Running with the Training and Coffee Group

Ever since reaching Melbourne, I've been searching for a group to run with. I don't mind to run by myself, but at times running in a group can keep your motivation up, especially on the longer runs. I've done a few runs with the Melbourne Marathon training series group, usually on Wed evenings. Think I've done 3 runs with them on Wed nights and 1 on Sun morning run. However, the best group runs I had were with a few runners I met through the forum of Cool Running Australia website (link). Got in touch with Michael, a 51-year old runner who has vast experience in marathon running. He has done sub-3 hours marathon time and has plan to do it again soon, however, not for this coming Melbourne Marathon (MM). Not all are sub-3 runners, but they are very easy to get along people which i like in a running group.

I don't think I got all the names right, as most are known by their nicknames in the forum. But Im sure of the names of Michael, Grace, Baz, Bruce, Michelle and Michael, as I've run with them for the 2nd time. Well, I've only done 2 runs with them. The first time was a 34km run, which they were about 15 runners turning up for the run.

I had a hard time waking up for yesterday run as the Daylight Saving Time (DST) for Australia started at 2am. That means I lost an hour of sleep due to that. I can't understand why don't they just stick with one time and do away with the DST. Before I went to sleep I adjusted the time and realised Im sleeping around 2.30am and not 1.30am!! And I need to wake up at 7am. Anyway, dragged myself out of bed and was there by 8am.

We ran around 5 laps of the Tan Tracks before we head for the usual coffee catch up at a cafe in the Royal Botanic Garden. Too bad this is the final run as Im not too sure whether they will get together for a run after the MM.

Michael (middle) and Baz (Right)

From left: Alisson (white cap), Grace (black cap)

From left: DiJ (forum nick), Michelle, Marcus, Bruce, Flick (forum nick)

(From left after Flick) Bennie and Adam

Guess this is officially my last long run before the MM this coming Sun. I can't expect a good time, but I'm pretty excited about the run. Better than how I felt when I first reached here. I guess running in group really helped. The catching up after runs, sharing stories of the ups and downs in the race or training, the experience, something most runners look foward to after a hard run.