Why I Want to Run With You

August 9, 2012

This is definitely how fit and muscular I look when I run.
(Photo Credit: Calstrider.org)

Now that I’m halfway done with the year, I’m putting a little more of my focus onto getting other people to run with me. (It’ll help keep the 2nd half of this 52/52 challenge super fun, joyous, and new.)

Sometimes runners get so excited about running that we can be a bit gung-ho about it, overwhelming other people. If I ever overwhelm you, I’m sorry. I have a pretty addictive personality, and humongous emotions. I could see how that might be a little much for some people.

To back up for a second – I’m hesitant to even describe myself as a “runner,” really. Sure, I run (jog). I do a lot of distance events. But I’m not fast. (I don’t have nearly as good of a diet as I should. And I don’t take cross-training seriously, even though I know it’s a huge component to being a better runner.)

I have tons of flaws when it comes to being a runner, and I’m the first person to admit that. I want you to know that when I’m saying, “Come join me! Let’s go for a jog. Let’s run a race” – I am absolutely not trying to sound as though I’m so cool, or fit, or qualified to spread the joy of running. I’m just having fun, and wanting to invite you along for said fun – which brings me to the main point of my post.

I want to run with you because running brings me joy, and I would like to share that joy with you. I would like to share the smiles and laughter that happen throughout the course, and continue on after the finish. I’d like to experience that “runner’s high” with you as the endorphins ride are poppin’.

This is about how happy we’ll all be after running together!
(Photo credit: Science.HowStuffWorks.Com)

A half marathon (or marathon) is an excellent time to get to know someone new (or get to know someone better). You’re running. You have nothing to do but talk to each other. Plus, everything seems more hilarious, lovely, and beautiful out on a run. To me, there are few better ways to bond with a someone than on a run.

I am not trying to shove my preferred form of exercise down your throat. I am never trying to say that I’m better or cooler or anything just because I do distance running events. I am not trying to force you into a new way of life, or a new workout regimen. If you want me to try your thing that you love – rock climbing, cycling, flying trapeze, or whatever you’re into – I’m in!

I just want to go have joyous experiences with soon-to-be friends, new friends, very-best friends, and everything in between. If you can share my joy for running, awesome. If I can share your joy for hang-gliding, sweet. Life is happening around us every single day. We might as well try things, right? (We might find something incredible!)

So, if I ever overwhelm you or annoy you with my pleas to run with you, I ask for your forgiveness. I will do my best not to poke and prod you too much – to just show love in any way I know how – without loving and pressuring too much. I’ll try. But, what can I say? I love.

A note on this post:

13.1 miles?! But that’s so far!
(Photo from the movie Home Alone, of course.)

This post sort of sounds like an apology for asking people to run with me. No one hassled me about being too excited about running. No one complained to me (probably only because my friends are too sweet to get in my face about it).

I have heard groups of non-runners talk about being overwhelmed by runners, so I’m writing as a response to the general feeling going around.

And I understand it! I get intimidated by some other runners. There are plenty of people who run way more than I do, and who are a heck of a lot more impressive. When they talk about running, sometimes you think, “I can’t keep up!” So, I get it.

But, anytime I feel overwhelmed about the prospect of something, I’m going to make an effort to replace that overwhelmed feeling with an excited feeling toward tackling something new. I’d love if you’d jump in with that same feeling toward a half with me. I promise, 13.1 miles is shorter than you think.

I would never let you quit, and I would do everything in my power to make sure you had fun. (We can always start with a 5k, if you’d rather.)

You in?

(You can always comment or email me here.)

2 thoughts on “Why I Want to Run With You”

  1. I love meeting people on runs. I will be running the LA Rock n Roll as well as the New Years Race! Hope to see you on the the course!

    I’m also doing the Holiday Half Marathon in Pomona December 9th.

    Happy running!

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