Group Runs...It's Good for Ya!

Do you struggle to maintain a regular exercise schedule? I sure do. I’ve discovered that I do much better when I run and/or exercise with friends. Isn’t it amazing how a long run (or any run for that matter) with a group seems to go by faster and is much more enjoyable than going it alone? Whether you’re starved for attention, need that extra diversion to help get you through those last few miles of a long run, or you enjoy the camaraderie or competition of running with others, it does seem to help. Actually it may even be good for your brain to run with others. Recently scientists found that the generation of new neurons (neurogenesis) is increased in the brains of rats when they were exercised in groups. Rats exercised in isolation showed no new growth. Whether this is true in humans or not, I don’t know, but I guess it's another good reason for planning some runs with friends. If you’re in Greensboro, NC come run with us, The Blueliners. (See the info in the right sidebar). If you’re in another town and looking for a group to run with, check out Running.MeetUp.com.