While not 100% true, it's is much more difficult. I have a handful of friends I met after 30, and only like 2 since turning 40. I'm not sure I have any new ones after the big 5-0.
My long lasting friendships, other than my Banshees moment, were formed and have lasted since my 20s.
Yesterday, I did something. I joined a running group.
To be honest, it's about bettering my runs, picking up motivation and better training and running habits. As with all things running related, I conferred with Morty before taking the plunge. I wasn't sure how he picked his running peeps, or if he did.
The folks in his group are now long-time friends and race buds.
I don't know I'm going for that. I don't know if I'm not.
All these groups say they take all levels, while I'm guessing they do, I'm guessing they don't have to be happy about it........or inclusive. If it's anything like making friends as a kid, I'll be left alone - and I could have run like that on my own.
As always, I fear I'll be the 17th wheel in this group. Folks who've been running and training together for eons who now have to take Medicare-adjacent guy into the group hoping he doesn't fracture a hip.
They encourage no headphones. Not just for safety on the open road, but to interact and converse. Oh g-d!
I mean, I get it. But I don't know how to run without music. I'm not great at small talk and now to have to do it and run and keep focused?
Perhaps I am making this more than it is.
They meet twice per week for runs - Saturday mornings, which is fine and reasonable And Tuesday's at 18:00. That will be more challenging. Leaving work, changing, making my way across town then to run and get home semi-late for me.
Of course, I'll try to make Tuesdays, but I might miss some of those. Saturdays, which are the longer runs (I'm assuming) should be doable.
If I make friends, so be it. I don't know how that works. But starting February 4th, I'll start to find out.
Song by: Rickie Lee Jones
4 comments:
If Dr Spo was here he might say: Good for you! Good luck this week on your new adventure !
Having organized a walking group in the past, my guess is that the other people are hoping you will stick around, as opposed to conniving ways to exclude you.
Back in my gym bunny days, I ran with the Orlando Frontrunners a couple of times a week. It was really very fun. Saturdays we were a breakfast club with a running problem. I see there is a FR group in Cleveland.
Headphones are dangerous - they're fine for inside. You should be able to hold a casual conversation whilst on a long run - if you can't, then you're running too fast and will hit the wall too soon.
I met my husband at 50, so that's not entirely true, since I also consider him my best friend. I've also made work friends, but no one I'd truly want to hang out with outside work.
But those people who immediately come to mind when hearing "friends" are people I met in my 20s, and as the Pet Shop Boys sang, "Some are here and some are missing." There are a few friends who started out as work friends in my 30s and 40s who transitioned from in-work to outside-work status.
But for the most part, yeah...it does get more difficult as you get older.
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