We runners are all a little nutty, but we're good people who just want to enjoy our healthy, primitive challenge. Others may not understand running, but we do, and we cherish it. That's our only message.
John J. Kelley, Olympic marathoner
I love this quote. Don't you feel like that sometimes? Although, I'm definitely starting to feel like more and more people "get it". I cannot believe how many of my friends have jumped on the bandwagon, and I can't wait to see them cross the finish line of their first races. I think I am probably more excited than they are!
I think the most pleasant surprise about running has been the whole new social world it has opened up. I mean running is a sport that requires no interaction. I never figured I would develop lasting friendships through running. My first half-marathon I stood at the starting line knowing absolutely no one around me. So I started with a pace team (surprisingly, I am still friends with my pace leader from that race, and on occassion, run with her... she is amazing). These days, it's a rare thing to show up to a race alone. And it's really rare to run a race and not at least see someone I know along the course. And, I've also been fortunate to often have someone of similar pace to run with during the race. I never expected it. But I have to say it is a strong motivator in keeping me on track.
I know I've commented about this before, and I always get replies from people who have trouble finding ways to meet other runners. I have to say, I didn't do anything unique to "find" my running friends. Some of them I met by overhearing them talking about running and striking up a conversation - where do you run? how far? want to meet up sometime? A couple of them I met after reading their articles in the "Inside Texas Running" magazine and checking out their blogs and then realizing we had mutual friends. I literally "introduced" myself online, and then made it a point to say hi at the first race they were present at. As much as my friends make jokes about how much I talk when I run, it is kind of "out of the box" for me to strike up a real conversation with a total stranger. However, I'm glad I've done that. I've met a couple through my blog, and that's definitely been awesome. It's a slow process, and takes time, and isn't always easy or comfortable, but it's totally worth it.
11 comments:
I was thinking about all of you this morning and how much stinkin' fun you're going to have this weekend!! So so awesome!!!
Have a super fun and very nutty weekend!
It's awesome isn't it? I love meeting new people all the time through running and triathlon....similar to meeting you....
Good luck this weekend and stay nutty.
I agree. I love the social side of running!
I love meeting new running buddies! Although, I have to say I don't think runners are nuttier than any other athletes. My husband (weird to say it since we've been married 1 day), plays basketball 3 nights a week - with a bunch of guys - and I think they are all nutty! Only bad weather ... ice on the road ... can keep them from playing. When it's a holiday they play for 4 - 6 hours - some play, leave & come back to play more.
The social side is the best part! Totally agree with this post.
That quote is fantastic! love it!
Have fun with all the other bloggers that will be at the race. It would be so neat to get to meet some of the people from the blogs I follow.
hopefully i can meet you for more than .234523 seconds soon! i love meeting new runners, especially since most of them turn into true friends...and drinking buddies ;)
One of my favorite things about running is the community it fosters. Normally I would not talk to strangers, but it seem,s there are no strangers on race day!
I find that I always strike up conversations with fellow runners at the bathroom line, or in the starting corral. Since you were the first and only person I've ever run with, I've obviously not talked with people during a race before. Even when I do go to them alone, there is always so much camaraderie that I never feel alone! It is so cool! My mom always tells people about how great all the runners are. I think we've been around football crowds so often that it was just a real shock to us at how great the running community is. I'm so glad I'm part of it!
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