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And no one can forget the morning of the snowstorm when runners had to trudge single file through snow as heavy flakes covered their tracks.
From 0 degrees to 90, the challenges of the weather won't deter devoted runners from coming back — week after week, year after year — to the Woodbridge Running Group.
The group meets weekly at the Woodbridge Running Company at 632 Federal Road. The group was founded in 2010 by store manager Alene Lofink of Brookfield and former manager Jack Coutts of Milford, and has grown to about 100 members strong.
According to Lofink, the Woodbridge Running Company is conducive for a running group "because we have easy access to a relatively flat 5-mile running route," she said.
Bethel resident and running group member Debbie Webster Heelan said she enjoys the social aspect of running with a group.
"I’ve been solo running forever. For the last 20 years, I would run 3 miles a day, on and off. If the weather was bad in any way, I’d hit the treadmill," she said. "Two marathons and one sprint triathlon later, things have really changed. The running group is more than just a group of friends, we are all a family."
According to New Milford resident Bill Baker, "Woodbridge Running Group a great source of both motivation and encouragement. Regardless of how slow or fast you run, you always know people are going to be there to run with."
After each run, members spend time chatting inside the Woodbridge store while enjoying a potluck of baked goods and beverages.
"I love the variety of runners and walkers in the group, from beginners to veterans, casual to competitive, and everything in between--and everyone has a story to tell," Danbury resident Amy Hanlon said.
The Woodbridge Running Group meets Saturdays at 8:30 a.m., year-round, and at 6 p.m. Wednesdays from March 16 to Nov. 2. For more information on the Woodbridge Running Group, click here.
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