You may have noticed a rather dramatic decline in the quantity of pictures displayed post – run on this blog.  I found myself meditating on this and attributing the lack of photo diary to the weather, but I know that is not true.  Even when it is raining and gloomy, I always seem to find some spot of beauty to photograph and share with my friends.

And then it dawned on me.  I am primarily running with friends, and while it’s true that I do not like to stop and get behind by taking pictures, I usually take the opportunity to pause and catch the perfect moment in time in nature on Instagram (find me @alainamaeve), followed by a sprint back to the group.  Each time I head out on Saturday with these ladies, I am more present, having great conversation;  I am connecting, paying attention to my running mates, rather than my surroundings.

Do you find yourself more aware of your conversation or your surroundings while running with a group?  

I am building better friendships with these people who share my interest in running, and to be honest, these women are worth more than a thousand photos.

I am so grateful for the group of fabulous women who get up early on sleep-in Saturday with me to run 8-12 miles.  This run has become the kick-off to my weekend, and these women, my friends, a fantastic foundation of support helping me move forward to achieve my goals.  I hope that I am able to be as great a companion and an inspiration for others, as they are for me.

With love and joy in running,
~Alaina