Come Run with Me!

Many of my running friends like to run with groups. Frankly, it has never appealed to me. When it comes to running, I am a “Lone Ranger.” I like running alone and listening to audio books.

But two weeks ago, I decided to participate in Powered by Hope’s team run on Saturday here in Nashville. This is training that they are providing through the Jeff Galloway organization for those of us at Thomas Nelson who are participating in the Country Music Half Marathon in April.

I went to the run reluctantly. But, boy, was I surprised. I loved it. We only ran four miles, but the time flew by. They had small groups for every possible level of walker and runner. Honestly, it was the highlight of the week.

I didn’t go last week; it was just too cold for mere mortals—about 6 degrees. But I am going tomorrow morning (Saturday morning, January 24). Will you join me? I’d love to meet you. (I’ll even give you 60 seconds to pitch your book idea to me if you run in my group.)

We will be meeting at the Grassland Middle School in Franklin, TN. We will sign-in at 6:45 a.m. and start running (or walking) at 7:00. Please note: you will need to signup at Powered by Hope first. This is quick and easy.

Group participation like this will dramatically increase your enjoyment of training for the April race. I never thought I’d say that, but I am now a believer.

Comments

[Tymm]

I'll tell ya what - 60 seconds with you to pitch my book idea is almost worth the 4.5 hour drive up there to Franklin from the ATL...

One of these days... One of these days... I am gonna corner ya and pick your brain about your use of social networking and one to many "broadcasting" because I think you do it very very well...

Dang - why do I have to be stuck in the dirty south?

[John UpChurch]

Any way someone can get that 60 seconds if there's no way to make it on Saturday (not the distance, just family time)?

[Sibel]

I would love to come and run with you, also take the opportunity to discuss with you. But unfortunately I'm living in Turkey. I like your blog and the way you see things. Thanks for sharing.

[Lindsey Nobles]

I'm planning on being there. I just wish it wasn't SO early.

[Joy Argow]

I like your bribery... ah I mean 'marketing' :-) Good bait to get people into running! Hope you get some good pitches!

[Donald James Parker]

Joy,
You got the bribery aspect backward. It's good bait to get a runner pitching a book. In my case I already write and run. Unfortunately I'm stuck in the great white Northern plains.
Running with other people does make it seem easier, but I've usually been a lone ranger too. Good luck in your training, Michael.

[Dave in Nashville]

Michael

I will be there. I need the advice and constructive criticism on my "book."

[Vicki Small]

Alas, I live too far away. And I don't run, anymore; I do well to get on the treadmill or the eliptical crosstrainer, every day.

But 60 seconds would be tempting, and that's about how long I would need to pitch my book idea, because I have only the general idea of the content.

Oh, well; as I said, I live too far away. . . .

[Rob Sargeant]

Too bad my knee is injured. I'd love to be there. I've been biking for the past two months, taking it easy, waiting for it to heal.

[Anne Lang Bundy]

You're killing me, Mike. The first flight I can get doesn't arrive in Nashville til 9:20 am. (And the last seat was only $313!) Can you give me a little more advance notice next time you're offering 60 seconds for pitches? My Michigan blood will even do 6 degrees.

[Rosslyn]

This is hilarious! Can we send our agents? I think they should be more than willing--all in the line of duty.

Please do *not* forget your camera.

[Marla Taviano]

I know there are very few original ideas, but I think your invite might be one of them.

If I ever make the (scary) jump to fiction, this whole run-with-me/pitch-to-me scenario would make a great scene.

[Carol Hatcher]

I'd only need 6 seconds to pitch after running there from Atlanta. That's all the breath I'd have left!

[Omar Hamada]

Can't tomorrow, but if you do this again in the next week or two, i'll take you up on it!

[Tracey Bateman]

I LOVE the idea to send our agents! I'm calling mine right now!

[Larry Shallenberger]

Too far to run with you. How about a 140 word "tweet" pitch?

Doesn't get any more concise than that.

[Sandy Schulz]

Mike, I can't come and run with you (though I'd love it! And I don't even have anything to pitch!) but I completely agree--running with a group changed how I felt about running. I used to slog through 3 miles solo with my ipod, hating every minute. Once I started running with a group here in DC (and it's an insanely diverse group--fast, slow, young, not so young) I can blow through 5+ miles and it just flies by. So much to talk about with friends old and new. The group runs 5 days a week and everyone is sort of expected to show up at least two days (or they talk about you) (it's totally productive peer pressure) Good luck with your half marathon. That's my training plan once baby #3 arrives in June.