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Post by Matt on Apr 17, 2008 14:49:37 GMT
Brian came up with the mentoring issue last night, which has come up before. Just wondered what people's thoughts were on this, particularly from people who have joined recently.
I remember when I first joined, some 12 years ago i think, it seemed very difficult to break into the social groups within the club, and I found it very difficult to find someone to run with. I like to think the club has evolved into something far more accessible, but would really like to hear other opinions.
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Post by tatinthehat on Apr 17, 2008 20:01:30 GMT
I joined in Feb and I have to say Matt that I've been made to feel very welcome. I've always managed to buddy up with someone and really look forward to Wednesday nights. That might also be because I have 2 girls under 4 yrs and I don't get out much (she says in a slightly hysterical voice). No seriously, it's a pleasure not a chore.
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Post by grahamp on Apr 18, 2008 12:07:16 GMT
Although not officially mentoring, I'm quite happy to run with anybody who is not confident, does not know the area or does not want to run on their own.
Normally I run the longer of the two routes and achieve 8-9 minute a mile.
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Post by Sir Cowarde de Custarde on Apr 19, 2008 11:37:24 GMT
I sometimes run with newer members of the club, though this has not always worked well for either of us. For those of you who remember Johanna, this was my experience of her first evening with us...
We set off from the Westborough Centre to run the 10K route and, as always we set off quickly. Very soon, we were bowling along at about 7 mins 30 pace heading down towards the London Road. I found myself alongside the aforementioned Swedish student osteopath, so I decided to keep her company so she did not lose her way. After 15 minutes, she was just getting warmed up, while I was starting to struggle - and then we reached the bottom of Hermitage Lane. By this point, my contributions to the discussion were about as lengthy as Avram Grant's answers to his press conference the other night (for those reading this in a couple of months' time, he was the Chelsea manager after Mourinho). As we crossed the railway line, I knew I could manage no more, so had to let her go,and within 30 seconds or so, she had crossed the gap to the next group of runners some 50 yards ahead. I then soldiered on to the end of the run, finishing some 5 minutes after her. She then set off for a cool-down jog; I might have managed that speed, but it's all relative.
On a different occasion with a different couple of newcomers, I remember running increasingly slowly as we watched everybody else disappear into the distance. We eventually reached a walk after two and a half miles - most of it towards the Malta Inn from the Dragon's club. Even cutting about 2 miles off the run (and missing out the infamous bridge over Bluebell Hill), we finished a good 20 minutes AFTER everyone else.
Fortunately, now we have the shorter route as well, this should not happen again...
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Post by Matt on Apr 21, 2008 13:38:28 GMT
Although not officially mentoring, I'm quite happy to run with anybody who is not confident, Applicants should be female and bring at least one friend
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Post by grahamp on Apr 21, 2008 14:03:13 GMT
Was thinking of going for a new world record, you know how many female friends can I mentor at the same time! but 2 will have to do.
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Post by Sir Cowarde de Custarde on Apr 21, 2008 14:30:12 GMT
Grant used to rib me about only ever running with the ladies on a club night - so I reckon you need 4 or 5 to join you to match my efforts.
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Post by myjointshurt on Apr 21, 2008 14:57:41 GMT
I think I have found the ideal answer for Graham. Also adds a bit of competition. At the top of the forum are ads for other websites thought we could kill two birds (pun) with one stone as there is a fitness-singles website. We could all do an ad for Graham and see how many takers there are. We may even get some new members. I do not know what the one with most reponses would get. Per chance a lesson in talking to the ladies from our budding Lothario.
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Post by grahamp on Apr 22, 2008 12:10:00 GMT
Already looked at Fitness Singles, only thing is its very American.....anyway had more sucess with facebook!
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Post by sueatfranksplace on Apr 22, 2008 13:17:00 GMT
Facebook has been my addiction for nearly 12 months BUT I find I am now logging on to this site FIRST and then Facebook (then Myspace and finally Hotmail!)
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Post by Bony Peter on Apr 22, 2008 15:38:02 GMT
Do you find time to work.
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Post by sueatfranksplace on Apr 22, 2008 15:55:30 GMT
Work, yes. Sleep, not a lot. Hence the hagged look I'm cultivating.
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Post by tatinthehat on Apr 22, 2008 19:35:59 GMT
It's a cruel addiction!! You're very popular but so hagged that you'll never leave the study. You need to get out more Sues, speaking of which, are you picking me up tomorrow night???
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Post by sueatfranksplace on Apr 22, 2008 20:03:15 GMT
Certainly am my dear. Same time?
And it'll be nearly light the whole time we are running. YYeeeeeaaaahahahah.
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Post by Bony Peter on Apr 22, 2008 21:00:10 GMT
Yes we are moving in to the summer runs in the country side instead of running around the dark street of maidstone.
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