Shannon's Scene: Take Two

The Group Effect

Believe it or not, I’ve not always been a fan of running with groups.  When I began running, it was actually to get away from the group/team thing.  I was in high school, a member of all things team-oriented, from a competitive cheerleading squad to student council, and craved time away from my peers every once in a while.

I ran on my own as a way to de-stress, blow off steam (high school boyfriends brought the steam, did they not?), get out of the house, or simply to burn calories.  No matter what my reasons were, I was accustomed to running being my solo sport. 

What I’ve come to learn over time is that running is very much a solo sport because…

• It is you who gets yourself up in the morning, out on the pavement, on to that next mile;  
• It is you who encounters the physical or mental wall on a run;  
• It is you who enjoys the runner’s high afterward;  
• It is you who chooses the songs that make up your playlist;  
• And it is you who feels the sense of accomplishment at the end of a race.

What I’ve also learned is each of these factors is enhanced by a community of runners.  Whether it’s one of your running buddies, or a group of runners…

• They can encourage you to get out of bed to meet up for a run;
• They can help you push through that mental or physical wall during the run;
• They relish with you in a runner’s high at the end of a hard run or race;
• You don’t need your playlist, you’ve got chatter buddies;
• Even though you each bring your own goals to the pavement, finishing a long run, relay, or race is something you’ve ultimately accomplished together.

I guess what I’m saying is, I’ve become a fan of the ‘group effect’ and am thankful for my community of runners, especially during this season of training!

Less than two months to support my journey to Chicago!

Thanks to Kristin, Sarah, and Katy who keep me moving each week

…and to the Charleston Chapter of Team in Training.  No way would I have finished these last few weeks without your collective enthusiasm!  Thanks for welcoming Sarah and me into your Saturday journeys!