RunHeartFit.net

I haven’t written a post in a while but I’m still here and still running and training. I have lots of thoughts running around in my head while I’m out pounding the pavement, especially with Boston creeping up on me. Hopefully I’ll get some of those thoughts written down some time soon.

I do have something I wanted to share with my fellow runners and readers, it’s about the people I meet while out on the street. 

I spend a lot of time out on the street running (as many of you do too) so you can imagine I’ve run into many different issues: close calls with cars, bikes, dogs. Been startled by opossums, coyotes, more dogs, a rat once…yikes! But for the most part it’s the people that I see that make my runs “fun”(?) or worthwhile (?). I meet so many people on my runs, (and by meet I mean nod at or wave to) some I see all the time and some I never see again. I don’t know any of their names or where they live but we have one thing in common and that connects us.

I bring this up because recently I’ve had more support from strangers than usual. Do I look like I need it? Are they somehow aware that I’m training for a big race? Not likely, but I’ll take it and smile. 

I had a guy high five me when I was doing my hill repeats a couple weeks ago. That was a first, in a non-race setting, but it made me smile and gave me an extra boost to get up that f*&king hill one more time. 

Last week on my 13 mile trail run (longest trail run to date) a man with his family were walking down a steep incline as I was running up and he started clapping for me! Did I look like I was dying? Probably. Did I need his extra support? Absolutely! Again, I have never had anyone clap for me in a non-race setting. People are amazing. (So different than my usual saying…”people suck!”) 😉

Another time recently, a guy (btw, where’s all the support from the women?)  told me I had a great stride. Thanks, stranger! 

Okay here’s some girl power. On that same long-@ss trail run, some girls from the local cross-country team said “good job!”. I too, gave them a “looking good ladies” on their way out. The boys also gave words of encouragement. Their coach is obviously grooming a great group of young runners. 

Not all the people I meet are runners, some are walking their dogs (I’ve been known to stop and pet a puppy every now and then) or riding their bike, walking their kids to school. Some stop me and ask about my dog and we chat for a minute. 

I love being outside, around people who also enjoy being outside. We are all out there with similar goals…to get it done. Little gestures of support can be huge when someone is struggling or just plugging along. Take a second to smile, nod or say “great job” to someone. It could make their run/day.

Do you see the same people on your runs? Does getting a random shout out give you a boost? Has anyone ever high-fived you on a run in a non-race setting?

I’m linking with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesdays Topics and Debbie, Smitha, Jen, Rachel, Deborah and Lisa for Runner’s Roundup.

Thanks for reading and keep supporting one another! 

                                 Denise