If you hate running, try this!

For my entire life, running has been something I've had to do.

You know what I'm talking about, the high school 2,400 metre fitness test or the short sprint across the soccer pitch to intercept an oncoming striker during gym class. As I got older, I got into triathlons by accident. I was working as a reporter and photographer for the Westlock News weekly newspaper and to understand the passion of why someone would try three different sports at once, I signed up with two buddies to try it out. I left the running to one of my friends because frankly, why would you want to run when you could bike?

Then the next year I did my first sprint triathlon on my own and I had to put up with the five kilometres at the end of the 20 lengths of the swimming pool and the 15 km bike ride over the gravel-filled rural roads.

But in 2020 something happened. Well, not that. We all know THAT happened. But something else happened. My wife and I started running together and I had no idea how much stress release and moment of zen a little bit of physical exercise could create! We ran a virtual 10 km Lululemon Seawheeze right in our hometown of Lethbridge and we kept training for other events as a fun way to get outside. Well that turned into three virtual half marathons (Vancouver Half and the Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon ) in the last two years through the Canada Running Series .

In 2023 I did something that I wished I would have done many years ago. I joined the Runners Soul Marathon Club. This is such a great group of people, it was like finding a new community. Usually I was the live music guy so going to the local watering holes the Owl or the Slice is where I would find my musician friends and just sit back and be excited and surprised by who stepped onto the stage next.

Now running is my thing and I'm aiming for a marathon later this summer. We shall see if I can make it. Two hours for a half marathon is already a long time, I will really have to create a new rocking playlist if I am expected to keep my feet moving for four hours.

Shawn and Erin Pinder have created such an amazing group of people in their weekly Marathon club, it really is heartwarming. In the bitter cold of winter starting in January, serious athletes, recreational runners and everyone in between can train up for a half marathon or a full marathon. This past weekend made it even more special when we gathered after running through the streets of Lethbridge with an incredible meal from Streatside Eatery. The visiting and camaraderie shared over food after making it up two massive hills in the coulees was really special.

I am so glad I got into running. Who knew I could love something that I used to loathe. It sure helps when you have an amazing community behind you supporting you as you try to accomplish a goal.

So if you are not fortunate enough to live in Lethbridge , I encourage you to seek out your local running shop and see if they have a running group that gets together on a weekly or even monthly basis. You may surprise yourself at how much you like something that many of us can't even fathom the word enjoyment belongs in the same sentence.