Social Training: Feeling Good About Telling the World Your Running Sucks
I have, for a long time, been quite happy to run alone. It's not a statement about my lack of friends, confidence, or about social ineptitude; its simply that I actually enjoy the temporary solitude. Re-charging the mind while simultaneously winding down the body. Or the other way around.
The only problem is, having someone run alongside you is a great motivator. You don't want to let your partner down, so you tend not to miss a run. You might need to pick up your pace a bit to keep up with a stronger runner, so you gain strength yourself. Chatting makes the miles pass by more quickly, and mutual motivation benefits all.
Social networking through sites like Facebook & Twitter have come to define how many people communicate with one another, discovering new friends, making contact with old ones. We shouldn't be surprised then, that the social networking phenomenon is producing specialist variations on the theme, whilst retaining integration with the massive social networking infrastructure that millions of people are already connected to.
A great example of this is Daily Mile. A social training site where you can record your workouts in detail, and share with other people. I'm on there, and it has been directly responsible for pushing me harder than I would normally have pushed myself. Why? Simply because my mileage is public. People comment on it. They offer motivation, and I offer it back in return.
What's more, I can connect with people who are already on Twitter or Facebook, and increase the number of virtual observers of my training. I also get to see what everyone else is up to. How am I doing? Is everyone else doing more than me? How are my stats?
It is tremendously motivating. But it's not all just about comparing notes. There are some truly honest and heartfelt reports being filed up there from people who are quite inspirational. People recovering from injury, improving their health, achieving goals, setting challenges (which you can participate in).
I've found that if you have a bad session, say so! Its cathartic. Others may chime in, offering support. They've been there too and know all about those pains. You may get the odd wise guy, but what the hell. No matter what level you're at, there will be somebody faster, slower, younger or older than you.
One final thing - if you think its hard to let your training partner down, try explaining yourself to 50 friends. Or 100. See how this works?
Add me on Daily Mile. But I warn you, my mileage is awesome. You'll not do more than me. Really. What's that? You're challenging me?
