27 December 2007
Talking Run
Posted by Bob Estes under: Bob Estes .
I ran last Saturday’s long run with Run Gazelle through EGR and around Reeds Lake. Most of this time was spent listening to my music and trying to stay positive. The weather was favorable although a bit damp. This was a good run. I felt better than I had over 8 miles since starting to run longer distances. I would have probably gone farther had I known the route through Calvin College.
I had a bit of an epiphany during the run. I came to realize that my main “issue” besides getting lost coming back into Aquinas College at the end of the run was not having someone to talk to. For me, that felt a bit odd. I have always considered myself a fairly introverted person. I am normally the quiet person in the back (until I get to know you – then all bets for Mr. quiet and reserve are off.) I sometimes miss out getting to know people. I am pleased to say that since I have started running with others, that has not been the case.
I began running with the running group from the DDH YMCA about a month before officially becoming a Road Warrior. I have gotten to know Troy who leads that group and most of the regulars and still attempt at least one weekly run with them. Even though I have only really known these folks for a little more than a couple of months, I consider them friends.
Since joining the Road Warriors and Run Gazelle I have come to know more and more great people.
I have also come to the conclusion that I could not have come this far without the support and encouragement of all these fellow runners.
I used to relish my alone time with my ipod and my thoughts. Maybe I will again. Right now, I struggle to make it through a long run without having someone there to at least share a thought or two. Sometimes that’s sharing my story or listening to theirs. Maybe the conversation is based around family or work, but no matter the topic - the time and the miles melt away and soon enough you’re back to where you started. As a bonus, you’ve come to know another person that is having or has had to struggle to attain some of the same goals you are shooting for. There’s something about sharing adversity and being taken out of our comfort zone that brings people closer.
I Hope you have the best New Year and you get to know the person running next you. Happy trails!
4 Comments so far...
Nasreen Fynewever Says:
27 December 2007 at 11:16 pm.
Thanks for the post about “support” that will help carry you through your training. Keep posting Road Warriors, for some of us, you are a great read and support while we train alone. Thanks!
Julie Hurley Says:
27 December 2007 at 11:19 pm.
Happy New Year Bob! I’ve always considered myself quite an introvert myself, until I started running with someone - and found myself jabbering away and completely loving it! I hope to be back in a routine with the Tues/Thurs running “events” with the RWs after the new year.
Steve Kelly Says:
30 December 2007 at 1:44 pm.
Happy New Year to you too Bob. Great to hear things are going so well for you!
Michelle Says:
12 January 2008 at 4:22 pm.
I am always looking for people to run with- so let me know if you need a running partner…I have been too shy to join a group…always thinking I will be too slow or whatnot!