I’m a solitary runner by nature. As a self-diagnosed introvert, I do better by myself than in group settings. This isn’t to suggest that I can’t deal with others. I can play nice with other kids. Most days. Given the option though, I’d rather sit at home with a good book than go to a party. As I get older though, social connections will become more and more important to combat the aging process so this is something I plan on working on this year.
Step one is that I’ve joined a local run club (Kennett Running Club). Or at least I’ve started showing up for the weekly group run. I don’t think there’s an official roster or dues or anything. They seem to be a very chill group who likes to run. It doesn’t hurt that the weekly run starts and ends at a local brew pub.
I’ve now done three runs with the group with mixed results from a social standpoint. The first run I did with a smallish group for most of the run and then hung around chatting with some others afterwards (win). The second time I was running with a different group for the first couple miles, then sprinted off ahead at the end as it was a nice downhill and I was feeling it. I then went home without hanging out to spend time with my son who was about to head back to school (partial credit?). This past week a guy I actually know showed up so I ran with him and then hung out and had a beer with the group (score!).
I’m not sure if there is a right or wrong way to do this. Guess I’ll just have to figure it out. You know, like everything else.
Don’t Be That Guy
First impressions are very important. I’m attempting to kind of slide into the group in the lowest key way possible. I don’t want to show up and scream “hey, check me out I run silly long ultras.” I know how most people view ultrarunners and I’d like to trick them into thinking I’m normal before my deep dark secret comes out. I made it through the first 2 runs before it happened. I blame the guy I know who brought it up a couple times in passing. It was obviously no big deal and the conversation quickly passed onto TV shows. I’ve been known to make things into a bigger deal than they really are.
As any kid knows, making new friends is hard. The process is identical to running though: you just gotta keep showing up and putting in the effort.