We Run Social | hellyontherun

This weekend was one of the funnest I’d had in a long while. I mean, every weekend has elements of awesomeness but this Saturday and Sunday it just was overflowing–so much so, I’ma have to split it up 😀

Saturday I woke up bright and early at my usual 5 a.m. This is nothing new as it’s my start time during the work week. Today though, I was going to be meeting up with two of my fave groups, Run Eat Tweet AZ and Moms Run This Town.

I’ve talked about both before. I used to be a RETAZ ambassador but had to step down because of life commitments. That hasn’t stopped me from still being involved in other ways though. And then I started a local chapter in my city for MRTT last year that I still lead along with my buddy, We’re Running a Marathon?.

Run Eat Tweet AZ wanted to host a group run for all Phoenix valley MRTT chapters and we all of course jumped at the idea. My city MRTT meets weekly but we don’t often meet with other neighboring cities in the valley.

I was prompt at arriving at 6 a.m. for the start of the long run, 10 miles. I wasn’t going to run the 10 though but just do a quick out and back and meet up with the second group, the 5 milers, that would start at 6:30. I wanted to be there to greet all of my MRTT ladies.

My group is the newest MRTT chapter at barely over a year old but guess what? We had the most of all the chapters! I was so proud of my girls! Six arrived at the 6 a.m. start and then 3 more at the 6:30. 🙂

But first, a selfie. (I’m horrible at these–can you tell?)

I managed to get in 2 quick miles before the second group started and then I went back out for another 3 to make 5 miles total. It was an easy going run where I wasn’t at all concerned with my pace–just hanging out with everyone and chatting up a storm.

Having a blast…as usual 😀

Afterward, all the chapters took a group photo along the bridge where we had met up.

Such a great turnout!

It was such a beautiful Phoenix day–cool and cloudy and just the right amount of cold 🙂 Run Eat Tweet AZ even had coffee and breakfast for us!

Best. Weather.

They also had hooked up with some vendors who gave away neat prizes–free race entries, jewelry, t-shirts, running fuel. It was just an awesome good time.

I’ve mentioned before how life-changing it was for me not only as a runner but just as a person to get involved in local running groups. There are three that I’m actively involved in and it really gives me the motivation and support I need to keep me going. It’s impossible for me to ever get lazy (not that I ever would anyway 😉 ) because my friends are constantly inviting me to run or workout!

At first, it was tough for me to branch out and get out of my comfort zone. But, getting involved and being a part of a group has helped my running so much–I’m faster, stronger, and smarter. The latter being the most important in my opinion.

I really can’t praise it enough. There’s absolutely nothing I regret about joining a couple of running groups. My wallet begs to differ–because my races have increased, but I’ve acquired some pretty amazing friendships and experiences that make it ALL worth it. So if you’re on the fence about it, just do it!!! (And if you’re not sure where to start, here are some tips!)

Hope you all have a great Monday!!

❤ , helly

–Do you have a running group?

–How many running friends do you have?

You might’ve seen a social media explosion over the weekend about the new running group/organization/club, heck, party is really the best word to describe it–that is We Run Social.

#WeRunSocial

This past February in preparation for Phoenix Marathon, a ton of Instagrammers, bloggers, social media-ites, got together and formed a Facebook group where we basically talked about our excitement on meeting up and tackling Phoenix. A lot of us had never met before but “knew” each other through various social mediums. We stared using the hashtag #ItsGoingDownAtPhoenix and thus began a huuuge buildup to what would become an epic race (epic for me in a different way lol!). But it certainly went down in Phoenix as everything about the race–the expo, the race itself, and post race festivities lived up to the hype we’d created.

#ItWentDownInPhoenix

Afterward, we were sad. It’s kinda like that post-prom, post-graduation “What do we do now?” Was the party over?

NO WAY.

And that’s how #WeRunSocial started. Now, everyone was invited–it doesn’t matter where, when, what race, who, why–as long as you are running, a good time, you’re in and we’re in! It was so much fun meeting up with people who share the same interests as you, who “get you”–why not let that happen ALL. THE. TIME. At every race.

There’s a Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter page for We Run Social where runners can connect and follow each other. It’s cool to chat with people running the same races as you and then talking about training, race day, and post race stuff. I mean, it’s cool just talking about running. And then if you can meet in person, even better.

I’ve had so much fun getting to know people on social media. They may still be strangers in that I’ve never met them in “real life,” but we’ve formed a bond over something we love: running.

In the short span I’ve been fundraising for Chicago Marathon and the Ronal McDonald House Charity, I’ve been blown away by the support of the running community. Sara @LifeBetweenTheMiles, Charissa @charissarunning, Colby @ItsAMarathonAndASprint, Jennifer @WeAreRunningAMarathon?, Hailey @StridingStrong, and Amber @PbandPrs have all contributed to my cause and have I met any of them in person? Nope. But they’re awesome, and love running, and are supportive of those who run. And for that and much more, I’m thankful.

We Run Social.

I hope you all have a great Monday and week!! ❤ , helly