Starting the running group

Text: an original contemporary personal account-style practice extract.

On my first evening with the running group, I stayed close to the back. The leader asked each newcomer whether they preferred to run continuously or alternate running and walking. I chose the second option. At the park gate, the group divided according to those choices rather than how fast people looked. A woman who had finished a marathon joined our walking intervals because she was returning after a long break. I stopped apologising for my pace when she asked me which route I preferred.

From the extract, identify one option the writer chose for the run.