The Conversation Pace

Wednesday, June 27, 2012 · Mike Davis

Today was one of those days that you have to suck it up and make it work! My 10K group was scheduled to go out at 1515 (3:15), but at 1500 (3:00), it was raining like heck and there was area thunder. Sent out an email cancelling the run (like anyone would show up), and decided I would get in my shoes and go to Planet Fitness. Well, the thunder stopped and the rain looked a lot less threatening so I mentioned to one of my group members that I might go out and run, he responded saying that he was game if I indeed went. Game on!

The run was wet, but nothing that bothers me and I had some great conversation! One of the great things about conversational pace is the fact that you can have a conversation. Oh by the way, 70 percent of your running should be conversational pace. The young man I ran with is a wonderful recent addition to our unit and his attitude is a joy to observe. Of course with his great attitude I am determined to make him a runner! There’s a saying: “When runners talk while running, they talk about everything but running and when they aren’t running, they talk about running.” In most cases that quite accurate except maybe me, I am always coaching or encouraging or telling some long winded story.

One of the great joys of running is the opportunity to spend time with people, get to know someone or have minimal interruptions with a friend. Think about it; how often do you have the opportunity to just talk with someone without kids around or without a time constraint? I know with cell phones these days’ people are talking that much more on the phone, but I hardly consider that quality conversation. During a run you are away from home, your phone and others that require something from you, you can take your time with that story (Please drag the story out so I don’t have to think about this run!).

I have coached many groups of runners and have witnessed friendships begin and grow into incredible bonds both in and out of running shoes. I haven’t witnessed any running meetings turn to marching down the aisle, but I’m sure it’s happened. Everyone complains that they have no place to meet people these days and I can understand that, running is certainly a great opportunity.

I really enjoy the solitude of running by myself at times and I need that, but I also enjoy a day like I did today when I can spend some time running and getting to know someone. Almost forgot that my shoes were socked!