Les Croupiers Running Club Forum

I have been with Les Croups for about 6 years this summer and I don't often term myself as a 'full fledge' serious member of a running club because I don't put in as much effort into training or run as much as many of you do. In the beginning, there was the initial personal obsession of PBs. Then I got over this obsession when in chasing these PBs the price was injuries and niggles and then not being able to run weeks here and there. So I told myself, I'd rather be running most of the time then racing. It is fair to say because of that, my progress as a 'runner' is rather start/stop.

However, in recent months, I found my mojo again after running with a few colleagues who just started their own running journey. We run Tues and Thurs lunch time. Tuesday - a short 2.5 - 3 miles for whoever who wants to join us. Not speedy but comfortably between 10:30 - 10 min mile and if there are slower ones who join us, we slow down so as to encourage others to run. Thurs is a longer run - 5 miles and at same pace and perhaps a little faster. It all started because I needed to squeeze in runs during the week -between work, Cardiff-Merthyr daily commute and 2 days of college. I don't like lunch time runs but needs must!

For me, it is a pleasure to run with a running buddy and see how that person develops and getting better and now it is time for her to find another running partner who is much quicker than me because I know that will help her run even better. It is a pleasure to see someone else find her own running journey.

As for me, I take my inspiration from many of you whom I have met and spoken to over the last 6 years. It is difficult not to be humbled when I know of many who has achieved much and who commit themselves to continual do better. I also learnt from many of you that everyone's journey is quite personal and everyone needs to find what is best for them - why they run? what they do they want to achieve? what distance to they want to excel in etc..?

So thanks everyone for your humour, support and banter over the last 6 years..