TBT - Hosting My Run Club Event
All photos included in this post are courtesy of GRVL Runners and Robert Calderon.
Since it's Thursday, I thought it would be appropriate to throw it back to last week, when I hosted my local run club's evening run. The GRVL Runners definitely have my heart - not only is it an amazing group of individuals whom I am very lucky to call friends, but it's my hometown group. Every other Wednesday, we've been doing runs that start a little later and take place in different neighborhoods throughout Long Beach. The runs usually end at a brewery/restaurant where we all hang out afterwards.
When Robert, our founder, asked if I would host the club's run in Belmont Shore at the Belmont Brewing Company - the area of Long Beach where I live - I was nervous. As much as I share both my accomplishments and failures on this blog and Instagram, and have received enormous support, I do not enjoy being the center of attention. But I was honored to be asked and agreed.
The GRVL Runners gave me a lot of love on Instagram and Facebook to get the word out about me hosting the run and we ended up having a great turnout.
We ran on the bluff and down on to the bike path for an out and back along the ocean. A 4.5 mile section that makes up a portion of my daily runs. Everyone really enjoyed the course.
Most of us stuck around for beer and food afterwards to chat and share running and non-running experiences, stories, and life lessons. All I can say is this group has truly impacted the last 4-5 months of my running career and my life. They've cheered me on to my first overall win, offered me so much encouragement and enthusiasm to keep getting better, and they share an hour of their lives with me every Thursday evening (and sometimes Wednesday's!). I would not have crossed paths with many of these folks as we work in different industries, are different ages, and live in different places. I am very lucky to be a part of this group. If you are not already part of a run club, I highly recommend joining one that you find meaningful.
Please come out to our next run - every Thursday in Bixby Knolls at 6:30 in front of Weiland's Brewery and every other Wednesday in a new spot in the LBC. You can find GRVL Runners' information at any of the following links:
Special thanks to my GRVL Runners - you will never know how much you have impacted my running life.
J
