A New Running Opportunity

A few weeks ago, I posted about my near-burnout with running. The last few weeks of a marathon training program are tough, especially combined with getting everything moved out of our home in Amarillo so that we can close by the end of May. However, my race in OKC really lifted my spirits about running. I love racing, but all of the training that’s required to be prepared for a race is what makes it so difficult to stay motivated.

I have two options after the marathon in San Diego: (1) take up some new form of exercise; or (2) continue running. I want to stay in shape, and I definitely want to keep racing in some form or another. My initial plan was to run less and try something new, but a recent e-mail from a local running store has me rethinking my plan.

Luke’s Locker, a Texas running store with a location in Fort Worth, is starting its “Luke’s Fit 2009” training program in June. I am tempted. Part of me loves running by myself, at my pace, with my thoughts and without conversation. However, these runs can get lonely, especially when they are 10 miles or more. I am considering joining the group training for the Dallas White Rock Marathon held in December. Even if I decide not to join, I have committed to attending the orientation on May 26 or June 8. The training begins on Saturday, June 13, which means I could still take off two weeks from running before beginning the program. The program costs $190 and lasts for 6 months. Frankly, moving to a big city has been sort of lonely for me, so it might be a way to meet some new people with common interests. I’ve never been good at putting myself out there and trying to make friends. Buying friends? Maybe, but at this point, that does not seem like such a bad idea. Here’s what I would get for my $190 in addition to the 6 months of supervised training:

• Pace groups
• Seminars regarding sports nutrition, hydration, apparel & footwear, injury prevention, and race preparation
• Training for each participant’s particular level
• Asics technical training shirt (again – I am always tempted by the shirt!)
• Luke’s running hat (ohhh…extra bonus!)
• Motivational coaching
• Weekly training schedules from your coach
• Weekly (Saturday morning) workouts with coaches and other runners
• Footwear and apparel discounts
• Celebration party

This group might build in some much-needed motivation for me. Between a coach and other runners in the group, guilt alone will probably get me out of bed to do my runs during the week and to show up to the group runs on Saturday. Plus, as I’ve said before, nothing motivates me like the desire to get the most out of something I’ve paid for with my hard-earned money.

I don’t know if this is right for me or not, but I was planning on running White Rock in December even before I knew about this group. I am definitely going to attend one of the orientation sessions, so I will let you know how it goes.