Runners supported

It is officially spring in Ottawa. I know this, not because the canal is soupy and closed for skating, or because my feet are too hot in winter boots or because it's now mostly bright when I walk home in the evening. The true sign of spring in Ottawa is when the runners emerge and take over the canal walkway. These are no casual runners. Many of them may be middle aged, but they all seem quite capable of carrying on lengthy conversations while in full stride. I wouldn't be surprised either if the majority are training for the Ottawa full or half marathon. The most striking thing about the movement of runners is that they actually run in waves. You do not see one or two pass by every few minutes, oh no, they travel in packs of 5-20 people.

As someone who finds no real enjoyment out of running (just for the sake of running) I can see the advantage of a support system. I'm sure I would probably consider my running mates as the incentive to actually get up and go out. In the short stint in undergrad where I did run for exercise, I most certainly wouldn't have done it if it wasn't for Sara and Kelsey who consistently pushed me to keep going. I can understand why the beginners appreciate the group run method; there are other people sharing your pain (literally, shin splints and stomach cramps are not fun) and there is a sense of guilt to the 'team' if you don't show up.

The more advanced runners must use the group mentality for a different reason. Clearly, they are at the stage where they love to run and probably don't need any conscience prompting to get up and go. I suspect they run with a group for the same reason many of us run through our lives surrounded by people we love. They're perfectly capable of continuing on their own, but the group brings new perspectives, laughter, challenges and a quiet smile. When they stumble the group is there to brush off the pebbles and when they set a best time in a race, the group is there for high-fives and a congratulatory hug. The group recalibrates your outlook; the lows seem not so bad and the highs are all that much better when shared. In honour of spring and busy walking/running paths I'd like to thank all my fabulous friends and family for being the best running group a girl could ask for.