My first official training run was this morning. The crowd gathering at the local track was impressive in size. It is no wonder that TNT raises so much for LLS. 
After a pep talk from the head coach, we divided into three groups. The first group was to run 5-6 miles. It was to be comprised of experienced runners with a good base, and would be the first to hit the trail. The second group would go second, running 3-4 miles. The final group was the newbies, who run:walk 1-2 miles.
The trail is actually a public paved path which is popular in the area. Our group was warned that there would be cyclist, kids on scooters, and many other walkers and runners. The coach followed this with a statement indicating that our group was, of course, the most important group out there. He was joking of course, and he did make that clear. I immediately laughed and quietly commented that I had suspected that the groups were being told this.
We were given the ground rules to stay only two wide, and be respectful of others. This was nice to hear. I know that I have often hated sharing the trail with such a large group especially when the ground rules seem to have been long forgotten. I think that it will be interesting being on this side of the TNT crowd for once.
It is clear that TNT will likely test my patience for getting going. I am so used to running within minutes of getting out of the car. All of the waiting around was wearing on me. It didn’t help that YaYa had a soccer tournament which limited me. As time ticked past the 8 am scheduled run time, I grew more and more worried that I would not get to run the desired 6 miles. I chose to go with the first group anyhow and just keep an eye on the time.
The group started out at a nice pace. I found myself moving up towards the front right away as we came up on the walkers from another local training group almost immediately. This is where it becomes evident who has run in this type of environment, and who has not. You could almost see the wheels turning in the heads as they tried to figure out how to pass. I forged ahead cheerfully bidding them good morning and giving the "on your left" warning. Some followed behind me, and others still hesitated.
In no time, we were at the water station (mile 1 1/2). What a luxury to not have to carry water. I grabbed a cup of whatever electrolyte drink de jour was being served, along with a sampling of gummybears, and ran off after dropping them down my throat. It was apparent that everyone else wanted to linger.
I soon found myself behind only one person. He was quickly widening the gap. I wondered what message that would send to everyone. I don’t mean to be snooty or showy, I just have limited time. When the assistant coach caught up to me, I explained this. This young woman’s running history (what little was shared in the couple of minutes that we ran side by side) is quite impressive. I believe that she told me that she had run four marathons. The impressive part is that one of them was at the Olympic time trials. Before long, she ran past me to catch up with Mr. Speedy Gonzales. Her ease in acceleration was a lovely site.
A few minutes later, Sheila caught me (and then passed me to chat with another runner that she knew). We ran together throughout the second half of the run. Like me, she also has 12 marathons under her belt, but her last one was over 20 years ago. She continually told me that she wasn’t sure if she 
could even finish a marathon now. This amazed and puzzled me. My reply came as we passed the runners from the two other groups. I told her that EVERYONE was capable of finishing the marathon, but how well each of us did in the race was a totally different matter.
Shiela and I ran well together. She is my first new running friend. We arrived back at the track in perfect timing, and YaYa made it to soccer right on time.