Early in my adult life, I spent 10 years working in retail. Mostly in a sports shop oddly enough.
I think this is where I first found my loathing of the 'general public'. On the whole, a very rude, obnoxious bunch of people. Oddly, not the type of people on this forum, which stands out like a shining light in a horrible world of internet forums.
I think this is why I love running alone. And the route I take, seldom brings me into contact with people. In fact, most of the people I pass (maybe 1 or 2 in 30 minutes), are also runners. So we pass with a nod of acknowledgement or a simple thumbs up. No words spoken, we dont have time. I'm good with that.
It's also why I have no desire to do a park run. I just dont want to deal with people when I know I've got 5k to run. I dont want a nice chat. I dont want to trip over kids or dog leads, I just want to run.
However, I know people love park runs. I know people love running clubs. I know people like to run with a small group of friends. Even doing C25K with a group of friends.
My point is, I've found a real enjoyment in running. As have many others. And it doesn't matter if you're a loner, a groupie, a duo or whatever.
It doesn't matter if you run to stay (or get) fit and healthy, or to get a break from a chaotic life, or just for some headspace. It's free to all of us, it's there for whatever reason we want it to be there.
We all have the freedom to run the way we want to run. To enjoy it the way we want to enjoy it. And this is why running, is the best.
Go on peeps. Get out there and run. Whether you're on wk1 r1 of C25K, just graduating, doing the magic 10 or off doing marathons. Go out there and enjoy it.
Happy running
Mig
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RunningMigster
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Thanks for that ! I never get out as often as I feel I should and run considerably slower than the slowest person I’ve ever seen moaning about their stats on here. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with guilt and uselessness. You’ve reminded me that compared to where and what I’ve been in the past, I have every reason to be proud and to keep doing my runs my way. So glad I read this x
Oi! I buy sports gear from sports shops, hence I'm a part of an obnoxious bunch, eh?
Lol! I get where that comes from. I deal with many people, in my professional life there is nothing but lots of people, new people, old faces, talking to them, facing them, constantly being surrounded by them. For decades. So when it comes to quality time (apart from my close family) l do not want to be near them. Running alone over long distances is the best thing that can relax me, allowing me to ponder, letting me enjoy myself.
Park run? Never. Organised race of any kind? No man. I once found myself in my local south London park just before a park run kicked off. I didn't wanna go home and could not ask those runners to empty the park either so l simply ran and they ran too. Me running anti-clockwise, and they hit the road clockwise. By the end of it they knew me very well. Then l discovered my own routes and have not looked back since. 😀
Love your post. Left London, the overcrowdedness (is that a word?) jacked in the rat race (even if you win, you’re still a rat) moved to N. Yorks & am living a simpler way of life. That is until I took on C25K 🤣🤣🤣
Am currently a dog walker but still find “the public” a pain in the posterior, give them a wide birth as much as poss. Did you watch Apocalypse Cow? Sounds like you’d appreciate it?
Ha! I tend to disagree. Running in London can very often be a beautiful and calming experience if you know your streets, even centrally. As for the rat race, well, we're all God's creatures and for as long as we're running all is good, no? 😉
My daughter runs around Greenwich at night - by the music school, the cutty sark, the river, and says it's very calm and atmospheric. So London running can be great.
Indeed. I know that area very, very well. Majority of my 15k and longer runs are taken in a stretch from Battersea Park to the Tower Bridge, covering god knows how many little historic streets where l barely see anyone even at weekends. Like a stealth runner, if you wish. 😉
Well said, I run alone and very early when there are only a very few people to be seen., like you day mostly runners and a quick thumbs up is all that’s needed 🙂
I agree with you, I love running alone too. I have a busy and stressful job and love the solitude of running alone. As you say it provides the headspace to reflect and just run. I have completed park run twice though and did enjoy it, but shift work means I can’t attend very often. I will be completing week 7 run 1 this weekend.
Good going! You're in the best part of the program now. Wont be long until you graduate. Keep up the good work!
I share the “can’t stand other people“ sentiment to quite a degree with these exceptions:
1. runners (DD and I ran together last week and were so happy to get waves and thumbs up!) 👍👍
2: young adults. (Maybe young adults in education?) I work in HIgher Ed and have so much time for students. A few are irritating but most are such lovely people and fun to have around. 😊
I wonder what happens to people as they age...stress and life’s disappointments maybe?
I used to think I didn’t like most kids. Actually, children are generally decent little beings, but pushy, loud, bossy parents... that’s where my problem lies. 🤦♀️
I do like to run alone too. In the past (pre knee surgery) I did organised runs and enjoyed them too. I think it’s because of point 1. 👍👍
Totally agree. I began running with someone else initially and, although I'm grateful to that person for getting me started, I'm so much better on my own. Taking someone else into account is mildly annoying and put me off my stride. Running alone is like meditation and meditation can't be done with distractions. I've done so much better alone!! 😊
That’s so well said, thank you 😊 I ran a lot in my early 20’s with a friend and then we moved and although have run on and off never found another running buddy, until Willow reluctantly joined me on w1r1 stating loudly and clearly that he was not running, then took off like a greyhound and nearly killed himself 😀so i love a running buddy and am very lucky to have found one and this forum kept us going in the early days the best place for advice encouragement and inspiration i’ve ever known
From reading your posts, I'd say you two have absolutely the best arrangement. You go off together, but if one of you wants to run faster, or longer or just stop, it doesn't mean you both have to do that.
