The main reason I chose to join a group to:
- make running friends
- learn from the wise
- run with someone at night for safety and security
- get help figuring out what special cold weather/night gear I need
- and most importantly, hold myself accountable
All the normal fears accompanied with starting something new were present.... I had an idea of what to wear based on the weather but I didn't know if I had enough bright clothing ( a little...) or reflective gear (none...) or lights (also none...). Being so new at this, I thought it appropriate to find out what I need before sinking a whole bunch of money into gear I may or may not use. After posting a message to the Facebook group, I found the running group participants were more than willing to lend stuff to me during my first run. I call this my introductory run for 2015!
At home after work I drank my amino acids. My pre-workout high kicked into gear during my drive to meet the group. I know this because when White Zombie "More Human than Human" came onto the radio, I cranked it high and started dancing... (more like banging my head...) while in the car. I was nervous and excited!
The temp was 25degrees F. Little wind, clear sky. I chose to wear 2 pant layers (yoga pant + tight running pants underneath) and 4 core layers (1tank, 2wicking, and 1fleece jacket). On top of that I had my knitted hat and tall face scarf, my phone armband, and a chest reflector snapped on tight. The organizer offered 2 routes- a 2.5mi and 6mi. I wasn't sure if I would make it 6 and 4-5 was on my plan so I chose to do the 2.5 twice.
Here's how my brain worked tonight....
Mile 0 - wow! So awesome I found a couple women who run near my pace and want to do the same distance.
Mile .25 - waiting at a stop light to cross the multilane very busy road... Can't stop moving! This is so much fun! Look at all these crazy bright and lit up people around me! I wish my phone had space so I could take a photo! Oh wait my phone is strapped in my arm band... Guess I can't take a photo... Too anxious to stay still so I'll jog in place. (I'll wish later that I stayed still...)
Mile 1 - nice steady pace. Keeping up with the pace group... Have people behind and in front. Wait... I hate this song... Why am I listening to it... But it's more than half over... Guess I'll enjoy the beat.
Mile 1.2- look out for that ice! Thank god for this hand light. I'm totally getting one of these. UGH my nose is running like mad.... No where to put it because I stupidly zipped the tissues in my pocket and these gloves don't make it easy to get to them. Guess I'll... Wipe it on my gloves... Gross.
Mile 1.4 - feet! Keep moving! Please! Keep up with them they are crossing the street and turning and I have no clue where I'm going.
Mile 1.6 - Phew I caught up. So thankful for red lights and crosswalks.
Mile 1.7 - holy moly I gotta pee. My preworkout drink was too big and too close to my run!
Mile 1.8 - oh look! Our starting point! Detour! Bathroom!
Mile 1.9 - officially separated from the group.... But SO worth it.
Mile 2.0 - calling it quits...
Didn't quite meet my goal distance but SUCCESS was learning some new things and meeting some great people! I have plenty of runs to look forward to.
Next time....
- don't wear so many layers
- pick a better playlist or listen to Serial podcast
- drink preworkout way in advance, and maybe eat something with more substance
- invest in lighting/reflective gear and new shoes! (These ones have had it!)
- clear out phone so I can take photos! I know you want to see photos ;-)
- no more potato chips or pirates booty. They are messing with my MoJo (pun intended)
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