Running With A Group

I'm a huge extrovert but I'm also highly intimidated by those that can do things better than me.  No matter what it is.  As the kid who was picked last for everything in gym class, athletic people REALLY intimidate me.  But, I'm working to get over it.  We all can't do everything better than everyone -- it just doesn't work that way.

With that realization, I've started running with the Bolingbrook Fun Run Club (BFRC)  This is a group that started at Meetup.com and has been growing.  The organizer, Gladys, is a fabulous woman that enjoys running, but enjoys bringing new people into the fold even more.  She's a wonderful motivator.  My first run with them was a Valentine's Day Free Run sponsored by our local Road Runner's Sports store.  Gladys had designed and offered red hoodies for us and nearly everyone bought one.   There were about 40 of us, and as the trails in the prairie were icy, we ran 3 miles through the local neighborhood.   Totally no pressure and a lot of fun.  

Soooooo.....I joined them this morning at the Morton Arboretum.  That's me in the yellow in the middle of the photo.  There were people of all sorts of abilities in this group.   I went out with the group that does run/walk intervals and had a great time.  Yes, it was slower than what I do when I'm alone but I would not have had nearly as much fun alone.  Two brand new members ran with us and I so enjoyed talking with them.  Our 5 miles flew by.  I wanted to get in 8 today, so when I got home, I did 3 more miles at a quicker pace.  I feel great and am so excited about this group.   They're supportive and fun.  What more could I ask for?

Oh, and the Arboretum appears to be a runners mecca.  When I drove in this morning, there were people running all over the place.  What a lovely place to run.  Even in these last of winter days, with snow on the ground and no leaves on the trees, the place is gorgeous.  I'm thinking it will be a great place to stop and run after work this summer.  Change into my running clothes at the office, get the run in on the way home and shower when I get home.  There's hills at the arboretum.  Something I don't have in the neighborhood.  Something I need for stronger legs.  It's a win, win situation.

A huge thank you to Gladys for all her hard work.  I, for one, am impressed and thankful.