I'm officially part of a training group

I'm usually a solo runner. I run by myself. Whether it's on a treadmill or outdoors. My runs are usually my time to think, de-stress or just zone out. In fact I can probably count on two hands the number of times I've actually run with other people (other than a race setting).

My run time? It's my me time.

But I've heard amazing things from others about running buddies. People love them. They rave about them. They talk about how running with friends has helped them - either increase their speed or distance or push them through the tough time. They talk about how running with others helps keep them accountable.

And after listening to all that, I decided. I want to try this running group thing.

So today I signed myself up for a half marathon training group being organized by my local Fleet Feet store. It's goal race is the Oshkosh Half Marathon, which falls a month before the Green Bay Half Marathon. Normally I've done the 5K event at Oshkosh, but I figured this year I'll tackle the 13.1 miles. I mean if I was following the Green Bay training plan I'd need to do 10 miles anyway. What's an extra 3? So you heard it here first, I've got two half marathons planned for this spring.

The program offers some coaching and maybe that will help me finally break that 2:30 I've been chasing for the last year. And of course it'll give me the chance to test out this running with others concept. Yes, it will involved early morning runs in what will probably be chilly temperatures. But you know what? I'm looking forward to it.

I'll check back in next weekend and let you know how my first foray into a running group went.