It’s that time of year when various running groups assemble in anticipation of all the great spring and summer races in the area. I’m a huge fan of running groups and love cheering them on no matter what the race is or who is leading the charge. If I’ve learned anything about myself over the years, I’ve discovered that I am a much more motivated runner when I’m sharing my hobby with others. As a former group fitness instructor, I’ve seen how exercise and companionship can transform individuals both physically and mentally and how the power of positivity can change lives and situations where before there seemed no hope. Groups build confidence, self-esteem and connectivity in ways that are so much larger than ourselves.

The running community in Colorado Springs is no exception to this tidal wave of positivity and if you are looking to find purpose in things larger than yourself, I am excited to introduce Colorado Running Company’s Garden of the Gods Ten Miler team! This team, which starts a 12-week program on March 28^th is a unique offer that not only provides an ability-tailored training program that runners can implement on their own during the week  and with group runs on Saturdays, but also works to introduce runners into the true heart and nature of our local running community.   

Entry fee for the team includes registration for the Garden of the Gods Ten Miler on June 14^th, as well as an additional registration into the Project Purple 5K on April 26^th, which will be incorporated into the overall team training plan. Members of this team will not only train for their own race through one of America’s most scenic courses, but by participating, also contribute to Project Purple’s Running to Beat Pancreatic Cancer, a project headed by our own local PC survivor and ultra-runner extraordinaire, Tonia Smith.

In addition to the joy of connecting with other members and enjoying all the camaraderie that running has to offer, I’ve also come to realize that fully enjoying the sport of running means also witnessing the magic through the lens of a volunteer.  As such, I think it is particularly cool that for the Colorado Running Company Garden Ten Miler Team, members are asked to assist with one race during their training – the Cheyenne Mountain 25K & 50K Trail Race on April 25^th. The proceeds of this race go to support another incredible organization, Achilles International, which is an all-inclusive running/walking/biking/moving group that advocates active lifestyles to promote personal achievement and enhance self-esteem. This great organization also happens to be led by another fantastic local athlete, the one and only Brandon Stapanowich.

While it’s not unusual to find local running groups that support great causes, it is hard to find one that pulls together so many local athletes and causes into one, coherent group. With a group designed to unite the community in one overarching goal to create connections and personal investment in others, I am truly excited for the opportunity to work with this ground-breaking team.

You can naturally expect some of the regular perks of being in a running club, complete with treats and refreshments after the runs. Also, there some cool additional benefits to include a great team shirt, free beer from Red Leg Brewing, a free yoga session, a coupon for dinner at Roman Villa, treats from Great Harvest Bread Company, discounts on shoes and even an awesome pair of socks once you complete your fifth training run!

For more information, come to the team orientation meeting at Red Leg Brewing on Monday, March 16^th at 6pm, or contact Vanessa Shawver at vanessa.shawver@gmail.com!