I miss running with people!
Where is everybody?!
The majority of my time as a runner, I ran solo. I feared that I couldn’t run with others because:
- I wouldn’t be able to keep up.
- I wouldn’t be able to run and talk at the same time.
- I wouldn’t know what to say.
All complete hog wash. In January I joined the Dallas Running Club. I was nervous at first (see above) but it ended up being wonderful. Of course I could keep up; we were put in pace groups based on our abilities. I could run and talk at the same time; we ran slowly. Plus, eaves dropping on what everyone else is saying does not require talking. Knowing what to say is easier when you are running. (I don’t know if it’s because you don’t have to look at the person or because you have an activity that you are actively doing that you can discuss or if it is just the magic of running.)
Almost all my long runs from January – April were done with my pace group. The only exceptions were weekends that I was racing. And during the week I ran at least once, sometimes twice, with my co-worker, Heather.
Me and Heather after completing Rock & Roll Dallas together in March.
I loved running with Heather. She has run for much longer than I have, so she is full of knowledge and willing to share. She was always a cheerleader for me, encouraging me in my running goals. Bonus, we worked and lived in the same area. So convenient!
I didn’t mind running solo for May, June, and July because I really wasn’t running that much. Sure, I was streaking (I ran every day from Memorial Day to 4th of July), but those were mostly 1 mile quickies. No partner needed.
Now that I’m getting back into the groove and upping my mileage, the loneliness factor is going way up. I run with Geronimo, but he isn’t that great of a conversationalist. I’ve tried to teach him to talk for years, but so far all he can say is “corn flakes.” (<– 10 bonus points if you know that obscure movie reference.)
I could run with Stephen, but he does PT as part of his job Monday through Friday. I don’t think he’s looking to add in any additional workouts.
I have yet to find any other spouses that are even remotely interested in running. I’m chalking this up to the fact that I’m new. There have to be people here to run with. But where are they hiding?!
Runners! Come out, come out, wherever you are!
I rarely even see anyone else out and about save the occasional German bike rider. If I’m really lucky, they’ll offer me a smile and “morgen.”
Sigh. That leaves just one person: me. I’m trying to make the best of it since there’s not much else I can do. It just sucks! This girl wants a running partner! Grrr!
/rant.*
I am always amazed how quickly long runs fly by when running with someone else! Good luck finding a running buddy. Someone in Germany has to be a runner too!!
That’s what I miss: the ease of running with someone else. My 3 and 4 mile runs feel like they last forever. I need a buddy to distract me!*
Time to take up handball? ha
I know, right?*
I SO relate to what you mentioned about the fear of running with other people for ALL of the reasons you listed. It really is amazing how when you’re running, it is easier to talk to people, isn’t it? I also find that it’s much easier while running to talk about personal topics, like, say, your portapotty needs (I just had that conversation last week during a run).
I wish you luck in finding fellow runners! I am sure that as you get acclimated and get to know some fellow folks, that the runners wil emerge – and you’ll quickly develop some great friendships through running!
I love your positivity, Emily! I hope you are right and that this is very temporary.*
I definitely want to try running with other people sometime! But not Connecticut runners (meanies!). Maybe I’ll try the Dallas Running Club when I move back to Dallas in December
Anywho, I bet all your Germany running buddies are hiding in that crazy fog you wrote about the other day! Go a-searchin’ but don’t get gobbled up!
Ha! They (or something scarier) probably are hiding in the fog!
You should totally join the DRC if/when you go back to the Big D. I can’t say enough good things about them!*
Have you checked the gym on base? Sometimes they have groups, or at least a board where you could post and find some partners? I know you are not alone!
Great suggestion! I have yet to make it to the gym, but that seems like a logical place to find like-minded individuals. Thanks!*
Is there anything similarto meetup.com there? That’s how I find the group II run with.
Running solo is so much harder, I think it makes the run a lit tougher mentally when there isn’t another person to distract you.
I have no idea. I’ve never heard of meetup.com, but I will definitely check it out.*
I say another Army spouse is your best bet! Are there running stores in Germany like Run On or Luke’s Locker? I’m guessing no, but that could be a good place to look! Good luck in your quest!! I know I had a hard time finding friends when I moved to Dallas, so I can only imagine how hard it must be all the way in Germany!!
I have yet to see any running stores, although that doesn’t mean they don’t have them. Germany is a really active country with lots of runners, so surely there must be a store like that somewhere!*
When I was in GA I randomly posted on the MWR facebook page to see if there were any running clubs or people that wanted to meet up. Believe it or not a TON of people responded to me about running groups and such. Just an idea?