To be fit. To think. To be able to eat more food. To be able to drink more beer.

These are the reasons members of the Whidbey Island Run Crew gave for why they run. They sat with beverages in their hands and food in front of them at Wicked Teuton Brewing Company, still wearing their exercise gear.

Each Wednesday the crew, which can include between six and 12 people, meets at locations around Oak Harbor.

They used to meet at The Terrace Wine Bar; lately, it’s been the taproom at the back of the Whidbey Island Home Brew Supply. They’re open to trying new spots.

“We can’t talk as much while running,” said Ryan Smith, who founded the club. “And I can’t run with my beer.”

The social aspect is just as important as the exercise for the members. Smith has lived in Oak Harbor since 1997 and had been traveling to Bellingham and Anacortes for these types of activities, because he didn’t have any luck finding running groups on the island.

After recovering from an injury, he wanted to get back into the sport but found it difficult to get motivated.

“It was easier to get out the door if you knew other people were waiting for you,” he said.

So two years ago, he started “stalking” people on a social running app called Strava. He found users that frequently ran routes in the area and sent them friend requests through the app.

He created a club — Whidbey Island Run Crew — and invited them to join. His internet “stalking” let to connections with several people who shared his feelings about running.

“It’s easier to run when people are around,” said Linda Postenrider.

Dana Montgomery said she’s realized she pushes herself more when she has people running alongside her.

The group travels at various paces, going between three and six miles each time. Many are training for races, but they welcome people at any level.

Smith said his mother has walked with them on a few occasions.

It doesn’t matter the time of year, either. Rain, shine or snow— they go. As the weather improves, they’ll incorporate more trail runs in as well, Smith said.

They’re looking to recruit more people, because almost as much as running itself, they love talking about running — or talking about just about anything while they have a beer at the end.

“It’s obvious we’re a great group of people,” said Donna Hinshaw with a smirk. “We’re welcoming. I always like to be an ambassador for running.”

• Whidbey Island Run Crew can be found through the Strava app for smart phones or on Facebook.

Members of the Whidbey Island Run Crew Dana Montgomery, Rich Frazier (right), Ryan Smith (back right) and Scott Pearson (back left) cool down after their weekly Wednesday run in Oak Harbor. Photo by Laura Guido/Whidbey News-Times