Two Worlds Collide

I was able to drag myself out of bed and get myself to the Sunday morning running club that I wanted to try.  Boy I am glad I didn’t listen to the nagging and convincing voice in my head that was telling me I should just stay in bed and sleep a little longer and go on my usual long run solo.  I always have a bit an anxiety going somewhere new by myself where I don’t know anyone, but my desire to have company while running was tougher than my anxiety that morning.

When I arrived I saw three people chatting and I uneasily began to talk with them.  After some simple introductions one of the women walked around with me trying to find the proper pace group for me.  What happens next is a bit crazy.  This woman turns around and it is the therapist I worked with when I was in the depths of my postpartum depression. At first I couldn’t place how I knew her.  I knew that I recognized this person but at first I thought she was someone who I worked with who I briefly met at a race. After asking her “I’m so sorry. What’s your name again?” I put it all together.  It was the amazing woman who saw me at my worst.   She was by my side though all my trials and tribulations. She gave me the tools to become a better person and mother.  As I began to heal and find myself again we both agreed that it was time to stop our sessions.

I remember being disappointed that I was stopping therapy. It wasn’t that I was unhappy that I didn’t need her, but sad because she seemed like someone I would want to be friends with if the situation were different.

The next day she gave me a call and told me ever so gently that if I was going to continue to run with the running club in the same pace group that ethically she would not able to be my therapist if I found myself needing her again.  Due to the personal conversations shared during runs she explained that it would be impossible for her to be objective if we were ever to return to a therapy relationship.  I definitely understand that and it is something I accept.

I had a wonderful time running with the 9:45 pace group.  Did you read that?  Nine minute and forty-five minute mile pace group! At first I thought I might not be able to keep up because when I am running on my own I keep a 10 or 10:30 pace.  Surprisingly I was able to hold my own and keep up the entire 12 mile run without a struggle.  I was ecstatic to see that I could do it.  It was nice to run with such a friendly and welcoming group of people. The conversations and joking were exactly what I needed to spice up my weekly long run.  My plan is to officially join the running club.  I think it will bring nothing but positive mojo for me and my running.

Do you belong to a running group?