Yeah the very best we were lucky to find each other
I couldn’t agree with you more Mig. I’m not one for Parkruns ,or entering races either . I tried it in the past, raised money for charity and got the bling .I always feel as if I’ll be the last one , not as good as the rest etc! etc!.
I live in the countryside out in the sticks of Herefordshire ( on the border of Wales to be exact) . Yes there are lots of hills not many flat places ,plenty of cattle, sheep , wildlife ......but you know I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I run 3 x times a week. And it’s wonderful , just me and nature I love it 🏃♀️🏃♀️
I often think that for a change I might do a park run again ..then I think of the petrol I would have to waste and the journey to the nearest one just for a short while So it’s a no brainier really!
I have a treadmill too so when the weather is bad I just use that (Sunday looks bad ,so treadmilling it is)
Each to their own that’s what I say! It would be boring if we were all the same wouldn’t it?
There was a 10k charity night right last September which finished almost at my front door. I've been tempted to enter if they do it again this year. But only because it finishes almost outside my door 🤣. Do the run, get my bling, walk 30 seconds to get home 🤣
Lovely post! Yes we’re all out there (or in there!) enjoying it in our own way, but united on here. And what a lovely place this is too! Like you say, it shines out as the best among social media places 👏🏻 Enjoy your running!
100%! Just like life, we're all doing it, but we can't all do it the same! Find your happy running style.
I've been out on long runs over 15 miles or more and still felt "not runner enough" when overtaken by others. One young chap looking fresh and strong overtook me on a killer hill towards the end of my route, however he was quick to say he'd just popped out to do a quick 4 miles...
Comparison really is the thief of joy. Do your own thing and enjoy it! 💕
Great post! Actually made me laugh! If you don’t like the general public you certainly make up for it here - you are so supportive and encouraging. You’ve certainly helped me along the C25K journey. I’m glad you said that about Parkrun. I was always thinking that was the ultimate thing to do - not so bothered now. Just enjoying trying to consolidate on my own. Also, Mig, I did 3.94 miles last night!! 💪💪🤗🤗 although remember when you posted about stopping short of a nice round number, thought of you when I saw that number and wished I gone on to the big fat 4 miles!!
When I told people I'd taken up running, I was deluged with offers for me to run with them (they were seasoned runners who said it would be good experience) or to take yoga/pilates classes, or join a gym, all of which I refused. There was a general lack of understanding that the reason I liked running was that I could do it myself and didn't have to talk to people. Now, I'm a fairly sociable person, but running (and dog walking) are the times I can switch off and not have to talk to people, it's like I can declutter my mind. I have surprised myself that I've stuck with it, and haven't quit despite injuries, but there's there's something about plugging myself into my music and going to the local park, that I honestly believe would be lost if I ran with other people. I do look at Park Runs and think, 'maybe', but why would I be doing it?
Such an interesting conversation going on here! Everyone wants a bit of me in my work and I am truly helpful and friendly but being on my own beats it all when I run (And when I work on my allotment). The world just goes away and I regenerate.
Thanks Mig for such a thoughtful, and thought provoking post (I can tell from the other replies above that it's not just me that it's got thinking!) I always go out running on my own, first thing in the morning and thought I did it just because that was the most convenient way for me to do this. Thanks to you Mig, I've now realised that I do it as I enjoy the tranquillity of being on my own. I don't get a lot of peace at work with customers & staff 'needing' me. I often get really frustrated when I sit down at my desk to 'finally do something' and the phone rings and I'm called away (again). This can't happen to me when I'm out for my 30 minutes with Laura. I have had occasional thoughts about trying a park run after I've completed C25K, just to say I've done one and to tick another box, but I'm not so sure. I was always a weedy kid and have remained non-sporty/athletic/strong/etc throughout my life (but It's OK, I'm certainly not hung up about it) and still feel (stupidly) self conscious about that so although \I tell myself \I could just blend into the crowd, I' still not sure I will do it. Luckily I have a little way to go yet before I have to make that decision. Yes we are all different, and that's another beauty of this adventure, we can all do it in what ever way we want to, the end result is the same. Finally, I echo your thoughts about the wonderful community on here, I have never met such a supportive and positive bunch who have all helped me get to where I am. This positivity also encourages us all to return the compliment and add our support and advice to others. It's great to see such positivity where a lot of things in the media and on the internet (and in life in general really) seem so negative nowadays. Starting C25K and joining this forum hves been the best things I've done for myself in ages, thanks everyone.
