Group Exercise, Accountability, Co-Dependency and Coaching....

There is something to be said for group exercise and the accountability element.  Group running sure can help a beginner form consistent exercise habits.  Even the dimension of a running buddy can help one stay on track.  

Last Saturday Ardmore Jeff Galloway Getting Started Program sponsored a group run which took place at Broadlawn Park.  As the Program Director, I was pleased to see those who showed up eager to learn and experience the benefits of this program!

Not only is accountability a benefit, but the element of guidance can help the health seeker start out on the right foot.  This is extremely relevant about beginners who need support to build healthy exercise patterns to help stay injury free.  After all, getting to the starting line injury free is half the battle!

When I first started running there was not a local organized running group.  I spent countless miles out on the road alone.  I did not have a well thought out training plan or a coach.  I just got up day after day and ran.  As time passed I got addicted to the accumulation of miles which lead to poor decision making.  After a while, injury set in and my running stopped!  Frustrated, I headed off to learn how to be a running coach.  I have started hundreds of beginners since that time!

Recently I have partnered with the Jeff Galloway Program. This program truly has helped me get my running mojo back...so here I am implementing a group running program!  Let me say groups are sure the way to get up and get moving even when it is cold out!  However, there might be days the running buddies can't make it out...so the question is does one go it alone??

Here's were accountability vs co-dependency comes into play!  It is great to have an accountability partner.  However, if you can not do without that partner on occasion, there may be a co-depency problem.  Enjoy & lean on your workout buddy, but do not practice co-dependency regarding that buddy!  If your buddy can not make it to run...Run On, then report back to that buddy!  My buddy and I have entirely different schedules for the next few weeks.  In fact, this weekend I need to run 8.5 miles.  So, my plan is to get up and "Run On" then report back to her!

If you need help finding a group to help you stay on track, give me a shout out!

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