We recently went to a surprise party for all-around-great-guy and Erie Runners Club president Dave Comi. David, who also happens to be the co-director of the ERC/Her Times 5K, and his wife, Jan, donate countless hours to the club and to promoting running in the Erie area. (They're not alone. The club has lots of active volunteers, members and an all-volunteer board of directors!)

On the day of the party, my 5-year-old told my Mom that we were going to a party for David.

"You know who David is, Grandma? David ... in my runnin' family."

My kids have grow up in the Erie Runners Club -- being dragged to the races, board meetings, membership meetings, runners picnics and other gatherings -- it's no wonder they think of them as family. They see them more often than we see some family members.

I am thrilled that they think of my ERC friends as family.

Children learn by example. They watch what we do and they follow our lead.

I've led my kids into a family full of fitness-minded folks of every age, size and color who I hope will help inspire them to choose the path to lifelong health through regular exercise.

Want to join the family? www.erie-runnersclub.org.