running club

So I have started running...AGAIN!  There is some background to this new commitment and some serious accomplishment.  About a year ago I began feeling a little off.  I was tired ALL the time.  More than just Mom of twins tired.  I couldn't get out of bed in the mornings.  I was dizzy and nauseous.  I felt like I was pregnant only no baby and I wasn't throwing up every 30 minutes.  I thought it was just stress related so I ignored my tiredness.  One morning I literally couldn't get out of bed.  The room was spinning faster than the Disney teacups.  I was just praying I wouldn't have to use the bathroom because I knew I couldn't get myself there.  I decided it was time to go to the Dr.  I thought it was probably a thyroid issue.  Well, they told me I needed to get to an oncologist and have a blood transfusion.  I was a little freaked out.  After a few months (4 to be exact) of tests and losing all faith in medical professionals I was given a high dose of iron.  I started feeling better but I just couldn't get myself on a work out plan again.  When my friend, Kristie asked if I wanted to run a race I said "YES" I paid her the money and started running.  Now I am going 3.5-6 miles five days a week.  Go me!  Now on to the running club.  If you have ever run on a regular basis you will quickly notice that there are always the same people out on the road and although I don't know these people I feel like they are my friends.  The first lady I usually pass is an Asian/Hawaiian woman.  I am glad I meet her first.   I know she is Asian but I am guessing she is also from Hawaii because she is always dressed in a colorful floral ensemble that screams "I just got off a Hawaiian tour bus"  She is also my favorite club member.  She walks with a cane but I can't figure out why because it is always carried behind her back.  She has the biggest most contagious grin of all the club members.  She waves to me regardless of what side of the street I pass her on.  I think I might have to stop and ask her name.  The next person I pass is usually a guy who when I first saw him I almost crossed the street.  He looked a little bit scary.  He carried what I thought was a weapon but upon later observation I learned it was a fancy cane.  He has obviously had some health set backs.  I am not sure if he has had a stroke or suffers from some sort of palsy but there he is every morning.  He actually stops walking as I run by to try to say hello to me.  It takes a lot of effort for him and he can only really grunt out a mumble. I smile and wave hello and then look for my next friend. Usually it is Karen.  You see I know her name because she goes to my church.  She is out walking in the mornings.  She is my cheerleader.  She always tells me I am doing great and to keep running.  I usually need to hear this about the time I pass her.  I also have a favorite couple that I pass each morning.  They walk their little dogs.  The woman always seems a little annoyed at her husband who just can't keep up.  I want to tell her that maybe it is the dog that can't keep up.  Near the end of my run I pass the woman out for a morning stroll.  She always waves to me as if she is picking me up from my first day of school. There are a few other regulars but I just shared with you my favorites.  I am amazed at the lady who walks her two huge golden retrievers with their leashes in one hand and a cigarette in the other.  I hope I grow old like the gentleman I pass who hobbles along with his cane.  He is barley shuffling along but by the look on his face he is getting a great workout.  I am glad I have joined this club.  I look forward to seeing my friends each morning.  If you are feeling lonely, maybe you should get out and run.