have as many as 300 fellow runners as companions, lots of friendly faces, some friends and even good friends but once the air horn signals the start, you're on your own. I know I'll never be alongside the super speedies or even the speedies and hopefully I'll continue to manage to avoid the very back, unless tail running, but I know my place and I'm quite happy there. Head down and focussing on the job in hand.
Recently I've been stepping up my distances in preparation for the half, and time out on my feet has been steadily increasing and to be honest after about an hour and half I'm getting bored. My feet and legs are just about managing to keep going but my head has had enough. So I was delighted when my friend Donna suggested a run together - not a long one, she quickly added! And her lovely daughter did make me laugh as she had questioned her Mum's ability to keep up with me! No worries there, at all, my legs were full of lead as I had not been well (excuses, excuses) and I had missed my last scheduled outing. We set off into the lanes and up the first hill. Well Donna was like the proverbial mountain goat whereas I took my time and walked a substantial amount of the inclines. We were blessed with a glorious sunny day and our hurtle down through the woods to home felt so good.
Tonight, I shall be running with my club. I haven't run with them since last September. I shall run with the group I should be in and desperately hope I shall be able to keep up. No one gets left behind is the club motto and if the pack starts spreading out too far the front runners loop back and scoop up everyone. I need to do this. Running with the group will probably make me run faster. It means an opportunity to run in places that are fresh and with people to chat with, if I'm not gasping for breath.
I like running alone. I like running with others. I like running.
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