Friday, May 29, 2015

Friday 5: Thoughts on Joining a Training Group

It's Friday!  I'm linking up with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney for the Friday Five.  Make sure to check all the great blogs!  I have a race tomorrow, which I'm not super excited about, simply because I didn't train for it.  Oops.  It kind of sneaked up on me.  I don't want this to happen in future races, because honestly, they are expensive and it's just not fun to run a race when you aren't prepared for the distance.   I've been playing around with the idea of joining a training group for my next half, and luckily I have some time to think about it!  If I'm going to do it, I want to commit.  I have a lot of thoughts going on, so I would love to hear about anyone who has experience training with a group!

1. I need a goal.   I finally broke 2 hours in my half marathon and I haven't put a lot of thought into the next goal.  I mean, of course a PR would be nice, but I don't have as definitive of a goal.  Quite frankly, running sub 2 was hard, and it would be nice to do that again, preferably a little more comfortably.  


Love that PR bell!


2. I do really well following plans.  I really like posting my plan on the fridge and checking off each run.  I've been following essentially the same plan the past few races.  I try to do two 5 mile runs a week and then alternate speed work and long runs.  It's been working, but I would be interested to see what a coach had to say.  I wonder how fast I could get actually following advice from someone who knows what they are doing.  On the other hand, I appreciate how easy my plan is to follow.  It works for my life.




3. Long runs are tricky.  I try to go somewhat early and just pack a lot of water and shot bloks in my car.  I do various miles that circle back to my car every so often.  It seems like the training run group would have set up aid stations throughout the long runs.  That would be really great.  On the other hand, long runs are usually not very pretty for me.  I kind of like suffering solo.  Plus, I like being able to take breaks when I feel like I need them.  

4. I like my current group.  They are only a quick drive away, and besides, I would really miss seeing them every week.  Plus even though it's hotter, I like that we have a later start time.  7am runs would be tough at first!  From what I read there will be a couple of easy runs thrown into the mix, so I could always go back to my group for those instead.  

5. Commitment.  I think this is a really good thing for me, and something that I'm not so sure about.  It would be good for me to be held accountable by a group and a coach.  I like when other people know about my goals so that I can be reminded of what all the hard work is for.  The plan would coincide perfectly with 2 of my three half marathons I want to do, and would hopefully give me the tools to continue moving forward for my third.  I do appreciate the ability to be flexible though.  I like being able to do my runs when I feel like doing them.  I like being able to adjust according to how I'm feeling.  I like running for me.  Now I just have to decide how much support I want.

Gotta earn my bling!


Have you ever used a training group?  How did it go?  Did you find that it helped you meet your goals? Maybe form new goals?  I would love to hear your stories!

13 comments:

  1. I'm definitely not the right one to give you any advice on this. You know I'm reclusive and the only "training group" I've ever enjoyed was our class of old ladies at the Y ;)

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  2. I haven't ever used a training group, but if I lived near one, I would probably try it. It's always fun to make new friends. I would love to have a group to push me especially to break 2 hours in the half. I have broken it one time. I would love to do it again.

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    1. Yeah, I think it would be a great way to meet new people, but at the same time, I want to make sure that I'm ready to commit haha!

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  3. I post my plan on my fridge too. I do best when I'm following a plan. When I go just willy-nilly I don't run as much and my fitness kinda fails.

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  4. I joined a training group last year, but due to my schedule were never able to join them! I just followed the plan :) Do you know which one you will join? I know a couple of them have "intro" sessions right about now... maybe hop around to see which one you like?

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    1. One of the Charm City ones! The one I'm thinking about doesn't start until July, but summers always tend to fill up so fast! Hope it works out!

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  5. I loved my running group when I lived in VA Beach. But after moving I haven't been a part of any. They can be so motivating and hold you accountable. I never have a set schedule with my job so it would be hard for me to commit to any training group.

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    1. Yeah, I have to see what my new schedule is going to be like. I think that's one of the biggest things holding me back!

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  6. That's a good point about breaking the sub-2 and not having a clear next goal. I did do better at my next half after breaking it, but I didn't have a specific goal. I want to figure out a real plan now! I love training groups.

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    1. I know!! I don't know what I want it to be. Let me know if you find good motivation for setting your next goal :-)

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  7. i'm training w/a group now and it's super casual and i love it. the accountability is needed and it gets me up and running at 6am. yes it's early but it's needed in the summer. i say do it!

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