Mostly, I run alone, but last week I had three social runs, with MT, AG and LL. When I started running, I did it for health and fitness, and it was a solitary pursuit for me, primarily because I didn’t know how to find other people to run with. Also, I was intimidated–everyone seemed faster than I was. Later, though, the social aspect of running was one of the primary reasons I signed up for my first marathon with Team in Training. At that point in my life, I had made some poor choices about who I was spending my time with, and I needed a new group of friends–quick! In so many ways, deciding to train with TNT is one of the most pivotal, life-changing choices I have ever made. Running has brought a steady stream of positive, good people to me. That first season, I became fast friends with KW and DT, and we are still girlfriends today. My second season with TNT, I met EN, who is one of my dearest friends now. Other special people have entered my life through the Green Mountain Relay, and through blogging and tweeting about running. I met all three of the above-mentioned guys because I blog about my running (MT is a podcaster, and AG and LL blog as well). If I was not a runner, my social circle would shrink down to a mere dot on the page, an ad hoc collection of (still remarkable) people who have stuck with me through the decades. I suspect that some of the runners I have met and am getting to know now will stick with me through some upcoming decades, too.
Sunday’s run was a solitary run, but I was thinking about the ripple effect my running buddies and friends who run (because we all know there is a difference) have on my non-running relationships. Sometimes, it’s a boon because it means my friends who don’t run aren’t subjected to my ceaseless yammering about my training, my body’s aches, my PR dreams, etc. Other times, it’s a drain. For example, I’ve invited Husband many times to meet my running friends but he always declines precisely because he knows all we’ll talk about is running, and that’s a big snooze to him. Sometimes it seems to him that I puff up my schedule with social runs, only to leave him home alone. It’s a tough call, as you all know. No matter what I gotta get the run in–so why not in the company of like-minded hoofers?
Sunday’s run was also a bust. I was supposed to run 8 at race pace but ran out of time and wound up with 40 minutes to squeeze in as many miles as I could. I couldn’t run at speed since my heart rate immediately spiked and I felt like I was going to pass out. Forced to slow down, I decided to meander through Sunnyside Gardens, a beautiful landmark neighborhood full of adorable houses and trees. I enjoyed this very much, and was on track to complete 4 miles until my left ITB decided to freeze up and I limped up 46th Street to Skillman Avenue, sadly aware I would have to walk the rest of the way home and bag the run. I didn’t panic; I’m not injured I am just tight. But I was crestfallen; in nearly every way my run for the day was a complete failure. But at least I’d given it a shot, and at least I was able to imagine my pack of encouraging running buddies as I headed home for a stretch and a shower.
3.17 miles in 31:20. Average pace 9:53; fastest mile 9:18; slowest mile 10:48.
Songs I ran to: “So Hard” by Pet Shop Boys, “So High So Low” by Ben Harper, “So Much for the Afterglow” by Everclear, “So Much to Say” by Dave Matthews Band, “So Nice (Summer Samba)” by Bebel Gilberto, “So What’cha Want” by The Beastie Boys, “Soak Up the Sun” by Sheryl Crowe, “Soft and Wet” by Prince, “Soma” by The Strokes
yea, no desire to listen to a group of folks talk about running, unless it is from something interesting, like a bear, wolf, rolling boulder, falling tree or a nest of bees….I think you get the picture.
I try to be understanding about all the ‘social’ running and training in general, as I realize what your goals are and I want to see you be successful and happy. During all this training, for months on end, I wind up having to pick up the slack around the house, pretty much doing everything. I don’t mind it sometimes, but other times it really irks me.
Running, writing about running, tweeting about running, etc etc.
Come MY season, I coach HS Baseball, it’s YOUR turn to step up, dude! I think I’ve paid my dues.
rD
Thank you for doing the laundry, making dinner, washing the dishes, vacuuming, making the bed, grocery shopping. etc. I will take over for the baseball season once I’m back from London.
I love the social aspect of running. I’m not a big fan of group runs, but I love heading out for a run with one or two other runners. There are the runs where the pace is nice and easy and conversation is shared. And then, there are the runs where you’re pushing each other so hard you can’t talk but communicate more than words just through the act of running itself. Those beat a drink at the bar with your buddies any day.
Glad to hear you got in some good runs this week (despite Sunday).
Sorry about your tight ITB. Could it be because I overextended our LR by a couple miles the day before?
Yay to running buddies! I was just telling another friend yesterday that if you want to know someone better, run a 20 miler with him/her. There are no secrets left after spending 2+ hours on the road! Haha!
Can’t wait for our next Hood run!
Yeah, I felt it tighten up around Mile 14 on Saturday, but I don’t think the extra 1.25 miles was the “one thing.” I’m stretching; it’s better already!
Its so great to have such a big running circle! I myself love that I have gained so many friends through twitter and blogs. 🙂 Its nice to know other people are going through the same things you are 🙂
Great job on your run!
Always remember that I am your BIGGEST fan! I may gripe from time to time, but your goals are my goals:)
rD
The social aspect of running is great and I’ve made some great friends through running. As I get older I realize that I would rather take a run with my friends than get drinks! It allows me to actually remember the conversation 😉
Decided to “meander” through Sunnyside Gardens on my run last night after reading your post… very cute little neighborhood!
Hey Jake! I am so glad! Isn’t it quite charming? It is even better in the summer when all the gardens & trees are in bloom.
Yeah, it didn’t look quite like the pictures, seeing as how it’s winter and it was dark, but I’ll keep this on my list for springtime.
The one thing that killed me was running down Roosevelt with an empty stomach. One of these days I might have to grab a mid-run taco…