Getting this thing going!

Teri and I met today. We have been discussing for several months the fact that we would like to start a women's running club in Warrensburg. As we talked we realized that the women we felt might be interested in joining were of all ages, all fitness levels, and would have all kinds of reasons to be part of a group like this. We also decided that limiting the group to runners would be a disservice to the group and to the women who could join. We would like the group to meet at least once a month to every several months to talk about running and walking events to help us keep moving, to have a chance to share knowledge and wisdom that we have gained, to have a chance to sit down with women with like interest and goals, and to just have fun. Running and walking offer a great opportunity for stress relief, reflection, fitness and the chance to help others through fundraising races. If you are interested in going to some races this is a great opportunity to go with a group and join the fun. If you have already been to some races this is a great opportunity to check out some new ones. Just from Teri and my conversations I have already learned some new things, about workout wear, about some of the races I haven't been to yet, and a few other things. I figure if I can get that much just from talking with one other person -- what could I gain from 10 or 20 other people.
This group is not about winning races, this group is about women being empowered by other women, about gaining knowledge from those who have been there before, and having a good time. It was inspiring to hear Teri say that she had broken away from the old New Year's resolution of "I want to lose XXX number of pounds" and has found the new goal of improving her mile time. I think that says a lot about how running and walking can remake a person and shift your mind set. Running and walking is not expensive -- you don't have to spend a lot of money to do it and enjoy it and it can be for any age.
Whether you want to start walking and transfer into running, or you want to be a better runner, or want to find a walking or running partner, or just make new friends I feel this group will be a great opportunity for many women from Warrensburg and the surrounding area (We figured WOW could be transformed to WOWSA- Women of Warrensburg and the Surrounding Area if you didn't feel you could be classified as from Warrensburg!-ha ha!) to be a part of something. We have invited women of all ages, background, professions, and fitness levels to join us in this quest for fun and fitness. I hope you will be as excited as I am!!!
Macae