The gang.
Everyone needs a gang. A running gang that is.
Several years ago when I first started Marathon Running, my gang was The Snails Pace 10 min group. It consisted of 5 first time Marathon Runners and a few repeat Marathoners. Even after we finished the San Diego Marathon, the group stuck together. We would grow and shrink in size depending on which Race each person wanted to commit to. We'd run along Huntington Beach trail doing drill team moves, telling jokes or providing emotional support during the 16+ mile Long Run. I don't see that Gang very often, but I silently cheer them on when one of their Facebook status' tells me their most recent Running accomplishments.
Then I found my NikeTown Gang. This consisted of local Triathletes that wanted an organized weekday Run. We'd meet at the NikeTown in Triangle Square/Costa Mesa. Run along the Backbay in the dark for 6+ miles. Once in awhile we'd grab a beer over at the Goat Hill post run.
There was the Gang that talked politics and movies. The Gang at Crossfit - Carl's Crew. The Gang that got too fast for me and qualified for Boston. The Gang that ran track with Multisport. And the Gang known as The Family that trained for Ironman Canada together.
The past few years I've had The Ladies. An absolutely amazing group of women, whom I'm fortunate to know! We've trained together 4+ years now, I think. Every year there's at least one Roadtrip Race. We've had moments on the run where someone needed to vent, cry or celebrate life's challenges. We've hosted numerous brunches and get togethers. And typically we have texts and emails flying around during the week coordinating Long Runs and/or upcoming Races.
In addition to these Ladies, I recently fell into another group, The Fab5. We are kind of a lighthearted group of serious triathletes (or at least they are, I'm just coincidently the same Running Pace). In addition to some trash talking, we share tips/suggestions on (or the need for faster) transitions, etc.
Basically, here's the jest:
Your Gang isn't just a group that meets you Saturday mornings for a Long Run.
Yes, they're right by your side sharing your complaints about the hilly terrain. Yes, they celebrate with you when the walk break comes up. Yes, they share some extra Gu with you when you need it.
But it's the time you spend hitting the trails with your Gang, that opens up conversations and builds strong bonds. Something happens when you suffer together physically. You're less afraid to be vulnerable. You're more inclined to open up. And I think it's because your Gang sees the true you. The "you" that's out to release a little stress and have a little fun, while still pushing your limits. The group that sees you, minus the makeup, and sometimes with a bad tummy... but doesn't judge. The group where you can talk about successes without being arrogant and failures without feeling ashamed.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying your Running Gang is all sap. Certainly we are joking around and goofing off during our Runs. Razzing and teasing each other. Sometimes we don't say a word but zone out with our music - simply moving along with the group.
But I share this based on this past weekend when my two groups (The Ladies & The Fab5) reminded me how important it is to have your Gang - both as Training Partners & as your Support Crew.
In fact, I'd say they are just as important as your Coach...Cuz, let's face it. Unless your Coach is me, they aren't exactly supportive of a Celebration Beer Post Run.
Go find your Gang if you haven't already... you'll see, it's not just about the Running.
Several years ago when I first started Marathon Running, my gang was The Snails Pace 10 min group. It consisted of 5 first time Marathon Runners and a few repeat Marathoners. Even after we finished the San Diego Marathon, the group stuck together. We would grow and shrink in size depending on which Race each person wanted to commit to. We'd run along Huntington Beach trail doing drill team moves, telling jokes or providing emotional support during the 16+ mile Long Run. I don't see that Gang very often, but I silently cheer them on when one of their Facebook status' tells me their most recent Running accomplishments.
Then I found my NikeTown Gang. This consisted of local Triathletes that wanted an organized weekday Run. We'd meet at the NikeTown in Triangle Square/Costa Mesa. Run along the Backbay in the dark for 6+ miles. Once in awhile we'd grab a beer over at the Goat Hill post run.
There was the Gang that talked politics and movies. The Gang at Crossfit - Carl's Crew. The Gang that got too fast for me and qualified for Boston. The Gang that ran track with Multisport. And the Gang known as The Family that trained for Ironman Canada together.
The past few years I've had The Ladies. An absolutely amazing group of women, whom I'm fortunate to know! We've trained together 4+ years now, I think. Every year there's at least one Roadtrip Race. We've had moments on the run where someone needed to vent, cry or celebrate life's challenges. We've hosted numerous brunches and get togethers. And typically we have texts and emails flying around during the week coordinating Long Runs and/or upcoming Races.
In addition to these Ladies, I recently fell into another group, The Fab5. We are kind of a lighthearted group of serious triathletes (or at least they are, I'm just coincidently the same Running Pace). In addition to some trash talking, we share tips/suggestions on (or the need for faster) transitions, etc.
Basically, here's the jest:
Your Gang isn't just a group that meets you Saturday mornings for a Long Run.
Yes, they're right by your side sharing your complaints about the hilly terrain. Yes, they celebrate with you when the walk break comes up. Yes, they share some extra Gu with you when you need it.
But it's the time you spend hitting the trails with your Gang, that opens up conversations and builds strong bonds. Something happens when you suffer together physically. You're less afraid to be vulnerable. You're more inclined to open up. And I think it's because your Gang sees the true you. The "you" that's out to release a little stress and have a little fun, while still pushing your limits. The group that sees you, minus the makeup, and sometimes with a bad tummy... but doesn't judge. The group where you can talk about successes without being arrogant and failures without feeling ashamed.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying your Running Gang is all sap. Certainly we are joking around and goofing off during our Runs. Razzing and teasing each other. Sometimes we don't say a word but zone out with our music - simply moving along with the group.
But I share this based on this past weekend when my two groups (The Ladies & The Fab5) reminded me how important it is to have your Gang - both as Training Partners & as your Support Crew.
In fact, I'd say they are just as important as your Coach...Cuz, let's face it. Unless your Coach is me, they aren't exactly supportive of a Celebration Beer Post Run.
Go find your Gang if you haven't already... you'll see, it's not just about the Running.
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