group runs, revisited

I recently posted about my feelings on group runs, and asked "What am I missing?"  Well, I now have an answer for myself.

I've been running in my group for a couple of months now, and while I do think it is easier to forget I am running, zone out, and go the distance when I'm alone, I am starting to enjoy my group.  So, what was I missing that I now appreciate? 1- if you have a scheduled group run, then you are forced to get off your duff and run even if you don't feel like it. And then, of course, you are always glad you did. And, 2- I have one running buddy in particular who does a great job of pushing me to make progress on my pace goals, but who is still very patient about the fact that I am much slower than she is.