I have many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, and on Saturday I added "new running buddies" to my list. This weekend, I got to run one of my favorite Portland runs--the length of Leif Erikson Drive, an 11.2-mile long fire road--with a new-to-me group of gals. The run was spearheaded by a woman named Tahni. I've known her casually for a few years but from the moment I met her, I thought we could be friends. Yet, is it just me, or is it tough to make friends with someone when you don't have kids at the same school, on the same soccer team, or in the same dance class?
Lucky for me, Tahni is a social coordinator par excellence who corrals groups of like-minded women together. She lassoed me for her running group. It's tough to join them midweek as they run earlier than I do. (I love running buddies, but I also treasure every minute of sleep!) Running the length of Leif is an undertaking that involves caravanning a car to the far end of the trail. I only get the luxury about once or, at most, twice a year. So I was delighted to join them for reasons both social and logistical.
I really like all of Tahni's gal-pals, all sporty, exuberant, engaging, and thoughtful. Only bummer: Almost all of them run a minute or two per mile slower than I do. Out of five women, only one ran close to my pace (which I'm not saying is speedy, only relatively so on that run). Even so, I returned home hopped on the excitement of having found a new posse to hang with. Now if only I'd be thining, I would have snapped a photo with my phone to show you my new muddy buddies. Next time.
-SBS
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5 comments:
Hi running pal, aka: marathon pacer extrodinare! I liked your blog a lot because I long to find a group that fits me, especially with chicks. I've tried on many caps and none really feel right but now and then I tag onto one or two and it's such a nice break in the everyday ritual I do on my own. I do have my running group but they all work downtown and I don't...and they're all male fasties!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Yikes!!! One should check spelling before posting!! "Extraordinaire" pacer I meant to say. :)
Loved the post! I have had some great runs with some of my running buddies and I always enjoy finding new running partners.
Sounds like you found a great group to share some runs with. It is hard enough to find like minded people, let alone ones who can run or are willing to run your pace and distance. Enjoy!!
I am finding that I will sacrifice pace to be with friends.. I enjoy the experience so much more than killing myself to get the SPEED.. That is not to say that I have given up my BQ dreams, just means that I have found some balance.
Nice to meet new friends.
FYI I will be in Portland area this weekend if you need a pacer :)
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