Herd, Pack, Flock...

So, lately I've been thinking about whether or not I want to share this "journey" as I call it with other people.

Well, I mean, I've already "shared" it, as in, I've told people about it, but I mean really share. Like run, side by side, with others.

It's funny because I really hadn't thought about it much until recently, but I haven't ran with another person since my first semester at college almost three years ago. Since then, it's always been such an individual endeavor. Maybe that contributed to why re-starting to run seemed so daunting or was so hard to continue.

This time around, with a short-term goal each day to complete "x" miles and several long-term goals in the forms of 5K, 10K and half-marathon races, I get out there to complete my tasks and I'm actually holding myself accountable. It's not because someone is out there jogging in place, waiting for me to show up. It's because I have this schedule that I've committed myself to and I know that if I take one day off when I'm not supposed to, it's going to hurt later. And I won't let myself quit, because that leaves me worse off than not starting at all.

So back to the "running partner" dilemma. I've come across a few opportunities for "team" or "group" running, but I'm not sure how I feel about them. One is the "Advanced Boot Camp" class at the HRC on Butler's campus. Each Monday and Wednesday a group of students, alumni, faculty, community members--whoever--show up and attend this "class", which I've always been too intimidated to take in the past. Heck, it's called "boot camp!" I saw them out in the gardens last week when I was on the track doing intervals. They were doing lines or speed workouts or what have you. I think they might also do weight training, but I'm not sure. I'm just nervous because I'm not sure if I'm quite up to par with them yet and I don't want to make a fool out of myself.

The other opportunity is the Indy Runners Club. This is something I might actually be interested in, especially if I plan on racing more in the future. I kind of want that circle of friends or mentors who also enjoy running and can give me advice or listen to my concerns when I have them. They have group runs several times a week leaving from Butler or Broad Ripple, which seems to be fatefully convenient. What seems really cool is their Saturday long runs--they have a training plan for Fall half/full marathoners that includes a Sat. morning long run with water stations along the way and refreshments afterwards. The schedule shows the half-marathoners as doing 5-6 miles this weekend. I'm only at about 4. Again, I don't want to make a fool out of myself if I'm not up to speed.

I guess I've realized my biggest worry about group running is sort of the same reason why I left it/lost my passion for it in high school. My peers became my competition and I felt this pressure to perform well or live up to their expectations or something. I'd really just like people to support me and tell me that I'm doing a good job and once in awhile kick my butt a little. Is that too much to ask? :)

I guess I'll find out this week at boot camp...