Community

One of things I love most about running is the sense that there is a running community out there. Yes, running can be a very solitary activity. It is that activity that brings so many people together. You see it at races. You see it a local fun runs. You see it online through the ever expanding RunNet Community. People come together over running. It is a pretty amazing thing.

In my almost 3 years working for Fleet Feet Sports, I have had the honor to meet so many fellow runners. Some I see on a regular basis. Others I see from time to time at races. I may not remember names, but I remember them, and they remember me. When we talk, it's like we are old friends.

Now it may be different at the competitive level. I don't know. I have never been at that level. :-) I do think though people who run are not only happier in life, but they spread that happiness through the rest of the community.

Today I got an email from a woman who is a regular at our store and fun runs. She and her husband come every week to run. I love talking to them, and have become friends with them. Her email was an invitation to a choral concert her husband is in. He sings! This a way we runners bond. We bond over running, and that expands into our lives. I love it.

Online, there are runners from all over the world, coming together to form the RunNet Community. These are people who blog, podcast, post about their running. It is using New Media to spread the our love and passion for running and to encourage others to get active and join us. Steve Runner, and other fellow runners are starting this movement, and I am a proud member of it.

Now community may not be your cup of tea. No worries. I'm not saying you all have to be part of the community. I am saying it is good to know that one more thing to love about running is that it encourages community.

Charlie