The following is a short letter from new Soup Grouper Beth Smith.

Beth joined TVFR about a month ago, and has been a regular with the Soup Group since. She'll be busy in the kitchen this weekend making one of this week's soups!

While I have been a lifelong runner to the extent that I tried to maintain some level of dedication over the years to getting out for a healthy run, generally in the 3 -5 mile range, I confess that my dedication has been sporadic at best.  I could blame the demands of career, family, community, etc., but the truth is it was just easier to skip it.  Recently I have begun running regularly again.  With the advice of friends I decided to step it up and commit to a few road races and to seek out a running club as an additional source of motivation and support.

I turned to Google search to find a running club and came upon TVFR.  After a few emails with Gary Atlas, we determined that a great place for me to start would be the Sunday Group run.  While the website and Gary’s emails promised that the group was geared towards all levels of runner I must confess I was still a bit apprehensive driving to my first Sunday run.   I had always run independently and wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the group dynamic.  I had all sorts of concerns – is it competitive, will they laugh at my slower pace,  what if I need to stop and walk, am I dressed appropriately, do I even look like a runner?  Ok admittedly I am a worrier but I am sure there are others out there that have at least one of these concerns when considering joining a running club.

Well for all those worriers out there, for anyone who has considered joining TVFR but held back for self doubt, I am here to say “Let go of your concerns and join us!”  It has been since the first email exchange with Gary through the last Sunday’s run, one of the best experiences I have had with running.  Now I eagerly look to the website each week in anticipation of the next run, the location, distances, and who will be joining the group that week.

After running on my own most of the week on the same routes I really enjoy the change in scenery that each Sunday run presents.  I cannot say enough about the organization of the group.  Each route, based on the distance, is color coded and clearly marked.   In addition to providing maps, the leader for each distance also provides a quick overview on the route before the group heads out.  Due to the size of the group it seems each week everyone has found someone running at their pace and distance to buddy up with.  However, if you prefer to run alone any week and meet up with the group after, you certainly have every opportunity to do so without getting lost.  I have had the opportunity to push myself faster some weeks on pace and/or distance as well as show up for a nice lighter run or a mix of walking.  There truly are all levels of runners in the group.

The soup and fellowship that follow each run are as enjoyable as the run.  This has been a great opportunity to pick up many tips from more experienced runners as well as a time to enjoy camaraderie with fellow runners.  I could not say enough about the wonderful group of people I have had the great pleasure to meet through joining TVFR.