If you run in Central Park, you are not alone. A great feeling on cold, slippery winter mornings, but also hard to navigate on that first warm, sunny Saturday in spring. That being said, there’s bound to be someone just like you–same pace, same distance, maybe even the same Asics 2150s–somewhere along the 6.2 mile loop. And sometimes, you happen to cross paths with said person and make a new running friend.
Last week marked my new running friend No. 3 since moving to the Big Apple, including one who I still run with on a weekly basis. Not too shabby.
These experiences have helped me think twice before rolling my eyes when a stranger tries to strike up a conversation when I’m sweaty, out of breath, and half-asleep. Because, after all, running with people is fun, and runners in New York can be friendly!
Maybe it’s the endorphins, or could it be those fabulous lululemon pants I own? Either way, I welcome the company when I’m trying to sustain sub-7:30 pace (which does not happen every day). Not to mention, I admire the forwardness of my fellow runners who approach me with “Nice pace” or “Mind if I join?” It’s what I now refer to as the “Pace Pick-up Line.” Trashy? Nah. Acceptable? Yes, but only while wearing sneakers and running on public paths.
And my No. 1 Running Date Rule? Don’t race on the first date.
