Getting co-workers to run.

Three years ago, our labs were located at the UMBC Tech Center, just outside of B'more Proper in Catonsville (or Arbutus, depending on whom you asked). It was almost ideal for getting co-workers to run after work. There was a state park right there (Patapsco State Park), we were on a state road without a lot of traffic lights, and people in general had a shorter commute from there. I managed to get a bunch of people running, and we targeted a 5k in late October. Only four of us did the 5k, but we had about six people running regularly. The next year, we moved downtown to B'more Proper, and we had a little less group running. But, we had all targeted a 5k, and 12 people showed up to run. We had a few age group winners and everyone had a good time. Last year, I tried to repeat that feat, and only one person ended up doing the 5k... no one ran as a group. The city had seemingly killed everyone's desire to run. Or lives got busier and people had longer commutes.

Today marked the first day in two years that I really got some co-workers out running. Granted, we only ran a mile together at a fairly slow pace, but it was something. Neither of the other two had run in at least a year. We got through it with minimal wheezing, a lot of conversation, and a commitment to run again on Wednesday. That was really something. Hopefully, it will continue and we can pick up a few more stragglers. I am trying to find a 5k (or 6k) to target as a team building run. I'd like to get six people out for it, heck a former co-worker even said she's run on the team. So things are looking up for the work running team to reform this spring. It's nice for me because I can do a few miles with work, and then join another group for a few more miles on certain nights. Fun all around. I may also convince a few people that Downtown Baltimore is not so bad.