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I Am a Runner

Running Solo

By: iRant
Written on October 10th, 2011
I like to run by myself. Granted, I'm a bit of a loner anyway, but I don't want to chit-chat while I run, I want to think through a particularly tough problem I've come up against at work, or a marital problem, or this week, since I haven't run in three weeks, just about putting one foot in front of the other and not dieing from lack of oxygen. But people have a hard time understanding this apparently. I run at work over my lunch hour and there are a handful of other runners in the building. I recently moved to a new building and I'm not familiar with the area as far as running routes so I asked a couple of the resident runners about a good route. Numerous times I've asked and they tell me to run with them?! Yo, shitheads, I told you I prefer running alone! I'm actually polite about it, but that's what I want to say after about the third time I ask them.

Oh well, today was my first run from the new location and I managed to do okay. The route sucked as I had to jump a couple of fences and ignore some "No Trespassing" signs, but I didn't find any new bullet holes in my body when I took a shower so I think I'm good. I did run into one of the other runners at the door when I got back. I asked about a route and guess what he said? **** ME! And I know I've asked him and related to him my solo preferences at least two other times. Ah well. Eventually people get tired of asking me and realize it's a lost cause....
By: iRant
Age: 46-50 , Male
195 people have read this story

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6 responses
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    climber1
    climber1

    Life is all about freedom for many of us, and how can you be free if you are locked into someone else's pace.

    Few things are more enjoyable than just running on your own. If you feel like picking it up a notch or slowing down you do not have to justify it to anyone else. Occasionally it is cool to pass the miles with a friend, but doing it too often can ruin a friendship.

    Nov 17, 2011
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    Miguelf
    Miguelf

    I've always also liked running on my own. it's my happy time when I can be alone and forget all of the problems in my life.

    Nov 16, 2011
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    parttimeposer
    parttimeposer

    Maybe if you try being a little more flexible, it'll all work out better. Most of the routes I've run around work locations at lunch are not something you could easily explain. There were a dozen different streets, a few paths, etc. and the best way to learn is tag along with someone who's been down that road before.



    I'll bet these other people would readily accept your desire not to converse. I too prefer to be lost in my own thoughts most of the time, so much so I've never wanted to listen to music, etc.

    Oct 26, 2011
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      iRant
      iRant

      There are other reasons too. A lot of times when I run with others I either find I'm pushing too hard to keep up, or they're slowing me down. I don't like that. My pace can even vary from day to day and I don't like something external to me setting my pace. I imagine if you're a competitive runner it's great having someone to compete against, but I'm not a competitive runner and the only person I'm competing against is myself and that's the way I like it.

      Oct 27, 2011
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    submissivelittlewoman
    submissivelittlewoman

    i run on my lunch hours as well...as long as the weather permits. i enjoy the solitude of running alone, it gives me time to think and sometimes i just listen to music...it blocks out the rest of the world.

    Oct 13, 2011
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      iRant
      iRant

      Exactly SLW! At my old location I couldn't listen to music because personal electronics weren't allowed. My new location is much less restrictive so I need to look at doing that again. Thanks for the reply!

      Oct 13, 2011
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