madcity girl

As much I enjoy the meditative feeling of running alone, there’s really nothing better than sharing a great run with friends. In previous posts, I talked about how I had begun to connect with fellow Dailymilers who live in and around Madison. It’s amazing how online connections through a shared love for running have blossomed into new running buddies and close friendships among a diverse cast of local athletes.

It’s all really opened my eyes to the power of social networking. As one dailymiler recently put it—people are no longer connecting with others solely because of proximity, appearances, or other surface-level similarities. Online communities have enabled us to reach out to people from all over the world who share our interests and passions. I have to admit, for a long time I was skeptical. It just seemed weird and creepy to meet people over the internet. But with my brother’s encouragement, I finally took the plunge. And I’m glad I did. I’ve realized, there’s not much to loose, and so much to gain. I probably never would have met my new running friends, if I hadn’t opened myself to those connections.

In recent weeks, a Saturday or Sunday morning “lake loop” has become a staple of our Madison dailymile meet ups. Nearly every Madison runner who has ever trained for a long-distance event is intimately familiar with the lake loop—a 13-mile loop around Lake Monona. It’s one of my favorite running routes in Madison. There’s something so incredibly satisfying about running around a massive body of water—coming full circle. It’s also motivating to know that once you commit to the full loop, there’s only one way back (other than to swim, I suppose). I also love the varied terrain, beautiful lake views, frequent water fountains (during the summer months), and the distance (I often commend myself after completing the full loop—damn, you just finished a half-marathon).

I love my new running group. The two hours we spend together make up a part of the weekend I look forward to most. As I come around the final stretch of the loop, I always feel this great sense of accomplishment and contentment. Like I’m truly doing what I’m supposed to be doing with the people I’m meant to be doing it with.

If nothing else, it’s clear that running and social networks share one thing: the power to unite.