Running Outside of my Comfort Zone

As most of you know, I do almost ALL of my miles solo ... either outside in the warmer months or inside on the treadmill during the colder Wisconsin months (which there are many!). And, I hate the cold weather. I don't believe my feet have hit the pavement outside since the Haunted Hustle Half Marathon at the end of October! Yes ... I am a whimp!

Since this year is all about trying new things, branching out, and stepping outside of my comfort zone ... I've been exploring all sorts of new opportunities to fill my time when I can't be with Little Dude and Little Diva.

Recently, I learned of a local running group that holds Tuesday night runs, I thought I would give it a try. It would help me step out of my comfort zone and force me to try to meet some like-minded individuals and help convince me to do some "social running". This would also get me off the treadmill and get me back outside. Seriously, how much fun is running in place?!?!

So, I pulled my running tights out of the back of my drawer of running clothes and paired it with a cute running skirt, three layers on top, pink CEP compression socks and a bright Bondi Band. No reflection gear was going to be needed on this nightime run!!! I left work and ventured out to the meeting point.

Seven people had RSVPd for this run. I was told that only 2-3 usually show during the winter months. But, but there were about nine of us that ended up running together. And, I was the only chick! We met up at a local bar and I met some familiar faces that I had seen online the past few weeks. Even though I was the only chick, the group was a great mixture of ages and levels of experience. I love how runners can bond, no matter what your running background is and what your personal life entails. Some were new to the group just like me, but everyone seemed to have something to talk about and conversation flowed well. Afterall, there is always running/racing to discuss in awkward moments of silence!

We headed out for a 3-4 mile loop past Lake Monona and the Bay. After about one mile, the group started splitting off into two separate groups, based on speed. I didn't feel cold, as I warmed up and my pace felt awesome. It was a balmy 20-something degrees and there was no wind off of the lake. The conditions felt surprisingly great! And, I felt great! I paired up with some of the faster runners and we headed out around the Bay. It was fantastic breathing the fresh Winter air. I loved that the group would say "hi" to other runners (and there were a lot of them out last night) as we passed them out on the trail. We ended up taking some detours and ended up with 5-5.5 miles, as we returned to the bar.

Most of us returned to the bar for some drinks and sat down and chatted. Some of us found it quite entertaining that about half of us were either divorced or going through a divorce. Is it any coincidence that we all need the running?!?!?! I don't think so.

I didn't eat dinner. I didn't have an alcoholic beverage. But, I continued the evening with 4+ hours of fantastic conversation over two Diet Pepsi's and had an absolute blast. One guy that reads my blog had me laughing so hard all night that I was crying. My face hurt from smiling all night. As much as I've been feeling awesome lately and have actually been smiling a lot .... those happy tears of joy really make you feel phenomenal.

It was an amazing time with some great people, and this will force me to get out of my comfort zone much more often in the future. It was so worth it.

When was the last time YOU
stepped outside of your comfort zone?

Give-It-A-Try.