That's not to say I've not got involved with the social side of running. I'm on several Facebook groups and a member of one of East Midlands' biggest running clubs, Notts Women Runners who I've had a couple of lovely runs with. But on the whole, when I ran I ran alone and that was how I liked it.
Until recently.
My first run with the Southbank Bar Running Club was earlier in the year when the nights were still dark and the air cold. I went, I ran, I came home again. It's no secret that I hate running in bad weather and equally at that point I was generally running round like a headless chicken trying to fit far too much into each day so had no time to hang about for a drink with a bunch of strangers.
So now it's light, warm and I have time on my hands I decided to try it again. The first time I went back I was really in two minds but a kind lady from Notts Women Runners assured me she'd trot along with me for company so off I went. The club had a lovely atmosphere so with a few less nerves I went back a couple of weeks later 'by myself'.
It's strange really because I'm not a nervous person so I don't really know why walking through the doors of a pub (my natural habitat) to meet a bunch of fellow Lycra enthusiasts seemed like such a challenge. But as I pulled pub a chair over and joined the pre-run chatter any doubts I had before melted away as I bravely declared I could probably drink six pints of wine (turns our my mouth was running as well as my legs!)
Anyway, without dragging it out and making it a boring blog post, several Wednesdays have passed by and I've had some brilliant runs with lots of new friends over a sunny Nottingham Embankment. And it's not just the runs that have been brilliant, the general ethos of the group has too. We run, we chat, we laugh, we drink.
So naturally, on the first free Sunday morning I've had in ages I headed down for a Sunday session with the 'Southbank Squad' this morning. I needed 10 miles to get my confidence in place for the rapidly approaching Robin Hood Half Marathon, and being able to run it with such a friendly, welcoming and inclusive bunch seemed perfect.
So 10 of us set off at just gone 10am to trot our way around 10 miles. Fairly early on in the run I fell nicely into pace with two ladies - Hannah and Erica - and we managed to encourage each other around the whole (slightly adapted due to a missed turn) route. Despite being one of my longest ever, it was one of the most enjoyable training runs I've ever had.. I didn't even turn my music on until the last mile and a half when I really needed a Calvin Harris based kick up the arse!
The three of us made our way back down the familiar banks of the Trent to our base with three huge smiles and were greeted a whole bunch more, congratulating us on our achievements. And the best thing about being based at Southbank Bar? I bloody enjoyed that pint at the end of the road!
I can't get to this point (I'm almost at the end) without a special mention the fella who kicked all this off back in February, Des Oldham! He's genuinely so friendly and encouraging, and his attitude really does radiate across the whole club. I think I can safely say everyone is proud to be a member and proud of each other every single Wednesday and Sunday... long my it continue!
So in summary, if you run (or even if you don't), get yourself down to your local running club. If you love it half as much as I do you'll be in for a treat!!
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| This week's Sunday cohort! |
