All you need is love...

So I went to my first group run yesterday in the area, the Buffalo Marathon training group (and no, this is not a picture of Buffalo in January). I saw an advertisement flyer in the gym the other day, and since I've been struggling with my workout consistency, it was kind of a no-brainer to go.

What do you mean a no-brainer? You did the Ironman last year? Well sure, since the Ironman people have been throwing the praise at me about my dedication when it comes to working out. And on a scale of 1 to 10, maybe I am more deidacted then the average Joe. Maybe. But I had skipped plenty of workouts while training for the Ironman, probably even more since then. Last month's 1/2 marathon/marathon double at Walt Disney World was more based on talent then it was hard work, and that's not something I say proudly. Some of my consitency has turned to complaceny, with a new job and moving to a new city (where it snows like every freakin day), there are just more days where I'm not out being active.

Now don't get me wrong, I do work out. And yes, it's probably a lot more then AJ (aka the average joe). But it's by no means as much as it used to be. Most of that is becase of lifestyle changes, and none of us can change that. I wouldn't change the new job or where it is for the world (well, maybe if it snowed every other day instead of every day). Now the challenge is how to find ways to work out when I'm skipping.

Which brings me back to the Buffalo marathon training group. Training with others, is a great way to work out. It builds and maintains your fitness while at the same time fosters new relationships in your area. The support that you provide and receive to /from others with similar goals cannot be overstated. And it's easy to skip a workout when you're the only one, but the pressure to get there when you know others are counting on you can be heavy.

Yesterday was a perfect example....It was 12 degrees out yesterday with a wind chill below zero when I met the group. There is NO way i would have gotten dressed to run in that kind of weather by myself. But knowing others would be there, I pulled on the layerd running gear and met about 20 other crazies ready to run. And run we did. I got 10 miles in for the day!!!

And yes, I'm biased when it comes to running, but there are plenty of other groups out there. Swimming, cycling, even trips to the gym. You just have to look in your area for them. Try calling around to local gyms or fitness stores and ask about them. You can also look at active.com, which is a great site for those who want to know of activities in your area.

Happy training.