Wow, after a taxing week last week, I was happy to be going to Charlotte, NC for work this week.  I had been looking into different run groups in the area, but I wasn’t sure I was up for running with new people.  Late on Monday afternoon I decided I would run with the Charlotte Running Company after finding them on Meetup.  It looked like they have a good showing, so I figured why not.  After a short nap, I hopped in an Uber and took the short ride to the run group.

  
I got to the Charlotte Running Company at about 1820.  As soon as I walked in I was greated by, David, the run club coordinator.  He was very friendly, went over the route, gave me paper directions, and advice to not start out to fast, it is a hilly course.  I tucked that info in the back of my mind and then talked with some of the other runners there.

  
Just before we started, the other run club coordinator came up and introduced himself as Linwood.  He was very welcoming and we quickly talked about running, before it was time to start.  At 1835 we went out back behind the store to start the run.  David had told me, the first half mile is downhill and then the rolling hills start.  He wasn’t kidding, the route was like waves on the ocean up and down, repeat!  It was a good course though!  It was hot, close to 98 degrees.  I stayed near the front of the pack most of the route, at mile 3 there was a water stop and I stopped with another guy I was running with, Matt, to get a drink of water.  Then we were off again, I chatted with Matt the rest of the way.  Total the route was 4.44 miles of rolling hills, I finished with an even 8 min pace.  A little faster then I wanted but I was feeling strong and the welcoming runners pushed me through the run.  

 

 
After the run many of the runners stood out back of the store chatting and waiting for everyone to finish.  Linwood came over and asked me what I thought of the course, I thought it was great and told him the group has a lot of good runners!  I finished at the back of the lead pack; you could tell everyone was there to make themselves better runners and enjoy the social aspect as well.  After about 15 mins, David came out and and told everyone there was beer inside, so of course we started to file into the store.  Runners love a cold beer after a run!  I was surprised to see a bar set up, first run store I’ve been to that has that!  Linwood told me that Brooks had sponsored the bar for the runners, how awesome is that!

 

   

I talked to some more of the runners and they invited me out with them.  I love Southern hospitality, I really wanted to accept but it had been a long day and I wanted to get some rest and I need to do some work, so I declined.  Some of the runners run on Tuesday so I may see them again, they also invited me to runs on Wednesday and Thursday, I have work events but maybe I can squeeze in a run with them.  It would be great to run with them again.

  

  
Charlotte Running Company really knows how to welcome a new runner.  Thanks for a great run!

-Veggie Fueled Runner