I work with runners...

I've been watching a really neat thing take place over the past two and half months; 15 of my co-workers have turned from non-believers into runners, equally dedicated to running as many of the elite who participate in the sport.

Our Running Club began the first week of January with 16 eager faces, most of whom were new to running. We started that week with 20 minute walks and have progressed to what will be our first 20 minute run, less then twelve weeks into our training on Monday, and our first two mile run is only a week away.

When I watch this group, I can't help but swell-up with pride at the collective and individual accomplishments - a real one-mind, one-heart mentality has developed among the group proving once again that running is so much more than an athletic event.

Running challenges us physically and mentally to accomplish what we never thought we were capable of, and when we reach our running goal, we then challenge ourselves to go faster or longer. Running teaches us that we can do extraordinary things if we fuel ourselves with the right dose of nutrition and fuel for the mind. Most notably though, running builds relationships galvanizing a group with a common interest. You learn a lot about other people in the sport when you sweat it out with them on the streets. You see what drives them to be better, you share in their individual triumphs, and you stick up for them and encourage them when a bad day comes along from time-to-time.

Whomever it was that said running was an individual sport never participated in a Running Club. I'm always proud to tell people that I work with runners.

A spring in my step...

Today was a special day. It was the day to compile my training schedule for the half marathon taking place in Halifax in May.

It's a pretty intense schedule, a lot of running and an almost equal amount of weight training - all put together with the goal of finishing the half while being in the best shape of my life; we have to have goals.Reading over the schedule, one thing is clear - Spring is coming and with Spring comes the enjoyment of early morning outdoor runs once again, and for me, there's nothing better. I can also revel in the enjoyment of knowing that because I kept my activity level up this Winter, I'll be in decent shape for Tuesday, the first day of training.

And with Spring just around the corner, Summer can't be far off!

Smile, run, smile...

I've been inspired recently.

Oddly enough, the source of my inspiration was not from a Lance Armstrong-like performance in the New York City Marathon; in fact, it wasn't drawn from an athletic feat at all. I've been inspired by the 14 other members of our newly established Running Club, most of whom are brand new to running.

What inspires be about these people is their drive and enthusiasm to better themselves. In the short time that our group as been training, we've gone out in some pretty unfavourable weather conditions - high winds, heavy rain, extreme cold, and not once has a member of the group complained about what it is we're doing. Instead, on days we are scheduled to run, I always find the group assembled by our front door, dressed and ready with smiles as big as our building, for the next training session.

Running is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one and this group has conquered the mental side - the physical side will take care of itself in the weeks ahead.

I hope the group members can see the strides they've made thus far. These people have proven they never, ever give up. What do you do?