This past weekend marked the seventh Sunday that a bunch of Carnethies gathered to go for a slow social run in the Pentlands. The first month there were four of us (the smallest turn out) and for the fifth month the numbers got up to eighteen. I am certain the promise of coffee and cake afterwards has more to do with the increase in numbers than my stellar conversation. There are a few regulars who come most weeks and there is usually at least one new comer. Overall it is a lovely rotation of club members looking for a nice morning out chatting and running in the hills. It has been a great way to introduce new members of the club to other Carnethies and to re-connect with some old friends I hadn’t seen in years. To ensure everyone feels welcome we always start by going around the circle introducing ourselves.
Having a regular date in my diray has helped me get back into a regular running routine for the first time since the pandemic. So I just wanted to say a big thanks to everyone who has come out so far. I know not everyone can make the last Sunday morning of the month, but it works for me so I plan to keep doing it. However, there is no reason you need to run with me. We are a big club with lots of people. Feel free to start a Saturday morning or Tuesday afternoon group (whatever suits you best). All you need to do is send out an email/Facebook post with some details and people will come (**no guarantees**). You can use my routes if you want (the GPX and map are in the club emails) or make up your own. Just get out there and do something with your clubmates. Its a great way to meet new people and ensure that they cheer you on by name at the Handicaps and Club races.
Sean Walker