Running buddies push reporter

Gabrielle Russon runs through Levis Commons. THE BLADE Enlarge | Buy This Photo

I hate running fast. I hate that feeling inside my head, that annoying voice that tells me, "I can’t do this. I need to stop."

I signed up for my third marathon this month because I’m happy trotting along, my lackadaisical pace.

But my dream is to someday run the Boston Marathon. The only problem: That entails running fast. Really fast. I need something – or someone – to push me.

On Thursday night, I went to Second Sole in Levis Commons for the free running group for the three-mile run.

Nearly 50 or so people were there – a few kids, people in their 20s, gray-haired joggers, the whole mix. The group meets weekly outside the store at 6:30 p.m. The crowd was mostly dressed in fluorescent running shoes and T-shirts from past races.

READ MORE: Gift of Gab blog post