Well, I finally did it. I joined my first "Meet Up". I figured joining a running meet up will have a few benefits: I would be able to meet new people, make some more friends from the area, and find some motivation to run.
I chose the Wednesday night meetup at 7pm at Liberty Park. I chose this run for my first official initiation into the group because I knew the area was flat, and the run would be around the "track" on the park. This meant that if everyone was super fast... I wouldn't be lost in the streets of Salt Lake City and could catch up on the track.
Everyone was really really really nice. Oh... and really really really in shape. There were a few 20 somethings, but I would say the majority of the group was 30-50. Everyone was really welcoming and friendly and we got to chatting. I discovered most of the group consists of marathoners. And not just marathoners... Boston Qualifiers.
Whelp.
I lost the majority of the group in the first.. I dont know.. 5 seconds. One runner stuck behind with me. Her name was Jess and she had moved to Utah about the same time I did. It was really nice to have company and while chatting, I discovered she was also a boston qualifier and I immediately felt bad she was running at a 9:15 pace with me.
I ran about 4.5 miles and everyone met up in the parking lot after our run to chat... a nice little touch! This city is the mecca of the physical and fit. They don't just run marathons here... they run trail marathons, and ultras. I was really suprrised that I did not find more runners more at "my pace". I mean I don't run THAT slow!
I was chatting with one gentleman and was telling him my struggles of running at altitude (sea level runner here) and running with ALL THESE HILLS. I told him that usually I bike to school. Well, I bike to the last station before the hill and ride the train up the big hill. I thought this was hysterical and appropriate. He was slightly mortified.
Guess I will keep those slacker details to myself!
On the plus side.... they all inspired me to focus on my speed, and work on some speed work so I can "run with the big kids". The new student center/gym opens up in 30 days so if that isn't inspiration... I don't know what is!
Indoor track, 50 meter pool, indoor and outdoor pools, 4 story climbing wall and 15,000 square foot fitness center... All included in my tuition!
No excuses now!
It is nice you have a club you can join for running. I hope it goes well for you. The town I live in is pretty small with no running clubs at all. I run by myself and hardly ever see another runner.
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