From non-runners to seasoned runners, I feel like I made a hundred new friends today at a Health Fair at the Tampa General Hospital cafeteria. Lots of fun. I just love being a running evangelist. First I'd ask, "Are you a runner?" and if they said no, I said, "Do you want to be?"
It's amazing just how many people have always wanted to run and how many people used to run but have stopped at some point and want to return to that fitness level. I spent lots of time telling people about my Become a Runner program. We start out with just ten steps of running at a time. When I tell people that, virtually everyone says, "I could do that." It's an affirmation that might just be life changing. 
If you know anyone who would like to be a runner, please send them to me. I have Become a Runner classes Tuesdeay and Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. and Monday and Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. And, as I explained to many people, today, if I can get a class together, I'd like to start a Monday/Wednesday class at 4:30 p.m., too. Everyone and anyone is invited to come and join us for a week - no charge - to try it out.
I met some experienced, active runners, too, and you know how runners like to talk shop. Oh, yeah. My voice is almost gone, I admit, but I sure had fun losing it : )
I always say runners are the best, friendliest people on earth. That's how I knew those people should be runners, because they all had the personality for it. But they are in the business of caregiving, so it makes sense. They spend their days - or nights - or both nurturing other souls.
I met many walkers, too, and I encouraged them to join us for the weekend group run/walk. Walking is great exercise, too, and I know they would all enjoy basking in the beauty of Mother Nature with us as we explore beautiful off road trails.
I get to talking about running with these people and talking about Run Tampa people, and I feel an endorphin surge similar to what kicks about 5 miles into a run. Great fun!
Many of the people I met today are doing one of the Gasparilla races. If people do just one race per year in Tampa, it seems like that's the one they choose, and for good reason. I'll have a Run Tampa booth at the 8 On Your Side Fitness Expo, and hope everyone will drop by. Watch this site for news about a contest that will require stopping by my booth.
Whether you are a runner or walker. Whether you are one of the people I met today, or someone I hope to meet. I hope you'll join Run Tampa by either joining the Facebook group or registering in the blue box on this page. You'll then get invites to the weekly runs and it you come, you'll enjoy great camaraderie and improved fitness.
Next weekend the group will meet in Brandon at Dover Trails on Hwy 60. Watch for the invite to go out tomorrow.