More runners, more fun (but what about dogs?)

So I finally got my pool day yesterday. I told you I'd be going for a group run last night, and I sure did! I thought to myself yesterday afternoon, "Man, I had better take it easy" (after all, I did a whole lot of nothing all day). But seriously, there is something about running with other people that makes you forget that you're running at all.

Group runs are a fantastic way to make training way more entertaining (maybe I should call it "entertRaining"). Last night, we left from Road Runner Sports in Westminster, CO and I got to run with 4 other lovely people including the owner of the store, 2 other runners involved with ACS, and Valerie, the DetermiNation coordinator in Denver (and Valerie's dog). I think she  remembered my feelings towards dogs (which are something like terrified and/or disgust depending on the dog), but I really don't mind running with her dog. Anyways, I was able to practice my second strategy for staying motivated to run.

I always appreciate an opportunity to meet other runners, especially the one's who are also involved with ACS. Group runs can sometimes be intimidating to join, especially when you get there and find out you're running with someone who's on her 7th marathon! Geez! You go girl! I've done other group runs before and I find that the intimidation kind of disappears if you bring a friend or make a friend... so I did the second.

Here are some resources for group runs:

Denver Group runs- In particular, I have done the Wahoo's run. I also hear that the Irish Snug and the Bull and Bush Running Club are pretty awesome. Any run that offers free food and/or beer afterwords is ideal- a workout and a free meal?!?

Boulder Group runs- The one that we did last night is included in here- Road Runners in Westminster

And for my people back home:

Fleet Feet Sports Buffalo Running Meetup Group

Running with other people is way more fun!

I thought that today, after having my first experience this season running with (and from) a dog- because after all, he was a part of the group run too, I would leave you with these words from Tina Fey's new book "Bossy Pants". I just read this book in about one week and thought I might be arrested or thrown off of my flight for having gone crazy I was laughing so hard.. outloud... by myself. 

"...I have no affinity for animals. I don't hate animals and I would never hurt an animal; I just don't actively care about them. When a coworker shows me cute pictures of her dog, I struggle to respond correclty, like an autistic person who has been taught to recognize human emotions from flashcards. In short, I'm the worst."

Thank you, Tina Fey, for understanding me.