The power of the training group

When I first started running way back when, I normally passed the miles solo. Part of me enjoyed running alone, using it as my “me time.” But another part of me wished I had a training group; people there to support me when I was feeling fatigued or burned out. People to push me that last mile instead of walking it in like I did when running solo.

The anxious overthinker I am kept me from taking that next step to find a training group. What if they’re all faster than me? What if I can’t go as far as everyone else is going? What if they don’t like me? You know, all those unnecessary seeds of doubt our brain throws out there to keep us from doing something. But eventually I ripped the bandage off, and I’m oh so glad I did.

Joining the Audubon Running Club runners introduced me to some of my best friends.

Believe or not, most runners are friendly. Like, overly friendly. Most runners (and walkers) enjoy meeting new people, talking about their past and future races, and helping you achieve your goals. You see, running isn’t a win-lose sport. I don’t have to fail for you to succeed, and vice versa. So we can all train together, help each other grow, and all win in the end.

In the spring of 2016, I began running with a neighborhood group called the Audubon Running Club (ARC). The ARC crew met at 5:00am most mornings in Audubon Park, less than two miles from my house, and ran a variety of distances and paces. While I was anxious to begin running with a new group at first (see: those insecurities above), I left my first run with a handful of new friends. I wasn’t too slow. They didn’t run more than me. And hey, they liked me! Bye bye insecurities, hello new running group. I still enjoyed most of my runs as my “me time,” but loved this option as often as I could force my body to wake up so early. Additionally, ARC introduced me to another group of runners to meet up with on weekends for my longer runs, which are much harder to do solo.

When it’s 90+ degrees outside and I have no individual motivation to run, these running friends always push me through.

So why do I tell you this? Because probably like me, you’re nervous about joining a local training group or meeting up with a running club. Don’t be. There are so many great clubs and training groups, all of which are full of friendly and non-judgemental faces. I’ve listed a few of our prominent local running groups on my website. There’s also the Fleet Feet Training Group, a group dedicated to training for a spring marathon or half marathon. Although this one does cost money, they provide you with a lot of great perks; consider it an investment in yourself and your personal health. If you’re looking for a free training program this spring, there’s also the Norton Sports Health Training Program. This will help you train for the Kentucky Derby Festival mini & Marathon, kicking off Jan. 9 at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

There are a lot of great training groups out there, so take that next step and join one of these groups for a run or walk. You may find your new best friend, or at the least hit that new PR.