I’m afraid I have a rather startling admission to make. Dear readers, I have lied to you.

You may recall last week that I said something to the effect of “I certainly won’t be waking up at 5am, chugging down kale smoothies and running”. Fast forward to the following morning and there I was, drinking my Ultimate Green smoothie from Maple + Clove after a refreshing 6:15am run with their Runners’ Group. I am now “that girl” – obligatory Instagram post and all.

I’ve always loved Maple + Clove. Mostly because of their food, but also because of their amazing coffee, beautiful setting (nestled in a green park within the Realm precinct) and attention to detail – think matte black porcelain, Burberry check blankets and an impeccably styled interior. One such detail that I’d always taken note of was the sign on their chalkboard that reads “Runners’ Group, every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.15am”. To be honest I’d wanted to go ever since my first visit, but had made a million excuses not to. “I’m not fit enough”, “it’s too early”, and “it’s probably cliquey”.

Well, it is worth the early start, it’s worth overcoming that initial insecurity, and the group themselves couldn’t be more sociable, supportive and warm. Not only did they enthusiastically welcome me into the group but they each took the time to run next to me and get to know me, which was lovely and made the run seem as though it went for half as long. When I admitted that I’m attempting my first half-marathon next month, the veteran marathon runners of the group (there’s a few) took the time to give me pointers and tell me their stories.

We ran about five or six kilometres, starting from the front of the café, around the Parliamentary Triangle, to Lake Burley Griffin and back. Chris, the group leader, tells me that the original plan for the group was to change the route regularly, but now they mostly stick to this one because it’s so beautiful. You really get to make the most of our beautiful city, running through leafy streets, past the misty lake, passing groups of boot campers and other active Canberrans. There’s a real community vibe and it feels pretty fabulous to be a part of it.

Not everyone in the group runs at the same speed, although the group averages five or six minutes per km. As I’ve said, I’ve come from a running background, so this pace and distance felt pretty good to me. The group extends a warm welcome to runners of all abilities, and Chris tells me that they’ve had a range of different people come along: from those who walk half the way, to those who sprint the final one or two km. It is a Runners’ Group, though, and I would recommend that you go with at least the intention of running five km.

The group runs every Tuesday and Thursday, even through frosty Canberra winters. Sound like your version of hell? It’s a lot easier to keep active in the winter when you have the company and support of others. And let’s not forget the prospect of a toasty warm coffee waiting for you at the end.

That’s the other highlight of the runner’s group: the breakfast, coffee and chatting at the end. It’s the perfect way to reward yourself for your hard work: good food with good company.  Also, the antioxidant-rich, nutritious wholefoods are the perfect accompaniment to whatever kind of training you’re doing. If you’re in a hurry to start your day, I’d at least grab a smoothie on the way out. Ultimate Green or Peanut Butter + Banana with vanilla protein on almond milk are my picks.

I’m not sure whether it was the endorphins, the nutritious wholefood or the inspiring company, but I could not wipe the smile off my face for the rest of the day. I floated through my work day, full of energy. I think I might be hooked.

I honestly can’t recommend M+C Runner’s Group highly enough. I will be there every week, with all the bright-eyed, bushy-tailed enthusiasm I can muster at that hour of the morning. As I write this on Monday evening, I’m genuinely excited to get to bed so I can wake up and go again tomorrow morning. That never happens. It’s official: I’m now a morning person.

the essentials

What: Maple + Clove Runners’ Group
When: 6:15am every Tuesday and Thursday
Where: Starts from Maple + Clove, Burbury Close, Barton
Web: www.mapleandclove.com/runners-group