Five is the new six

Okay, so I didn't run six miles today, but I did run five, thanks to my friends Emma, Vicky, and Co. 

A 5:30 am start and a nice drippy humid jaunt around the neighborhood was just what I needed to reconnect with the reality that yes, my legs can actually move continuously for more than three miles.  And it was easy!

And now I am really looking forward to my Saturday morning group run because it kicked my butt last week and now I'm all, "shut up humid hills, I am soooo over you."  And the hills are all, "whatever, you said that last week and walked half of it," and I'm all, "well that was then and this is now so shove it," and they're all, "yeah, well, your shorts look dumb with that shirt," and I'm all, "talk to the hand 'cause the face ain't listening!" 

Anyway, group running is a new thing for me.  I've always eschewed group fitness because, well, as hard as this may be for anyone who knows me to believe, I am actually pretty anti-social.  Stop laughing.  It's true! I guard my workout time like a dollar I found in the dryer - it's mine, allll mine! People who tried to talk to me in the gym got short, curt answers that said, "I'm busy, please move on."  I don't work as hard when I am chatting, and I try to follow the same consideration for others when they are working out. 

People who workout with me in the mornings will tell you I fail miserably at this. 

Anyway, group running is a whole different story.  Listening to the chatter of others, engaging in conversation with a fellow runner, or just having the accountability of being with other people makes running infinitely more enjoyable.  In fact, studies (translation: articles I read on the internet) show that running in a group increases motivation, provides a more supportive environment, challenges us to beat a personal best, and can even enhance your career.  And naturally, running in a group is a lot safer, too, especially when a group of women run together long enough that their periods start to sync up and they can combine that primal aggression. 

Seriously, a whole pack of women high on hormones?  I'm scared of that

and I'm one of them.

Anyway, my five miles this morning were a cinch because I made myself more accountable and surrounded myself with distractions from what would normally have been a boring run.  I really can't wait to do it again.  If you're interested in finding a running club in your area, check out this resource that can help you do it. 

Good day!  And good run!