Great response! Yes my work phone tends to be on 24/7. I really do enjoy leaving it behind when I run. When I come home from work, the normal thing to do is switch my laptop on straight away. Now, if I'm running, which I tend to do straight after work, the laptop stays in its bag. That's a huge positive impact for me.
Tempted to do a park run, just to say I've done it. But as has been said in another response, I need to ask the question, why? I know people love them, and I'd encourage anybody to try one. I'm just not sure I'd know why I was doing it.
Great post to a great post! Lovely to read that you are enjoying the challenge of the running and the benefits of head space. No matter how easy or hard I find a run, it puts me in a good mood just for doing it!
You don’t have to or be what’s expected. You choose to run in a way that you choose. Running is an activity where you can be just you Whole and complete.
Well you tried the park run- good for you! Am going to tell my work friend straight that I'm not going to do one. Trouble is, he wants to run with me mid-week in lunchbreaks! Oh dear...
Great post, and I couldn’t agree more! Having done 1 Parkrun, it confirmed what I really already knew - that I’m a lone runner. Ironic really as it was seeing an article about it on TV that lead me here. I’m glad I did it, and I’m not saying I wouldn’t do it again......but I suppose that’s the point - as individuals we can choose where, when and who we run with. Keep enjoying it 👍😁
Oh and your totally right about this forum - a shining diamond in a rusty bucket of social media sites
Ironically, it was the Wakefield hospice charity 10k night run, finishing 30 seconds walk from my front door, that was the final catalyst for me starting this. If they do it again this year, it's the only event I'm tempted to take part in, just because of where it finishes 🤣.
Might do 1 park run, just to say I've done one. I'm just not feeling the inclination.
Never say never! Well, apart from a marathon.. never 🤣
Shiny diamond! That’s a great sentence. I do despise social media - I just think the impact on people can be too much. I have children who are at an age of phones - I’m like a old-style commando in how much I freak out over phone usage! The influence of social media really does worry me.
Haha! Never thought you would be antisocial, just from your posts on here and the support you give to others (including myself)! I know what you mean though. I like being a lonely goat too, so much time for thought and reflection.
A friend of mine (who also dislikes people) is running a bit and we may run a little together, but he is also a lonely goat, and I am not sure if that counts!!
Lovely post, and so true.... I work in the NHS and have dealt with people my whole career. I like to find the good in people, as I think it’s almost always there somewhere.... but it means I’m quite gullible too!! And like you I have become a lone runner mostly, I get claustrophobic in crowds, I would do Parkrun but it’s a 25 minute drive away which defeats the object!! The important thing is that we find what works for us, and that we get the benefits we need.... happy running 😎
Absolutely! I started this for the health benefits. But there are lots of added bonuses that have come with it too. Who knew I'd ever be into running 🏃♂️😁
I work in retail, and some customers are lovely - but lots of them are not!! And they seem to go on group outings together 😁
That's what I love about c25k, if I've been on an early shift, I can come home, get changed and get out for a run 🏃 and get rid of the stress 😊
Not sure what I did before...... My poor family 😬
I am quite keen to try a park run, but until I do I won't know if it's just the idea I like, or if I will enjoy it.
I did race for life about 5 years ago, for my friend who was suffering with bowel cancer, I was a lot bigger then & didn't train for it, and it was hell!! I managed to drag myself to the end & finished in under an hour, which I was pleased with at the time. Part of me would like to do that course again, just to compare myself to myself 😁
But you're right, do what's right for you, don't worry about what anyone else is doing, just keep running 🏃 ☺
Couldn’t say it better! I love running alone and although I started running along a prom there were too many people, dogs and distractions. I found a new route where it’s mostly me and my thoughts. I do have my playlist but I love being alone. Maybe stems from being an only child happy in my own company.
In my working life had to deal with lots of prima donnas and difficult individuals whilst maintaining my cool. Now I can be me!
There is such magic in this running addiction but in a good way. This forum is just amazing with lovely open hearted and supportive people. Where were you all my working life???
Just about to get restarted after a two week break so fingers crossed - holidays are great but now I resent the intrusion to my running routine.
What a great post Mig. Running can be whatever it is to whoever it is! Still being pestered to do a park run, but after my lone run this morning I have decided I am not going to do one. Just not interested - I have found what kind of runner I am And would call it a morning explorer runner!
I know PRs are very popular. I'm sure they will be even more so in summer. I might do one just to say I've done one. But I'm just not feeling it. Maybe one day
I’m back in the UK this week and I’ll be doing my first park run on Saturday , just because I can ! I think the people will be great as they are all off the sofa on a Saturday morning in the winter . The speedsters can speed , I’ll be plodding with Mrs Steve wherever we end up amongst the throng . I’m hoping I can grab my granddaughters (if they are up lol) to join us . I’ll report back Migs , this is my missed Christmas visit 😎🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♂️
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That was different 😊
W7R2 - A new soundtrack makes all the difference! Sorry Laura!
We're going on a bear hunt!
The absolute joy of being in this for the long haul (and with all of you)
