MERRILLVILLE | With wind chills edging single digits, most people only dare face the elements if they have to, but for some, a midday or after-work run has become the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regardless of the weather.

Around lunchtime most every workday, several hearty employees can be found lacing up their shoes outside NIPSCO's Merrillville headquarters.

"A lot of people see us out there. We get a lot of high-fives," said Rick Grzywana, director of risk management.

Grzywana is among a group of about 10 employees that heads outside for a lunch hour run almost every day. He said the group started small, but as others began seeing the effort, it grew.

"We always encourage people to join the group," he said. "One of us will always send out an email around lunchtime, saying that we're going out and anyone who can join is invited."

Kristi Figg, the company's financial planning director, said she's been part of the group since 2005 and has seen health benefits from her midday runs.

"Back when I started running, I lost about 40 pounds. Running really helped with the weight loss. I feel much healthier, much happier," she said. "What I feel has been beneficial is that it breaks up the day. It burns off some stress. I come back with a clear mind, ready for the afternoon."

At Holladay Properties in Portage, a group usually warms up and heads out into the company's Ameriplex at the Port business park just as the workday is winding down.

Project Manager Drew Mitchell said the end-of-the-day run is encouraged by the company and helps employees meet incentives that can reduce health insurance premiums.

The group averages three to four miles per run, circling the commercial and industrial buildings in the park.

Mitchell said depending on the weather, they sometimes break it up into more scenic territory, running on trails in an adjacent park. When the complex was new, they also ran inside some of the vacant 400,000-square-foot buildings during rain and snow. Now that those buildings are occupied, they face the elements.

"You've got to dress for it," Mitchell said.

Aside from the personal health benefits, Mitchell said he's also noticed some professional ones from running with his co-workers.

"It builds a sense of camaraderie among the group," he said. "We all know each other pretty intimately from running together."