May 3rd, 2010
Life has settled down and with it, a most lovely event: the last of the asshole neighbors moved out over the weekend, leaving the building 100% asshole free (aside from myself).
My apartment is still tiny, covered in stupid blue office carpet and today, I saw a trash bag go flying by my window (I’m on the top floor) because whoever lives in the building next to mine decided throwing trash out a window to land mid-sidewalk is a good enough effort on garbage pick-up day. But I can deal with these annoyances now that the “enemy” vibe is gone.
This is good because it’s doubtful I’ll be able to move by September. I’m holding steady money-wise (seems I build one area up and another loses steam) so no big income improvement yet and it looks like replacing my car will be all I’ll be able to handle this year. Maybe it’s time to hang a picture.
More important than money though, it’s time to tackle the social aspect of life – something I’ve been reticent to face since I will always be my favorite company, but I need to shake things up and start making an effort to get out and about, maybe stop turning down invitations from friends and even make some new ones.
To that end, I’m writing this here so I have witnesses: This Saturday, I’m going to run with a local running group for the very first time. There, I said it and now I have to do it. Shit.
I’m such a solo runner that the idea of talking to strangers on a run freaks me out, but I know it’s a good thing to do and the local group seems pretty cool from their message board, so I’ve really got no excuse. In fact, I’m quite sure I’m going to like it quite a bit. I think. I hope. eek
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Go for it! Hey, it’s working for me. I guess…
As a recently converted solo runner myself, I think you might really enjoy your group run. Plus, you run fast enough that you can hang with the hot younger guys – ’nuff said.
while I run with people often, I really do like running alone. But hey, look at this hot chick I scored running
I am the same way… it’s not that I don’t enjoy running with other people occasionally, but there is a very high activation barrier. But now group track workouts are my favorite part of the week. Go for it! (And I’m sure in a big city you could shop around groups until you find one you really click with, if need be.)
yay group running. i’m too scared to try it. but i’ve heard nothing but positive things from those who do do group runs. i’m sure youll have a blast but good luck anyway girl
I always wondered if you would ever run with a group…hope the experience goes well
Flo- sometimes it is good to get outside of our comfort zone. Have fun – somehow I doubt if you will find it hard to make friends.
Have fun.
I agree with Linda. It’s good to get out of your comfort zone. You don’t have to go again if you don’t want to.
Hey Flo, Once a week should make a refreshing change, and you still have the other six days to run solo. This last cycle I got to do all my long runs in company which made them a lot less boring. Oh, and they’ll be awed when they discover how fast you are. Let them do that gradually. It’s fine sport.
hope you have a great group run! having been injured for most of the last year, i really miss running with a group. you can push one another, make the miles go by faster with conversation and jokes, and make friends to socialize with after the running is over.
Girl, you’re talking about teaching me some things when I come to Philly? Well, I will teach you how to talk to a brick wall- fear NO MORE! Running, not running, just start chatting. It doesn’t matter what you say, really. I have found if you just smile and laugh a lot they will like you. You have such an awesome personality, that I think you will really enjoy running with a group. I would LOVE to run with a group. I get giddy knowing I get to talk running with people at races.
Great move Flo. You’ll like it. Especially if it’s a non-competitive easy run sort of group. Then you’ve got the perfect recovery run talk/coffee fest session
Color me jealous: I run with all my friends every time out, (read solo). Small town, just a few runners. It’s a good thing for my imaginary friends, or I wouldn’t get to talk about running at all.
I’ve been thinking of doing something similar too, branching out and splashing some socialization into my running. (I just need slow company.)
Glad to know that the “enemy” has retreated. Princess Flo reigns victorious!
Was that a mouse you saw at the end there?
I enjoy my group runs with my club (even if some of the conversation is in Italian), and on Saturday mornings we come upon bunches of different groups running together (as you see on the local trails). You can’t have a range-of-paces that is too wide, but it works well with people within hailing distance of one another.
And it’s much easier to do speedwork with others; even if the hard efforts themselves are at different paces, the warm-up, drill, between-effort recoveries, and warm-down are good ways to socialize in what is an inherently solo endeavor.
Cool comments everyone, feeling good about the potential. Speaking of speedwork Joe, they have an informal Thursday night hill workout so I might try that next week. I like the idea of doing a hard workout with others. I’m actually very social when put in a group of people, making that first move is the hard part.
I hope it goes well. You are such a social butterfly you will get to like having others to run with if you so choose after the initial, “Hi, I’m GirlInMot…I mean Flo”. LOL! Hugs lady!
Go for it Flo! It doesn’t mean you have to give up running solo, it’ll just add some variety to your runs. And, I guarantee than you’ll meet at least one person that you’ll like running with. And…intervals are always better with a group.
I joined my running club 6 years ago this month-and it has honestly been the best decision I have ever made in my adult life-helped turn NYC into a place I wasn’t sure I could make my home into a much smaller, friendlier world
I too like running solo, but I like having the option of running with others (and drinking with them afterwards 
) when I need it. Good luck-hope it goes well!!
(and a little belated-but congrats on a great Boston!!)
Hooray for the asshole-free zone! That sure makes day-to-day life easier.
I really enjoy my time lost in my own head running alone, but I’ve really learned to love the group/running partner runs when I get them as well. Nobody ever feels like they HAVE to talk nonstop, and sometimes it’s nice to have people there when a thought comes to mind that you want to share.
Hi there! I’ve never commented on your blog but check in from time to time (I used to be v. active on the RW Forum.) Congrats on the asshole-free zone. One question: I’m not sure what kind of building you live in, but if it’s a 2-story condo what about moving into the apt upstairs…? That way, even if the house ceases to be an asshole-free zone, at least they won’t be banging around over your head all the time.
btw, I really enjoy running alone for the sheer relaxation value, but once a week or so it’s nice to have a friend along!
Hi Harriet! I thought about it, even went and looked at it, but it costs more, plus I get a bad vibe knowing those creeps lived there.