Finding a Way
This is the middle of training, and I can tell. My motivation to run this week wasn't very high, but I know I'm in good shape because I ran fast (for me) without even trying. I finished my Tuesday run of four miles in 36 minutes, 13 seconds, which I was thrilled about. The same run a month ago took four minutes longer.
Another benefit of training is I've lopped off 12 pounds, and I can tell I'm eating better. Right now, a nice white peach seems more appetizing then a bag of chips.
I will admit training alone is more difficult than in a group because there is no peer pressure to make me run on days I would rather hang out at home.
But how can you find a running group?
The best place is at a specialty running store. Most offer groups for beginning, moderate and advanced runners.
If you're interested in running a marathon and don't think you can do the training, there are groups, or running clubs, that can help.
One such group is Team in Training http://www.teamintraining.org. They will help train you, and it's a great way race money and awareness to fight a deadly disease. Every marathon I've run has had a heavy dose of Team in Training participants, and it's interesting to see where everyone is from.
Of course, there are other worthy organizations as well. The key is finidng them.
By the way, I'm not looking forward to the 100-plus temperatures forecast for the Valley this weekend.