Are you like me?as I promised to look back on the last 2 years of running, one thing has been a bonus that I never really counted on initially. THis is the matter of having a point of interest and passion to launch off of socailly that I never have used before. What I mean is, I have been able to talk to people about a common passion in running both at work, at social get-togethers, at church, and obviously, online! This came over time as I realized I now held something in common with many teachers at work, with students I work with, with friends and soon-to-be-friends. Having a learning curb about the discipline, science and lingo of long distance running has certainly given me more to interact about with those I normally would not have much to say to!
You see, I am actually a bit shy, but I cover up with humor and sticking to topics I know something a little about. Running has branched me out. Sports I have observed, tend to do this. For example, I have a colleague whom on a working level I have always gotten along with, however, I knew that they were into triathlons, which was to me just a foreign and alien topic to talk about. My face was like many others I am sure who say, "oh you run?....uh... Good for you! Wow, I could never do that" and then a change of topic was in order. Now, however I may ask about their experience, for advice on pre-race prep, use the terms like PRs, ITBS, and about gear with much more informed and experienced know-how. Also sharing recent war stories (like this morning's encounter with a dog who tripped me and its owner whom I told off) in my mind helps me be a great ambassador for running. Sort of like, "if this Forrest Gump can do it, and laugh at themselves, then anyone can, maybe even me!"
