Turn conversational pace into marriage!

Sunday, February 14, 2016 · Mike Davis

Good morning, Happy Valentine’s Day! Thanks for having a romantic cup of coffee with me! Forget Matchmaker Dot Com, running may be the single best way to meet someone that you already share a wonderful commonality. With all the running groups available what better way to meet new friends without any awkward pressure. Runners are typically very welcome of new runners and it is so easy to get to know someone while enjoying a run. If you happen to spot a particular person you are extra interested in getting to know and they are a bit faster than you; you now have the opportunity to work on your speed. The really great thing about meeting potential future spouses through running groups is that you are not under the same pressures that come with the dating scenes or being out at a bar. Instead it is easy to get to know that special person through easy and relaxed conversational pace running. It was once suggested that a great place to meet someone was at a gym and that strategy didn’t seem to blossom for many obvious reasons, running makes far more sense based on the number or runners and the dynamics of running. What better way to start an easy conversation with someone without either participant feeling like it is anything more than a need for distraction from their running. Then after getting to know each other, you can take advantage of a pub run to broaden the social aspect of your relationship. I think the coach is on to something here! Doug and Katie Mackinnon are one of my favorite couples and today they are blissfully married because of the Runners Alley beginner half marathon training group. You see Doug was one of the very few smart guys who did his homework and found out that the Runners Alley training groups are usually 90 percent woman and this would give him his pick from many eligible great woman. It worked as Doug met Katie and they have lived happily ever after. In fact I am pretty sure that they are so grateful to me for being the coach of their group that they will name their firstborn after me. Boy or girl! If anyone knows shy Doug, they are probably laughing. The truth is probably more like Katie spotted Doug and it was all over for Doug. I have encouraged so many of my single guy friends to join running groups but I guess I have some not so smart friends because they choose to keep running with other guys instead. Hmm… I am so grateful that my sweetheart is a runner and we most likely will even spend some time on this Valentine’s Day running. While we did not meet through running, running was certainly one of the activities that we embraced together and has been a staple in our marriage. Kathy and I are polar opposite in so many ways and I am good with that however, our mutual lover for running is beneficial to our relationship in so many ways. We both enjoy solo runs but, we also help the other person get out the door when the motivation is lacking. Both of us also enjoy the relationships we make through reaching out to groups and clubs and together we grow our circle through these opportunities. Whether you are still looking for that special person or are already with your “sweetheart” like me, running is the perfect activity. Forward this little chat on to a single friend or a couple that needs to invest in a pair of running shoes! They will one day thank you and possibly name their first child after you. Have a great Valentine’s Day and God Bless! Mike