I finally met up with some Calgary trail runners!
Last week I attended the Annual Lewiston Run Social. It is a gathering of members from about five trail running groups. We met up, hit the trails, then finished it off at Born Brewing for some food and drink.
What Was I Looking For?
Going into the event I was hoping to meet some people that could share their experiences in trail running. Maybe get some recommendations for trails or hear some tips and tricks for completing Sinister. Basically, aiming to make some more connections.
I didn’t actually realize the Social involved several running clubs until the organizers of each group were doing intros. This turned out to be an even more valuable experience because I was able to get a general sense of vibes/skill levels in each group.
Finding the Right Group
The event came on my radar as I have been following Calgary Trail Runners (CTR) on the Meet Up app for months. Through my lurking I found that they head to Bragg Creek at least twice a week and are always running crazy long distances.
Although I have joined the cuckoo club regarding distance, I was not sure what the pace during one of these Bragg Creek runs would be (and I have no desire to be ditched in the wilderness!), this Social seemed like the most approachable way to test the waters.
A Sense of Doubt
As the attendees of the Social split into 8.5k and 5k distances, I recognized a few runners in the 8.5k group from their CTR Meet Up profile pics. Given my interest in that group and the kilometers I needed to hit for the week, I decided to join the longer distance group.
Unfortunately, I didn’t read the fine print… 8.5k = freakin’ fast.
Now, I am not a competitive person, not in the slightest actually. Nevertheless, I found myself feeling that creeping sense of insecurity as more and more people trickled past me. Not going to lie, in the moment this dynamic had me shook.
Why am I so slow? Am I completely unprepared for me race? I only have six weeks left!!
The Tortoise Strategy
I have since realized that this is not really a logical train of thought. I have been training for a 50k, not an 8.5k. The skills I have been honing are centered around the long game. Endurance and an ability to keep trekking are my goals, not speed. My strategy does not involve running up every hill, but rather making it up every hill.
Maybe that quick pace could be me some day, but for now I am focusing on an approach that will get me across that finish line.
Slow and steady wins the race and all that.
Being “Social” at the Social
During the run I found myself sticking pretty close to this one other person in particular. We didn’t talk during the run as I frankly could not breath half the time (neither could she…). However, when we circled back to the brewery, she and I grabbed a table and had a good chat over a beer.
My potential new friend has been trail running for a few years and has participated in a couple ultra marathons over the years. I shared that I am doing Sinister in July and she gave some suggestions for trails in the city that I should check out (maybe venture outside Nose Hill for once!). During the chat we also discovered that we both attend YYC Run Crew and are now planning to meet there this week.
After the creeping feelings of doubt during the run, it felt great to have this chat with someone else who is into ultras, yet is not a speed demon.
Happy Ending
Despite the mixed emotions that I felt during the evening, the event was definitely a worthwhile investment of my time. For one, I realized that CTR might not be the best place for me at this point in time. Which is perfectly fine as I have my eye on another trail group that does more low key runs right in the city.
I also made a connection with a fellow human, an accomplishment in and of itself as an introverted adult!
Although Sinister is my top priority right now, my running is not going to halt after July 13th. Finding the right group and meeting more people are great ways to keep enjoying my hobby long term.
P.S. I also came across one of the speakers from the running webinars that I have been attending for the last few months. These have been really interesting and I have learned a ton from these seasoned experts. Can’t wait to share some of the takeaways!
