Running with a group can offer inspiration and support as well as opportunities to meet new friends.

Running is extremely popular as both a sport and a social activity, particularly among those who would rather be outside in the fresh air than on an exercise machine in the gym. But like many sports, running has a culture and mythos attached to it, and it can seem intimidating to a beginner hoping to get started in the scene. If you've always wanted to get involved in running, but you've never known how, you might consider joining a local running club.

CPA Rebeccah Wassner began running in her native Maryland when she was in junior high, and soon after began winning accolades and awards on the track. When she moved to New York, Wassner found that long distance running helped her deal with the stress of her professional life and gave her much-needed mental comfort when she was helping her twin sister through a fight with cancer. She has run races all over the world, and currently enjoys training for triathlons. Here she lets us in on some of the benefits and joys of running clubs:

• All levels. According to Wassner, running clubs are basically just groups of people that get together a couple of times a week, in the mornings or evenings, to run or go to races. Many are open to all levels of runners, from absolute beginners to accomplished marathoners.

• Motivation. Compared to running all alone, running with a group of friends can definitely provide motivation and support, whether your aim is to lose weight, get in better shape, or compete in races. Clubs can offer structured training that really helps you become a better runner.

• Friends and fun. Running is also good old-fashioned fun, and joining a club will help you meet people from all walks of life who share your enthusiasm for the sport. So if you're looking for inspiration, a healthy activity, or just something fun to do with friends, check out a running club near you today!

NYC Road Runners
www.nyrrc.org

Google Directory: Running Clubs USA
directory.google.com/Top/Sports/Running/Clubs/North_America/United_States/

The Running Page
www.ibiblio.org/drears/running/running.html

The Running Network
www.runningnetwork.com

American Running Association
www.americanrunning.org