WEEK #3:  Running a team sport?

Last night I attended our February team clinic for our EXCELerate/Endurance Evolution team. It was fascinating. Lucille Chrisman, an executive coach, spoke to us about overcoming self-sabotaging patterns. Not only does this apply to running, but everything in life. It was eye opening and extremely beneficial.

Relating to running, it speaks directly to the thought that you need to clear your entire schedule to train for a race, whether it is a 10K, half-marathon, or marathon. I can tell you that this is simply not true. Here we are at the tail end of week #3 and I am comfortably making this work (and I consider myself to be a very busy person).

Not only was the speaker incredibly enlightening (I think it resonated with every single person in the room), but it was so great to get together with the team. It is awesome being part of a team. As a high school cross country runner that was my favorite part of the sport. I think it’s a common misconception that running is a one-person sport.  Sure, you are the only one out there running that race, but when you cross the finish line your teammates are running beside you encouraging you and cheering…loudly!  When I showed up to the meeting last night, I was greeted with hugs, high fives, and a million versions of the question: how is your training going? The support is very motivating.

I can’t express what this group of people (from all age groups and abilities) has come to mean to me in the short time that I have known them. They are my team.

If you are out there training alone, I urge you to find a running buddy or join the team! You can find information right here on upnorthlive.com. You won’t regret the decision.

Thus far I have been training solo. I am so excited to run with teammates this weekend for my 9 miler! Last weekend I miscalculated and ended up running 9 miles instead of 8 (I blame the runners high) this weekend’s run should be a tad more fun with companions (and dare I say clear roads…maybe, please?). Oh, and my training…this week went well. I have a big smile on my face today!