One last thought for the night…
December 3, 2007Before I head to bed (it’s only 8:25 in Rochester but I’m exhausted) I thought I’d write about a reoccurring thought I’ve had lately.
The peace and solitude that running brings is wonderful, but running alone day in and day out is, well, lonely. A few years ago, I ran with a group of men and women at 5:00 am twice a week from a YMCA very near where I work. It was wonderful. Those two days were always the highlight of my week, and one of the women with whom I ran is still one of my closest friends.
Running seems to strip away all pretense and expose a person’s true nature. When my former little group ran together we shared many laughs and discussed serious topics that troubled us (many a dilemma was solved on our runs). Really, very few, if any, topics were off limits. Running will do that for people: break down inhibitions and build up trust.
If you’re a “lone runner” as I am, try to work in one day each week of social running. You may not run fast on this day, but you’ll make a friend or two or five and your life will be enhanced by these runners. I miss my friends (life can be devastatingly lonely at times) and I need to take my own advice. Most activities are twice as nice when shared with friends.
It’s easy to fall into the habit of running alone most of the time. I’m trying to break out of the same rut. Twice as nice is so true. The challenge is finding common time with others.
Keep telling us about your runs and we’ll try to join you virtually.
I agree with you. I’m a lone runner and feel like I’d benefit both socially and physically from running with others. I need to start looking for a runners’ group in the Portland area. I’m sure they’re out there!
I hear you on the social needs of runners. My NY resolution is to get out with a local running group by the end of January, and to run with them at least once a month all year.