At first, with the drizzly, barely 50 F conditions of Saturday morning, I wondered whether the 10 - 15 runners who’d filled out the Covid screening survey would all show up, but they nearly all did. Though I was scrambling to take temperatures while greeting runners, we soon circled up for our usual introductions, plus what we’re excited for right now in running. Runners were looking forward to running with the club again in general, the NH Grand Prix races, and post-run gatherings at Lucky’s, among other things.

We had a strong showing of “regulars” from previous years, plus a couple of newcomers to the club. We spread into several pace groups, all starting out on the Rail Trail this time and turning back at various distances. 

One of our runners, Melissa, had asked me before the run at what pace Saturday runners ran usually. When I said they tended to range from 7 or 8 to 10 or 11 minutes/mile, though runners of all paces were welcome, Melissa wasn’t sure if she’d find people to run with. Once the run started, however, she found that she and Dorcas were lining up on pace on this day. Melissa, who had been running on her own for the past 18 months, very much enjoyed the chance to talk with Dorcas and found the company to be a great motivator too.

As for my own experience Saturday, while I’d been lucky to continue running with friends individually (with distancing) for most of the pandemic, I enjoyed this again Saturday and also appreciated the chance to meet a few new people. I enjoyed the chance to get to know Cindy, whom I’d just met, at the beginning of the run. Next I chatted and ran with Tim, Eric and Sara mainly. Despite a sore back and tired hamstrings from a Thursday workout, I was pulled along by the company and ran on average a bit faster than usual. 

In the last mile, we had just passed a pair running in the other direction when Sara pointed out that they were two professional runners she recognized from her following of track athletes! She proceeded to tell me how Ben True pays one of these runners to be his running partner because it is hard to find running partners as a fast athlete. Despite my general lack of attention to professional athletics, this idea was curious to me and prompted some more discussion of professional running. Sara’s general enthusiasm and curiosity about this topic was contagious; I was reminded that perhaps I could find more interest in other people’s athletics than I’d thought.

Several of us gathered outdoors at Lucky’s to continue our conversations after our runs and to warm up with some hot drinks and treats. Michael later mentioned spending time with fellow runners at Lucky’s as one of the aspects of the run that he enjoyed on Saturday. I tried the Gingerbread Mocha while listening to steeplechase stories. It was the first time I’d dined with people outside my household since my two-week point after my second vaccination, which felt a little strange but was a welcome return to normalcy too.

Speaking of returning to various aspects of normalcy, Tim mentioned that despite the fact that “in these not-quite-post-pandemic times” he’s “a bit afraid of ‘normal’”, the Saturday run “was very ‘normal’ - and it didn't hurt at all!  In fact, it was a simple pleasure!”. 

So whether you’re seeking comfort, excitement, inspiration or company, Saturday runs could be just what you need right now. I look forward to seeing you there next time!