Most of the time, I’m a solo artist. I develop my own plans and I run alone. I have no problem with that. In fact, I find my time with the road peaceful…restorative even. This does not mean that I am not game for running with friends. I love my running buddies! I loved training for a half-marathon with a group. Our Saturday long runs gave us plenty of time to talk and reconnect at the end of a busy week.
Today – for the first time in months - I reunited with my favorite running friends. The last time we all ran together was in February (I posted about it in my second post ever.) I was really excited to see everyone this morning! I slept like a baby in my own bed and woke up ready for running fuel.
The combo wasn’t too fancy, but I definitely enjoyed being back in my kitchen – ingredients at the ready!
- 1/2 c. old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 c. almond milk
- 1/2 c. water
- 1 banana
- 1 T. ground flaxseed
- 1 T. chopped walnuts
- fresh, local blueberries
Delicious! We scheduled our run a little later than I’m used to, which gave me plenty of time to eat and enjoy this Sunday bowl of oats.
Time to run!
Our group met at the gym for a sweaty four miles. It was 89* when we left the parking lot – yikes! I’m trying not to discuss the heat and humidity too much. I know it’s summer and that’s what I’m working with. Instead of fighting it, I’m using it to make me stronger. We took plenty of water…and it was go time!
Total Distance: 4.23 miles
- Mile 1 – 9:18/mi
- Mile 2 – 9:01/mi
- Mile 3 – 9:04/mi
- Mile 4 – 9:11/mi
- 0.23 mi – 2:00 – 8:35/mi
Total Time: 38:34
Average Pace: 9:06/mi
Sizzlin!! I could feel the salty, sweat stinging my skin as I ran. Thank goodness I had the hat to protect my eyes. I had a blast running with my ladies, though. We had lots to chat about. It’s incredible to think about the changes we’ve all been through. Everyone is challenging themselves in different ways. Such a positive morning!
I’m chugging water and chilling out. No plans and it feels great!
Do you workout alone or with friends? I need a little of each to keep things fun and fresh. Being alone gives me time to think and to challenge myself in new ways. Being with friends keeps things fun and fresh!
I typically train alone, but I always love training with people. Every few Sundays I train with a good friend of mine, and it’s always more fun than simply being alone. Like you though, I don’t mind running alone. Like I said, I typically train alone, but it’s nice to break that up every so often
In fact, after this triathlon, I’m thinking of joining a multi-sport group. Other than the guy I work out with on Sunday, I’m pretty much the only one of my friends who does this kind of thing. So I think being around a multi-sport group would surround me with like-minded people, which would be a nice motivator.
We’ll see
I do love running with a pack and I belong to my local running club but I’m not able to run with them often. Training with others is not only motivating but so beneficial. There is that friendly competitive vibe that pushes you to work just that much harder. Your post makes me miss my group, maybe I should try harder to make one of their runs
I love good old oats with bluebs and nuts! And I typically work out alone, but it goes by sooo much faster with friends