Running too Fast

Last night, I was invited out to run with a local running group. They hold weekly runs, weekend long runs, have training programs, and put on a local race or two. I've never gone on the runs before because I was always afraid I was too slow and would be judged on the fact I run using the Galloway Method. But when a new friend asked me to join her last night, and then reassured me that none of my fears would be an issue and that she was also a slower runner, I decided to give it a try.

I am so glad I went. It was the best run I've had in a number of months, and we covered around 4.35 miles. Lately, I've been feeling defeated and hating each run, but last night wasn't the case. We ran at a pace that was comfortable and I was able to talk and contribute to the conversation. I'm never able to talk during my training runs - the best I can do is utter a few one word responses. I know all of the pros and running guides say you should run at a speed where you can talk but I've always dismissed that. I always thought I would be practically walking before I could talk. But last night proved me wrong. I was running and talking at the same time.

Now I wonder where this leaves me. My marathon training partner is much faster than I am, and we've been doing our runs at a faster pace than it appears I'm ready for. I struggle with each run, hating it before it has even started. I don't want to hate the next two months of training, but I don't want to hold my running partner back if she can obviously go faster. I know I need to take the long runs a lot slower if I'm going to make it through them. I plan on testing this out when I run the Virginia Beach Rock n' Roll Half Marathon this weekend. I'll take it slow and see how it goes.