So to save my friend a much needed hour or so in her very busy life, I decided I would guest blog for her and maybe give her a break this week.
Kelly recently posed the question on her R2TP Facebook page; Finish the sentence!
I run to the pub to/because………
Although I was not quick enough to respond first (yes, Amy is even quicker than I am), I honestly did agree 100% with the first two comments entered.

1. I run to the pub because a lot of my favorite people are there each week.
2. I run to the pub because I can.

These two answers mean so very much to me, sit back while I tell you why.

The first answer being “my favorite people are there each week”. This answer could not be more true but without R2TP I would not know these people or even imagine that one day this group might contain some of my “favorites”! Let me further explain…….

I joined R2TP almost 1 year ago. I finally found a friend who did not think I was crazy and thought it too would be fun to go to a bar to run and then indulge. Now please understand that I have wanted to try this group out for a while. You see, Kelly is a very well-known dietitian in the whole “RD world” and I followed her on social media so I heard about this fantastic idea but since I am not any type of athlete nor have I even been, I did not know any people that ran or exercised for that matter. I was unable to find a partner to join with me and I would not dare go alone. Yes, although I am social and giddy, I would never have walked into something that may be intimidating (What if there are real runners? Marathoners? Those crazies that run and push strollers — double strollers–Yikes?? What if someone notices that I can’t run a mile? What if someone smells my cigarette smoke? AAAHHH!!) It did sound intimidating but I finally convinced a friend! YIPPEE!
With the help of my friend, I walked into a bar with about 30 – 40 other people and immediately fell in love with my new favorite passions—running and Thursday nights!
My first night in February started with a temperature of FREEZING COLD (12 F/-01F). I remember running across ice and breathing into my gloves—“WTF!!”. I went along with the whole idea because I was happy to finally be able to see what this group was all about. After our short run, Michele and I stood like wallflowers for a bit. We knew no one, not a sole. After a moment and needless to say we were finally invited to join two others at a table and history was made! Thank you Nicole and Chris, that moment has changed my life!
Michele and I finished our first 6 week session running with Chris and Nicole each week. We could hardly wait for round 2 (and I have the patience of Job). In the mean time I ran my first 5K and thought I might die or cry! Wowza. This first race in March was just the beginning.
Now please understand I have NEVER been any type of athlete. I never played sports in high school. I was on the intramural softball team in sixth grade and played a little soccer in 8th grade (this does not count). So this is why the second answer of “I can” is so important. I am a healthy 45 yo female who has two legs, two arms and a phenomenal heart and lungs! The body is amazing and I am able to put on gym shoes and go. Not everyone can do this but I can! I am thankful to be healthy and I continue to be amazed at the progress I make each day. I can run and I will run until there is a real reason to hold me back. I will continue to improve slowly and I will cherish each moment that I run while on this incredible journey.
“I can” also has another important meaning to me. “I” is the most important person in my life. “I” am free to do whatever I want because “I” can. No one is the boss of me!
So today as I was reading my email and FB posts I realized that my life has changed so much in a short while. I just want to hug Kelly each and everyday for all of the wonderful people in my life and the wonderful experiences that I have had. I honestly cannot believe that some of my “favorite” people have been in my life less than 1 year and to think I miss them if I don’t see them for one week.

My runiversary is quickly approaching and my “favorites” and I have lots of fun races and parties in store. I am ever so grateful to this group; they keep me smiling, laughing, running and drinking. I couldn’t have picked better people who I truly look forward to seeing each and every week! I am proud to call these “favorites” my friends.

I am Team R2TP and I am proud to be on the greatest drinking club with a running problem ever! I’ll even confess that there are many Thursdays that I can do more beers than miles!

See you Thursday at 6:30pm and keep an eye out for part 2 of “Why I Run to the Pub” !!

Tara Oliva, RD
Official Run to the Pubber and Registered Dietitian