First Group Run of 2016

This post may seem a bit contradictory to my last, but when I have a REALLY GOOD run, I am obligated to share it with you! ;-)

One of my personal goals for the new year was to join up with a local running group called CFAR. I have run with them in the past when they were in my neck of the woods and also joined up with them during the holidays.

But first, let's pose for a Christmas-esque photo! I am the Virgin Mary with the pink sheet

Unfortunately, I can count the number of times I have done a CFAR run on one hand and I really need to change that! After joining them at their holiday party and observing the camaraderie, I developed a desire to be included in that atmosphere.

Not only do I feel that it would be beneficial to my running, but I really need to get out more. I have been a hermit for far to long! So this year, I want to make my best effort to be a frequent CFAR runner!

I'm the yellow runner on the right!

Last night, Peter and I decided to head out for our first group run of the year. About 10 runners total attended this session, but once the run began, we seperated into two groups: A fast group and a not-as-fast group (Peter and I were in this group). I was thankful that I was able to stick with a few that were closer to my pace, but I discovered that we were moving a lot faster than I was used to in JFK training. It may have been a bit of a workout for me but it wasn't something I dreading at all! The runners that surrounded us were a great distraction and it was also refreshing to be running in a new area. It helped pass time and miles!

By the end of the run, I asked for our final time (forgot my Garmin) and we ran 5 miles in 46:17. This was great for me since my running schedule has been pretty up and down since Thanksgiving. In fact, it raised my hopes that I would start seeing my old 5 mile times again. One day, I would love to break my PR of 41 minutes.

Peter was also thrilled by the group run. He and I both have had many running pains over the past several weeks and the fact that he was able to kill it after some bad runs also gave him the runner's high he was looking for. It was long overdue for the both of us.

Needless to say, we will definitely be going back. The goal is at least 2 times a month. I am super giddy about the next time I run with them.

Orange runner, front and center :)

Do you run with a group? If not, why?

What benefits do you see from participating in a group run?