These days, you'll find me in the back of the pack, but it wasn't always that way.

When I first joined the Hoboken Harriers in 1990 I was forty two, but fit enough to keep up with all but the fastest runners. Now, twenty years later, collecting Social Security, I'm somewhat embarrassed at my reduced pace. Two knee operations, diabetes, and high blood pressure have contributed to it.  

Every Tuesday night, I see a group of HoHa runners take from 13th and Washington Streets, and within a minute the group is a diminishing pack of dots moving along the waterfront as I chug along, staying within my limits.

Being the slowest one, sometimes has its advantages. No one expects much from me. I don't do races anymore, so I'm not asked about projected times or goals. I do periodically have the opportunity to run with new members who don't know the course, mostly young women. We discuss a range of topics  and I come off as the wiser, older man giving advice on all sorts of issues. I sense they actually listen to me. By the following week, however, they choose to run with their age group and I become the lone strider again.

We have sprinters in our club, people who barely  touch the ground as they glide past. No body fat, perfect form, healthy beyond all boundaries, I should hate them and their youth, but I don't. I've acclimated myself to limiting my runs to twenty minutes, twice a week. It is heartening to note that many former runners much younger than I have given up the activity, broken down by injuries and pain. So I must be doing something right.

After most runs, the group will drop into some bar and spent time socializing. 

In the mid-nineties we decided we could do more than just run around Hoboken. So we instigated the HoHa Snowball every February, a buffet and concert at The Elks Club, with all proceeds going to local charities. We also had gate sales and help out at other charity runs. It's a great feeling assisting others while keeping fit.

For yearly dues of ten dollars you get to meet a lot of friendly people who you'll see on a weekly basis. We have a holiday and marathon party and other informal events throughout the year. The club travels to cross country runs in the fall and competes in club competitions. 

But the most important event of the year is the annual 5K, when hundreds of people participate and money goes to charity . 

There are runs on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday nights and Saturday morning. See times and locations on our website.

After twenty years, even running alone, far behind the others, I can honestly say joining the Hoboken Harriers was one of the smartest moves I ever made. Did I mention the stylish t-shirts all paid members receive? 

OK. Time to stretch out.