Unifying the Community One Step at a Time

Gaynor Greenberg is a woman on a mission, and she has invited all of her friends, and soon to be friends to join her in her quest.

“I have wanted to start running for a really long time,” Greenberg said. “But I was afraid to go to the gym, because I felt all eyes were on me, and having never run before, I was afraid to join other running groups doing marathons or other long runs.”

A shy person by nature, Greenberg found it hard to find friends and feel connected to her Holliston community prior to her kids entering school, but she found a home on the Facebook page Holliston Happy.

“I bit the bullet and posted on Holliston Happy one day that I was looking for others to join me in learning to run,” Greenberg said. “I was stunned to get nearly 20 responses.”

Still stunned at her ability to draw a crowd, Greenberg was even more shocked when three people turned up on Monday morning to run day one of the Couch to 5K program with her.

“Not everyone is going to be able to run at 5 a.m., “Greenberg said. “But with my husband out the door at 6 a.m. and not back until 8 p.m. it’s then or never for me.”

There are already two other groups formed - an 8 a.m. and the high school track and a 9:15 a.m. place not known yet -but information can be found on the Holliston Happy page or the new runners page called inch by inch.

“People are bringing their kids to the track in the morning and letting them play while they run,” Greenberg said. “It is a contained area, outdoors and free.”

Greenberg, continuing to be in awe of the response, was even more astounded when a group turned up at 5 a.m. today in the pouring rain.

“We waited for each other in the rain, and then we did day two of our couch-to-5K run, it was exhilarating!”

The group has a collective goal to run a 5K at the completion of their training.

“We hope to run the mission possible 5K for the Miller Playground in September,” Greenberg said. “It will be so much fun to do it together and to have accomplished our goal.”

Greenberg wants to see her program brought to other communities, and hopes other like-minded people will join her group.

“Ninety percent of us have never run before,” Greenberg said. “We would love to see anyone interested join us, and I would love to bring this to other areas.”

Greenberg goes on to say how amazed she is at how close she feels to the group she runs with in just two short days.

“This has been such a community builder,’ Greenberg said. “You never know how many like-minded people are right in front of you until you ask. This would be a great way for singles without kids or older people to get out and meet others.”

The group may eventually break up by age and ability, but there is no doubt about it, this group is ready to rock and roll and conquer the pavement.

“No matter what you should take the first step," Greenberg said. "It will definitely be worth it."

To learn more about the group or to join contact Gaynor at gaynorg@aol.com or visit the Holliston Happy or the Inch by Inch Facebook page to learn more.