'Run clubs are now the new dating app and it has me sprinting in the other direction'
By Eliza Paschke|
Apparently, Run Clubs are the new dating app
I don't know what's more shocking to me: the fact people enjoy running, or that you can meet a lover while doing it.
This disconcerting development first came to my attention a few weeks ago, when a friend asked if I'd heard about the latest place people are picking up.
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Since then, I've questioned every man and his dog about the trend that has singles racing to the nearest track.
On my journey to bust what initially seemed like a myth to me, I uncovered success story after success story.
Am I the last person to know about this fairytale phenomenon?
Even my lash lady had stories to spill. Her local Run Club has spawned two committed couples and seen her lock lips with a member at the recent Christmas party.??
I try to avoid exercise like the plague, but when I do summon the courage to hit the gym, I conceal myself in the corner. Nobody needs to see me writhing in pain, gasping for air or swimming in sweat.
Interactions with the opposite sex are dodged at all cost!
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Surely it's not just me who's at their absolute worst as a human when they're attempting an athletic task? There's a 50 per cent chance I'll bring up my breakfast when I work out.
How can you even speak when you train, let alone look cute?
So what is Run Club and why is everyone talking about it right now?
These predominantly free-to-join groups can be found in most suburbs, and have been created to encourage and increase social running.
All athletic abilities are welcome and sessions are held at different times of day depending on your location.
When so many like-minded community members are coming together, I suppose it makes sense that love is blossoming.
Run Clubs were already growing in popularity thanks to fresh new year's resolutions and priority shifts toward health and fitness (especially since Covid).
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It could be the coffees and cocktails occurring after training that are key to unlocking these connections, in which case, lets ditch the running part, or at least get a few less intimidating "Walk Clubs" off the ground instead.
That way my make-up isn't melting off my face, plus we can move, breathe and talk at the same time.
Run Clubs may succeed in getting you fit, but I'll be dragging my lazy butt back to the dating apps before I give this one a try.
