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Monday, January 9, 2017

Goodbye, GoRun

As many of you know, Saturday was supposed to be the last group meeting of the running group I've been a part of for the past 8 years. We've had organized group runs every Saturday with water and Gatorade stops along each course, a running coach who planned out our training schedules, and lots of support along the way.

However, mother nature had another plan for Saturday and we weren't able to meet to say goodbye. With a ridiculous below-freezing cold snap in South Louisiana, much of my town was frozen over and we woke up Saturday morning with a "feels like temperature" of 14 degrees F. (That might as well have been below zero to me.) So, the decision was made to cancel our group run. While I understand the reasons, I'm not gonna lie...I was a little sad. You see, change isn't easy for me and I like closure. I was looking forward to meeting up and saying goodbye to everyone. This upcoming Sunday is the Houston Marathon and though many from my group are running it, I'm not this year.

Since we weren't able to say goodbye in person, I decided to put together a little memory of my time spent in GoRun.

My journey with GoRun began in 2009 after returning home from the Walt Disney World Marathon. I was there to spectate for a few friends who were running the race and I decided I wanted to train for the half the following year. NEVER in my wildest dreams did I think I would run anything more than 3 miles at a time...like ever.

When I returned home, I began looking for local groups in my area and that's when I stumbled upon GoRun. I initially thought I would only be a part of the group for a year because I mean....once my half marathon was finished, that was it, right?! Yeah...right. What was initially supposed to be one season turned into eight years of my life.

Throughout those eight years, I've learned a lot about myself as a person, I've grown mentally and physically, I've accomplished things I never thought possible and obtained PR's and goals I've set for myself, and I've made lifelong friendships...all because of my running group.

I've also done things I never thought I would ever do!

Take Goofy's Challenge for example...
 
 
Or how about the fact that I've completed 5 marathons and 25 half marathons to date! (Had you told this to me in my early 20's, I would have told you that you were cray cray!)



What about the time we ran underneath a parked train?! (OMG I still can't believe we did that!)
 
 
Or ran as superheros through town on Halloween?




I've seen gorgeous sunrise after gorgeous sunrise...


...I've also overcome an injury and had an amazing physical therapy team because of my running group.



My favorite of all? I met one of my best friends...


....and made many other friendships along the way because of GoRun.


Sure, all of these things didn't just happen, it still required me to get out of bed early on Saturday mornings and put forth the effort to train...but despite it all (ridiculous heat and humidity of the summer, crazy cold of the winter, even a tropical storm!) my running group has been there through it all.

I can't say enough thank you's to my running coach and all of the friends I've made along the way. These past 8 years have left a huge stamp on my life and I know I'm a better person because of it.


Here's to new challenges and future adventures! Goodbye, GoRun. I'll never forget you or the impact you've had on my life! Thanks for the lifetime of memories!!

All my love, Karen

16 comments:

  1. What a great tribute! I too love my running group and it's changed me and my passion for running more than I can even say! The fun, the friendships, the trainings, etc. I definitely have benefitted from the group. I can imagine it's hard to say goodbye and what a shame you didn't have the final training.

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    1. Same here!! I love the running group environment. It's going to be strange not seeing these people on Saturdays anymore!

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  2. Aww, that is sad that it has come to an end. I don't know what I would do without my group here. I'm glad you have so many great memories from the group!

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    1. Thanks Heather. I was talking with my friend about it last night and we are definitely going to keep running, it just won't be the same!

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  3. Its always so difficult to see the end of an era, especially one that has played such a vital part in your life. Here's to even greater things to come though!

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    1. Yes, I couldn't agree more! You're right, though...I cant wait to see what the future has to hold! :)

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  4. So sad! I'm looking into joining a running group to meet new people and enjoy running. Maybe I'll actually get better too.

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    1. Hope you find a group in your area! Crossing my fingers for you!

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  5. I am so sad that your running group disbanded. That was a really nice tribute; any chance some of you will still get together and run on a regular basis?

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    1. Me too girl, me too. Yes, we still have plans but I know it won't be the same. Ah well...life never stays the same, does it?! :)

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  6. Sad your group disbanded, why did it decide to disband? Glad you had some really great times with it though

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    1. Thanks, Christy I am too. Due to some changes over the past few years, things honestly haven't been the same. Also, my running coach has decided to pursue goals that she couldn't obtain having our running group together, so she decided to end it at this previous season.

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  7. I'm so sad for you that this great group is disbanding. You've had some really great memories. Perhaps something new will come along and open another chapter of your running.

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    1. Thank you...I really did! I've heard talks of new things so we shall see what happens! :)

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  8. I must have missed it, but why is it ending? Sad times.

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    1. My coach has decided to pursue a few goals and it isn't realistic for her to continue with our running group, so this past season was our last. :(

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