5 Reasons to Date a Runner

I’m sure I’ve told you this before, but I met (and married) my husband Alan at the Tram Road Challenge. We were standing on opposite sides of the finish line, cheering on the other runners, after we’d finished the race. We chatted a little and it so happened he won a dinner for two at a local restaurant at the award ceremony, asked me out, and that, as they say, was that. I didn’t think about it then, but our experience demonstrates many of the great reasons to date a runner.

I thought that Valentine’s Day was a great time to share how dating a runner can create a perfect match.

5 Reasons to Date a Runner

Still single and looking for the perfect (you choose) date, partner, spouse, or SO? I highly recommend heading to your local track or a hometown 5k and taking a look at the runners crossing the finish line.

Why Should You Date a Runner?

Running takes dedication, commitment, strength, and even a sense of humor (tell me you don’t laugh at shared stories of blisters, black toenails, and “potty stops”). I don’t know what you look for in a partner, but those traits were always at the top of my list.

But wait! There is more. Here are five more reasons that dating a runner is a good idea. Note: I’m a straight female, so I’m calling my runner “him.” However, this applies to all runners.

Are you looking for your soul (sole) mate? Here are 5 reasons you should be dating a runner. #runningClick To Tweet

Runners are out there, at races, club workouts, on the trails. In a world where 40% of singles are using online dating to meet people, the Runner is out there doing what he loves best. You don’t even have to ask what you have in common. It’s right there, pinned to his running shorts.

When you date a Runner, you have a built-in running partner. Having a training partner is a great way to get motivated, challenge yourself, and have fun while you’re doing it. There is also security in having a running partner, especially one who is likely to feel protective of you, which is especially reassuring if you run in the dark.

Yes, my runner husband and I still run together, even after almost 27 years!

Your Runner always knows what you want for your birthday. Who needs a charm bracelet when you’d rather have a Garmin? The list of gift possibilities is almost endless, from a new running outfit to compression socks, to race entries. This eases the Runner’s mind too, saving him (or her) the stress of not knowing what to give you. There is a downside to this though. If you ever want a non-running gift, you’re going to have to come straight out and say it. After success with GPS systems, heart rate monitors, and the like, your Runner may forget that sometimes a person really does appreciate something with a little more flash than a sparkle skirt.

Traveling to a race = Vacation. When both you and your Runner are running a race away from home, you can make a romantic vacation out of the experience. Be sure to plan so the race is at the beginning of your trip, the better to enjoy new restaurants, side tours, and trying other non-running activities, like hiking, kayaking, or cycling.

Runners “get” you. If you tell a regular date (regular = non-runner) that you can’t go out on Saturday night because you have a race in the morning and you need to get your sleep (and eat the right things the night before), he might look at you as if you have a third eye. Not the Runner. The Runner understands the need for rest and proper nutrition before a run. He will appreciate your pile of running shoes (and probably has one of his own). He will even recognize the beauty of your home decor of framed finishers’ certificates, your medal display, and race posters.

I speak from experience obviously. Alan and I have trained together, traveled to races together, pushed each other when needed (and held each other back when injured or overtrained), and understood each other for 27 years. We even got married at a race!

So, take it from me, dating a Runner is a great idea. All you have to do is catch him!

Is your partner a runner? If so, did you meet him or her through running?

 

 

And Now It’s Time for the Runners’ Roundup!

Linkup with the #RunnersRoundup with @DeborahBrooks14, @milebymilerun, @runningwithpugs, and me! Bring your best #runningrelated posts, find new blogs to follow, and share your love of #running! Click To Tweet

 

 

 

 

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Weekly Linkups

My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!

Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
The Runners’ Roundup with Deborah, Lisa, Jenn, and Me!
The Weekly Run Down with Deborah and Kim
Fit Five Friday with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida
Ultimate Coffee Date with Deborah and Coco