Earlier this month I went to the Lantern Tap House where a running group meets every Tuesday. It was a lot of fun. If you ever go, you have a chance to be hit on by an energetic, amorous dude.

I’d never run with this group before, but I know most of the members because there’s lots of intermingling among the Spokane running clubs. Not really a club, it’s more of a gathering. Anyone can join just by showing up at 6:00 pm on Tuesday.

The Lantern Tap House is in the Perry district, a somewhat trendy area where a lot of new, locally-owned, retail businesses have opened in the last several years. It’s in an older neighborhood with lots of trees and many homes that have been renovated and updated. It makes for pretty running routes.

There’s no charge to participate, however, a post-run microbrew is a $2.50 adjustment to your financial situation. This pricing causes me to give a salute to the Lantern’s owner.

One of the group’s organizers passed out treats. Not often do I combine beer and Snickers, but it worked out okay.I also had a few pieces of licorice, another great pairing with beer.

After several beers, my romantic urges caused me to suggest the eating of a stick of licorice from opposite ends with a goal of lips coming together. My request was turned down by many.

I tried disguising my intentions by framing it as a cutesy photo opportunity. As my photo partner posed for the camera, I’d quickly eat the licorice and attain the romantic moment I wanted.

My buddy, Kevin, agreed to be in a photo, but only if we had our own piece of licorice.I was able to convince Tina, a longtime running club member, to do it; however, she stipulated absolutely no licorice sticks be present.I went home thwarted and unfulfilled. Next time I’ll have a better strategy to lure someone into a drunken, sloppy, face-against-face romantic moment in front of dozens of Lantern customers.