GROUP TRAINING

For many years, I trained alone for everything. I did not want to be embarrassed because of how slow that I was. I knew that most likely no one else would be my speed and I would be by myself anyway.

That all changed last November when I began learning how to swim and found my master's swim group. Everyone was divided into lanes according to ability. Even though I was the slowest in lane 1-I started and finished when everyone in the group did. I gained alot of confidence when no one laughed at me and treated me like one of the gang.

This lead me to biking outside with others. Snoopy and Sharkie are great to bike with and I felt like I belonged on the road. I gained more confidence.

With my registration for the Chicago Marathon, I decided to take another look at training with a group. Luckily Iron Snoopy introduced me to the Glen Ellyn Runners Club. I have found nothing but positives and I met Snips. Today my 18 miler turned into a 19 miler. When Snips and I got to the 9 mile turn around, we decided to go another .5 before turning back. We finished feeling fine with club members clapping for us at the finish. Again, I found that I gained more confidence.

Bottom line is that the group training has done nothing but build my confidence rather than bring me down.

Waddling with a 19 miler in the books.............