The Running Community

Isn't it amazing how much of a community running as a sport can form between people? On my 12 mile run today at a nearby park with a trail around a lake, I encountered many different people. Some were walkers with their dogs, and they politely nodded to me. Others were clearly walkers for fitness, but they weren't running. They usually stared at me or some nodded too, but none seemed to resonate with what I was doing. Then there are the runners. Probably all levels, too, but it really doesn't matter. They knew. They understood why occasionally I might have to stop and stretch out my left knee. Why when I came to my car, I would guzzle a few ounzes of my G2, possibly hurridly rip a gel pack open while looking at my watch and suck it down while trying to take off again, and they knew why I had a pained expression on my face as I closed the last few meters of my last lap. The looks from the runners as you pass them are nods of "Yes, we get it, and we are running mileage today too." It's more than a nod or a polite stare of amazement - it's a nod, smile and a handwave, because you are in their club. Their community. It's really amazing, and I love it. You feel connected through terrifying amounts of mileage you do, as well as the sheer fact that what you are doing IS hard, and there are people out there who get it and do it too.

Not only is there community in running while you are running, but even when talking with friends about running - I feel like you are able to find ties to people you haven't talked to in a really long time. That is the coolest thing in my opinion about running! To have the opportunity to share what you love with someone else, and possibly even develop an old friendship or find a new common ground with someone you don't know well - that's the best thing about running. It's a shared sport, and you don't have to be good at it to participate. There is no try-out, no time limit to meet or fitness level to be at to do it. You simply just go out and run.

A running partner is the best thing also about this "community." It's extremely common to find someone to do your long runs with, because let's face it - on runs >12 miles - you are just bored. I know I can't seem to focus anymore, and it is very tempting to just go back to your car after whatever loop you just did and call it a day. A partner helps pass the time even if you aren't talking - it's that bond between you guys knowing she's suffering alongside you too, but you are going to beat this out together. There have been many times my partner and I don't talk for miles - because we are hurting, tired and ready to be done, but together we battle it out in silence knowing we aren't alone.

Marathon training is the best thing I've ever done in my life. I plan on doing this indefinitely until my knees, legs and muscles give out on me. Who knows who I'll meet in my little community next?