I spent the weekend in Tampa, Florida, to celebrate my best friend’s wedding. Although the weekend was packed with events and fun activities, I was able to find 2 free hours to squeeze in a run.  But not just any run.

I talk a lot about how much I adore the running community. It is seriously the best group of people on the planet. It doesn’t matter where you live, how fast you go, how old you are or what you’re going through in life. People who run and race simply have an unexplainable connection. A mutual understanding and respect. And an instant desire to support each other.

So when I sent a note to a few runners on Twitter who I’ve met through blogging and tweeting and who live in Tampa, they were game for meeting me in real life to run on Saturday morning. Kat from Sneakers and Finger Paints and Beth from Discombobulated Running took the risk that I wouldn’t be an axe murderer and met me to run along Tampa Bay at 8 a.m. (I think Kat might have brought her pepper spray gel, but I managed to behave and she didn’t have to use it on me.)

It was quite appropriate that as 3 running bloggers united for the first time for a run, a virtual event called Race for Recovery was being held the same day. Michele from NYC Running Mama organized a virtual 5K/10K run in which runners from across the country were encouraged to register to run 3.1 or 6.2 miles where they live, print and wear a downloadable race bib while running and make a donation to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund that focuses its efforts on helping those affected by Hurricane Sandy in New York City, Long Island and the New Jersey coastline.

Kat and Beth were running a half marathon on Sunday and were planning to do a short, slow shake-out run (which was fine with me since I may have still been tipsy from the previous night’s rehearsal dinner). Kat had the great idea that we participate in the Race for Recovery. She showed up with the race bibs and safety pins, and we set out for an easy 3.1 miles. We talked about everything and nothing. We laughed. We shared at least one TMI story. And it felt like I’d known these women for years rather than for 30 minutes.

This isn’t your typical race report, but I did learn a few things from meeting Kat and Beth to be part of the Race for Recovery:

• We all have the power to make a meaningful difference. Sometimes the problems in the world seem so big that one individual couldn’t possibly have a large enough impact to change anything. Michele reminds us that just simply isn’t true. Her creative idea to host a virtual race has raised $10,795 as of today for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund. The power of social media is incredible. And as I said earlier, runners just rock.
• I wish Kat, Beth and I lived in the same city. I would LOVE to train with these ladies.
• I definitely don’t miss living and running in Florida. Temps in the 70s (F) and humid in December? I’d rather not. *wink*

And as proof that I don’t only wear spandex and I do actually own make-up, here are a few photos from the wedding weekend. Enjoy!

Want more from rUnladylike?
Twitter: @rUnladylike
Facebook: facebook.com/runladylike
Instagram: instagram.com/runladylike
Pinterest: pinterest.com/JesicaD
Daily Mile: dailymile.com/people/Jesica

Want more from Discombobulated Running?
Blog URL: http://discombobulatedrunning.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @DiscomBoBruns

Want more from Sneakers and Finger Paints?
Blog URL: http://www.sneakersandfingerpaints.com/
Twitter: @KatSnF
Instagram: http://instagram.com/katsnf

Did you participate in the Race For Recovery virtual 5K/10K? If so, how did it go? If not, share your favorite memory of meeting an online running friend in real life or let me know how you got active during the weekend.