When I chose to sign up for my very first marathon I had no idea the challenges that our family were about to face. I could have chosen to wait and run another time but I had already made the mental commitment to run, I had already psyched myself into doing all that was required to run a marathon. Running during that time became very therapeutic for me, almost necessary. It became a place for me to process my thoughts and feelings, by talking it out with a new running friend, or being lost in my own thoughts and feelings on a long run. I believe training for the marathon saved me in many ways.
So what happened when I discovered every runners worst nightmare and forgot all my gear in another city the eve of my run?
New Running Gear
Read about it here on the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon where they posted my experience in their blog. Honey, I Forgot My Marathon Bag!
The past two weeks are somewhat of a blur! I have had to run many of my training runs on my own because of my schedule. It’s been a great two weeks, my runs have been amazing and I’m feeling really good. It’s almost like I’m in a stage of newness again, like rediscovering running for the joy of solitude.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE running with a group. However, I’ve come to realize that maybe I’ve become a tad dependent on the group. Having to be somewhere at a specific time helps me get out for sure. I’ve had some unexpected things come up forcing me to get out more on my own which made me realize I’ve missed the long runs on my own. I’ve missed the strength I feel when I’m pushing myself at a faster pace OR pulling back forcing myself to slow down for the slow/long run. I’ve forgotten the satisfaction that comes from being in control of the course and the pace, the feeling of being lost in my thoughts and feeling renewed in my heart, thankful and grateful for my family and life.
I have always been a solo runner and I’ve trained for most of my races on my own. I never considered being part of a running group prior to training for my first marathon. When the kilometres started to really climb, I realized the benefits of group running.
Group Run Celebrating Canada
I thrived in the group and loved getting to know other runners and feeling inspired and empowered by many of them while out on runs. Running in a group also allowed me to run in areas I wouldn’t run much alone, allowed me to just run without thinking about pace or direction and it certainly kept me company on those 3-4hr training runs. It was the perfect timing for me to connect with the Running Room and train with the marathon group.
This training period feels different though. I know I will get out with the group when I can, and it’ll be just as amazing when I do, however, some of my goals have me being away or training for different events, requiring me to do more training on my own. I think it’s good though, it’s kind of the best of both worlds.
What about you? Are you a loner? Do you like to run on your own or do you need to belong to a running group? Have you ever been a part of a group? This certainly can apply to anyone going to the gym, taking fitness classes or whatever new adventures you might be taking on. There are benefits to doing it alone and certainly joining up with others.
For myself, I think there is a time for both, and I’m thankful I can experience both as I continue to train for all the races coming up in 2014.
Being a part of the Digital Champions (DC’s) for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon has also allowed me to connect with some pretty inspiring runners and a fantastic online community that I am truly blessed to be involved with. So although many of my training runs will be on my own, I’m not really alone. A supportive online community can also be just what you need!
Here is a shot of the Ottawa Team, a small portion of the DC’s that are encouraging runners who have chosen to make the Toronto Marathon part of their fall racing goals.
Running alone has its perks and for me it is so therapeutic. It brings me back to the reasons I love running. It’s a place for me to really be in touch with who I am and process through the events in my life. However, I will never give up the joy of running in a group. The friendships, encouragements and challenges that come from pushing yourself with others, especially on those long, hot summer runs or, not so long ago, those unbelievable long, cold, snowy ones!
However you run, may you get all you can out of it and be renewed in your love for running!
