Since August, with the exception of running with a few friends here and there, I’ve run mostly solo. This has been quite a departure from my normal routine of running with a group every Saturday morning which has been a staple in my life since 2004. But last year was not a normal running, or training year for me.
When August rolled around, I made the decision to join the LA Leggers again. It was sort of a given since I’ve been with them for many years and didn’t really see any good solid reason not to join. But it was difficult for me to go and not see my friend Mike there who was always there. Plus, knowing I wanted to spend as much time on the trails, I used Saturdays as my day to do so which gave me an out from going — at least until after Javelina Jundred was over and then I’d be back with them.
And then Javelina was over.
You could say I had some reasons for not diving back in, but all in all, I needed a group run break.
There was a part of me that knew I’d join up with them at some point, but it took several things to get me out there.
First off, I needed to get my Girl Scout cookies from my friend G! Her daughter sells them and I always like to support her. Gotta support the troops!
Since I knew the only way I could get my cookies was to head over to Santa Monica I figured I better peel some carrots with one peeler while I was there.
Next up, I needed to give my friend Doyle the Avon foot lotion I promised him back in oh, let’s say July, maybe August. Actually that’s when I told him about it, but I didn’t actually receive it until later and then I didn’t see him until Javelina Jundred and by then, it wasn’t going to do anything for him.
The only problem was I didn’t know where to find him, but as I was running to meet my friend G, I asked the Universe, “Could you please let me run into Doyle?” And guess what? Yup. I crossed the street, turned the corner and lo and behold, I was on one side of the street and he was on the other.
I jayran over to him. One slight issue though. He was about to run 20 miles that day and probably wasn’t thinking about carrying some Avon lotion in his pocket. I ended up placing it on his back tire, hoping nobody was going to come by and snatch it, or that he’d forget about it, won’t see it, and squish!! There it goes.
To this day, I still haven’t heard back from him whether he received it or not, so if it’s in someone else’s hands or feet, then may their feet become so supple and soft, and you’re welcome.
So I mentioned the club was doing 20 miles that day. This was in preparation for the LA Marathon. I was not going to be running 20. Eh, I figured a good solid 7 or 8 miles would suffice. Lucky me got 9.4.
As we lined up I made my way to the back of the group, but then I got called to run up in the front. It’s actually much easier to run in the front then it is to run in the back, so I figured the Universe was looking out for me.
It felt odd. I felt odd.
I wasn’t used to running in line with others. Even after running in a group for so many months, and in so many years, I lost touch with how it felt to do so. Quickly I became keenly aware of not clipping anyone’s heels which would’ve been my friend G who was running right in front me.
I was also aware of the woman I was running next to, who ran with her hands nestled warmly in her jacket pockets. Part of me was bewildered and another part of me was in awe. I need my hands and arms free, but she managed very well.
We made our way through the streets of Santa Monica and to the first support station which is where I decided would be my turnaround point.
As the group took off to proceed, I stood there for a minute watching them in the distance. All of sudden I felt a slight sadness – a sadness I couldn’t pinpoint the origin for. Maybe I felt the loss of group camaraderie that I haven’t had in for awhile. Maybe reminiscent of how I used to feel running with them every Saturday.
Maybe I should have stayed running with them a little longer? Naaah. I turned around.
When I got back to the Senior Center – it’s what I still call the headquarters – there was one more person I needed to find, my ever so lovely friend, Deb!
Deb and I were doing a book exchange. Actually a book and Trail Runner Magazine exchange! Her book. My magazine.
It was so great chatting with her for a bit. In fact, I got to see so many friends whom I’ve only seen through social media and it was nice to actually see them in person again.
One such person is Gary who knows my love for coffee and shares many coffee jokes and memes with me.
While my intention was always there, if it wasn’t for the fact I needed to get my Girl Scout cookies, I don’t know if I would’ve made it out to run with the Leggers again this season. And with only one more week of the season I don’t think I will again, but it was truly great on this day!
Thanks for reading!