This weekend was one of the funnest I’d had in a long while. I mean, every weekend has elements of awesomeness but this Saturday and Sunday it just was overflowing–so much so, I’ma have to split it up 😀
Saturday I woke up bright and early at my usual 5 a.m. This is nothing new as it’s my start time during the work week. Today though, I was going to be meeting up with two of my fave groups, Run Eat Tweet AZ and Moms Run This Town.
I’ve talked about both before. I used to be a RETAZ ambassador but had to step down because of life commitments. That hasn’t stopped me from still being involved in other ways though. And then I started a local chapter in my city for MRTT last year that I still lead along with my buddy, We’re Running a Marathon?.
Run Eat Tweet AZ wanted to host a group run for all Phoenix valley MRTT chapters and we all of course jumped at the idea. My city MRTT meets weekly but we don’t often meet with other neighboring cities in the valley.
I was prompt at arriving at 6 a.m. for the start of the long run, 10 miles. I wasn’t going to run the 10 though but just do a quick out and back and meet up with the second group, the 5 milers, that would start at 6:30. I wanted to be there to greet all of my MRTT ladies.
My group is the newest MRTT chapter at barely over a year old but guess what? We had the most of all the chapters! I was so proud of my girls! Six arrived at the 6 a.m. start and then 3 more at the 6:30. 🙂
But first, a selfie. (I’m horrible at these–can you tell?)
I managed to get in 2 quick miles before the second group started and then I went back out for another 3 to make 5 miles total. It was an easy going run where I wasn’t at all concerned with my pace–just hanging out with everyone and chatting up a storm.
Having a blast…as usual 😀
Afterward, all the chapters took a group photo along the bridge where we had met up.
Such a great turnout!
It was such a beautiful Phoenix day–cool and cloudy and just the right amount of cold 🙂 Run Eat Tweet AZ even had coffee and breakfast for us!
Best. Weather.
They also had hooked up with some vendors who gave away neat prizes–free race entries, jewelry, t-shirts, running fuel. It was just an awesome good time.
I’ve mentioned before how life-changing it was for me not only as a runner but just as a person to get involved in local running groups. There are three that I’m actively involved in and it really gives me the motivation and support I need to keep me going. It’s impossible for me to ever get lazy (not that I ever would anyway 😉 ) because my friends are constantly inviting me to run or workout!
At first, it was tough for me to branch out and get out of my comfort zone. But, getting involved and being a part of a group has helped my running so much–I’m faster, stronger, and smarter. The latter being the most important in my opinion.
I really can’t praise it enough. There’s absolutely nothing I regret about joining a couple of running groups. My wallet begs to differ–because my races have increased, but I’ve acquired some pretty amazing friendships and experiences that make it ALL worth it. So if you’re on the fence about it, just do it!!! (And if you’re not sure where to start, here are some tips!)
Hope you all have a great Monday!!
❤ , helly
–Do you have a running group?
–How many running friends do you have?
I also have a running group and I LOOOOVE being part of it! It is not only a running group.. basically it’s a bunch of cool people with similar interests. Yay!!
That’s awesome!! Yeah, I pretty much hang out with my running group even when we’re not running lol! 🙂
Same here!!!
Yesterday we were meant to go for a run but ended up eating cake and drinking loads of tea :)))
LOL, love it!
Looks like fun! I have a group that I do long runs with on the weekends but I do my shorter runs with my dog 🙂
Awwww, how fun!!!
That is so cool that you got to run with both groups! I couldn’t tell you how many running friends I have – seems that those are the only ones I see regularly, anyway! I have several running groups but they are just friend groups – not official organizations or anything like that. Maybe we should make it official. That might be fun. Hmmm, now you are giving me ideas. Glad you had a good weekend!
DO IT!!! 😀
So cool that you had a multiple chapter MRTT meetup! Love seeing the running community coming together!
Me too!!! You have a great group too!
What a fun day! That’s so awesome that they had a sort of belated Mother’s Day get together for all the groups! I think I can count the amount of friends that don’t run better than the ones that do..there’s too many to count, but never too many:)
Never!! 😀
This is awesome! I do have to say that joining my running training group has not only introduced me to my first running friends ever, it has helped me with my speed and endurance already! I love it!
Right?!? It’s so helpful in so many ways! 🙂
oh gosh, I have too many running friends to count! I’m a solo runner in general but do like company every now and again. 🙂
I’m just like you in that I prefer to run alone but like having people to start with 🙂
Fun! I keep hoping to get involved with running groups, but things keep working against me. Maybe someday!
oh, I hope you’re able to make it work soon! it helps me so much to stay motivated
Amazing that you have all these groups to run with! I have been getting more and more involved with a running group as well and I go twice a week to run with them. I love it so much! Running friends are a special breed of friends 😀
that’s awesome you have a good group too! It seriously makes the miles go by faster 🙂
That is so awesome Helly! My goal over the summer is to try out some of the running groups around SLC and see if I can get as lucky as you and find some running buds!
YES! Give it a shot and let me (us) know how it goes!!!
This is great! I love my run groups too! They’re not only fun, but they’ve helped me become a much better runner. That bridge looks familiar – is it near the ASU campus?
And how is it that that is your first selfie?!?!
LOL! That wasn’t my *first* selfie–I meant, but first (like, before anything else) a selfie 😀
And yep! that’s right behind my alma mater! How perceptive of you!
So cool that you have so many running friends.! I have none. lol. My schedule is hectic and Im a lone runner, but maybe someday 🙂
I love that you have a few running groups. I LOVED running with a team and some of my best friends are those who were on the team. Runners make the best friends, am I right??? 🙂 I just can’t make my team work into my schedule right now and it stinks, but someday I hope to join them again.
A friend and I started running group up in Prescott, it’s called the Back of the Pack club! It’s a non-intimidating running group for anyone who wants to join, whether you’re a seasoned runner or have never run before, and we have the most amazing group of women ever! We have so much fun challenging ourselves, respecting each other, and most of all supporting one another!👭👭👭👭👭👭👭
That is so awesome!!! That’s what it’s all about!!