For the most part, I’m a little different from most of the other walkers I know. I like walking alone, I like listening to a great audio book and zoning out while I do my miles, I like walking when I feel like it, not when someone else arbitrarily chooses a time for me to walk. Though I have been a member of a great walking club for years, I have been hot and cold regarding group walks.

Over the last few months, while training for Big Sur, I have learned the real joy of walking with other people and a walking club!

I started out doing my base mileage on Saturday mornings with members of the Buckeye Striders. It was so nice getting to know different people a little better by walking with them each week.

On long distance days and for speed workouts, I’ve been walking with my friend Deb. Before this, I’ve done 90% of my long distance walks alone. I thought I liked it better alone, but now I’ve changed my mind.

When I’ve made plans to meet someone or our group, I no longer feel “nagged,” I feel as if it is an appointment to walk. In fact, I’m even doing better following through with my training because I’m walking earlier in the day or earlier in the evening, and I don’t have time to change my mind. The other great thing is 16 miles just fly when you have someone to chat with.

So, I’ve come around. I am now officially a big fan of walking with friends!

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