Friends that run...

As a runner, a lot of people assume that all my friends are other runners. This isn’t true. One of my best friends doesn’t enjoy running at all and I love that! Yes running is an important part of my life, but it doesn’t take up every part of it, which is important to a healthy relationship with the sport. However, a large majority of my friends are runners, and I love that too!
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So, why is it that as a runner, I find it so easy to get on well with other runners?

Firstly is the obvious explanation. We share a common interest. Running is an easy subject for runners to talk about. Whether it’s about training, other runners, or racing, there is always something else to talk about. As runners, we find the subject exciting and interesting, but the non-running individual, bizarrely, doesn’t find talking about PB’s and sessions exciting. Therefore, it’s only natural that runner’s may gravitate to one another, because not everyone wants to talk about it!

A few of my best friends that are runner’s, have similar ways of thinking to me. At times, we think almost exactly the same it can be scary!! Don’t get me wrong, we don’t think identically about everything, but there are similarities in our thought processes and how we deal with different situations. It is these ways of thinking that I believe have developed as a result of running, such as time constraints and needing to fit training in. Due to these similarities and understanding, it makes fitting training in incredibly easy. Amongst runners, there is also a common understanding of the dedication needed for the sport- there is a mutual respect. Other runners understand what it takes to train and compete and the mindset needed for this. The dedication and motivation required to constantly push yourself to be a better runner is something other runners can relate to and therefore help make it happen.

Having friends that run also adds a light hearted element to the sport itself. Running can be a solitary and disciplined sport, so a lot of time is spent on your own. Having friends that understand this and can join in on some of your training makes a massive difference. A lonely training session can go a lot quicker if you occasionally have someone to share it with. 

However, what makes my friendships with other runners even more special, is the other things that connect us. The other common interests we have. We may have been brought together by running, but away from running we have found so many common interests and enjoyments. Whether it’s the love of food (you can never brunch too much), or the love of books and literature, even the love of animals, common interests unite us all. So, what is it in your life that has brought your closer to other people? 

This is a post to say thank you. Thank you to all my friends, whether you are runners or not, for all you do to brighten my days and all the pointless, random chats we have together. Because if you know me, you’ll know I do love to chat! About anything!!