Join the BTC for a Run!
By Julie Pearce
Long run. Saturday morning, 6 a.m., at TrakShak... How many of us organize our weekends around a calendar entry similar to that one? Judging by the growing number of participants in the Birmingham Track Club’s long and moderate distance runs, quite a few! And that’s not surprising, really – running with a group provides camaraderie, accountability, and a whole host of other benefits. But more on that later...
The Evolution of the BTC Run Groups
Many of you are already very familiar with the weekly group runs sponsored by the BTC. But do you know how these runs started? The long run group started simply enough -- in the spring of 2006, a group of runners who had completed Danny Haralson’s Couch to 5K program decided to try their hand (or rather, feet) at a longer distance. They chose the 2006 Chicago Marathon as their target race. According to Meredith Farrell, the BTC’s first unofficial long run coordinator, Danny gave them a training plan, she coordinated routes and water stops, and the group continued to grow. Over the years, the group, which by that time had become known as “Meredith’s Marathoners,” trained for several marathons and other races, often traveling together to destination races and coordinating pre and post-race meals and get-togethers.
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| Meredith’s Marathoners |
Meredith continued to coordinate the group until her family moved to Cullman in 2011, when Natalie Ferguson took over the task of planning routes and water stops for the group. By this time, the group had grown to the point that the BTC was actively promoting it as an official training group. Known for her love of a good hill and her well-organized routes, Natalie helped build the long run group by using social media to share routes and coordinate water stop volunteers. After Natalie’s move to Florida in 2014, the group’s current coordinator, Monica Henley, took over the helm. Building on the strong foundation established by Meredith and Natalie, Monica now coordinates and posts a weekly route that is well-publicized on the group’s Facebook page. She also organizes water stop volunteers and pace group leaders for paces ranging from 8:00 to 12:00 minutes per mile. (Editor’s note: Pacers are still needed for some of these paces; if interested, please contact Monica).
The long run group has grown to an average of 75 participants on any given Saturday. Monica plans distances and routes based on the target half and full marathons chosen by the BTC. Runners who need longer distances or an earlier start, often comment on the Facebook posts to find others with similar needs.
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| Relaxing after a Long Run |
The BTC’s moderate run group is a newer addition to the BTC family. Currently coordinated by Mark Criswell, the group typically runs up to seven miles on Saturday mornings. With a 6:30 a.m. start, the group also appeals to those who like to “sleep in” just a bit more. Although the moderate run group is smaller than the long run group, Mark notes that the core group of participants continues to grow. He believes the group’s runners have benefitted from the group mentality: “On more than one occasion, I have had runners remark to me that they ran a faster pace than usual just because they were running with a group. It makes a difference to have new friends and some accountability.”
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| Moderate Run Group |
The Benefits of Group Training
Non-runners are often surprised at how social our sport can be. True, unlike team sports, running can be done alone, in solitude and quiet or to the soundtrack of one’s favorite mismatch of tunes. And while there are benefits to those quiet times, for most distance runners, we eventually come to appreciate the camaraderie that group runs can provide. For me, knowing I have a group to meet for early morning runs motivates me to get moving much more than I would if I planned a solo run (call it the cattle prod effect).
Whether you are motivated by camaraderie, the competition of running with others, or the accountability of meeting others at hours once reserved for sleeping, group runs are worth adding to your routine. Running with a group can help us push the pace when we need to do so (or slow us down when we need to run slower). The BTC’s long and moderate distance groups are large enough to accommodate most every pace – I’ve easily found running partners at my fastest paces and at my post-injury recovery paces.
As a practical matter, group runs provide us with a set, pre-measured course, water stops, and the safety and security of a group. Good run coordinators (as the BTC is fortunate to have) are careful to plan routes that meet a variety of training distance and pace needs. Monica and Mark plan weekly routes with a mixture of flat courses and some hills for variety (hills can’t be avoided in Birmingham, after all). Monica notes that she tries to provide relatively “flat” courses most of the time, but “throws in a tougher route” every fourth week.
Group runs provide us with someone to talk with as we log long miles and someone to laugh with over some of the strange things we encounter on a run (and no – we’re not naming names here, but let’s just say there are certain BTC members who are afraid of road kill, others who have come to the aid of lost pets and children, and still others who have an uncanny ability to attract the early morning barflies. . .). And not only do group runs provide us with companions who understand GI issues more than any other friends we could have, but companions who will encourage us to tackle hills and companions who will listen patiently to our training plans or tell us stories when we need a good distraction.
If you’ve not yet joined the BTC for a group run, why not? I can assure you, no matter which group you choose, you’ll be welcomed with open arms, a cup of Gatorade, and a fun run with an amazing group of runners. Hope to see you out there!
- Do I have to be a member to participate?
- No, you do not have to be a BTC member; however, we hope you’ll see the many benefits of being a member and decide to do so! All are welcome!
- Is there a cost to join the runs?
- BTC runs are free for ALL participants. Although BTC sponsors and supporters occasionally host water stops during a special event, the BTC depends on weekly volunteers to put out water stops for the groups. Water stops are listed on the Google doc link sent to all participants – simply add your name to the stop you want to handle, or email the coordinator to add you to the list. If you participate in group runs, please volunteer periodically to help with this important part of our runs!
- But aren’t these runs just for the fast runners?
- Absolutely not! Pace group leaders are provided for the long run group at a broad range of paces for the long run group at paces ranging from 8:00/mile to 12:00/mile. With the size of our groups, you’re sure to find someone running your pace!
- What if I’m a beginner?
- Join us! As long as you are comfortable running the mileage, the group will help you tackle the route! Most routes are flat, but if you’re not yet used to hills, run them slowly (or walk) – no judging here!
How Do I Join a Group?
For those interested in the long run group, visit the BTC website, or join the group’s Facebook page. Note: It is suggested that you be able to run 4 miles for the half marathon training distances and 10 miles for the marathon training distances by the beginning of a training cycle.
Those interested in the Moderate Run Group should join the moderate run group’s Facebook page or contact Mark Criswell via Facebook, and he will add you to the group.