I much prefer eating hot cakes over consuming hot takes. Sure, like everyone, I’ve fired off a few of my own, but for the most part I leave hot takes to the pundits and trolls, who are, many times, one in the same. But occasionally I’ve been known to burn friends, family, and innocent bystanders minding their own business, with a sizzler. This may very well be one of those occasions. Hear me out on this one: Running together with someone for the first time is just like going on a first date.
Here are six reasons why sharing the road isn’t so different from the restaurant table.
1. We’re trying to impress
On both a first date at dinner and a first run with another, we’re dressing in our most attractive outfits, striving for optimal posture, body language, and conversation and trying not to move too fast or take it too slow. Just as we imbibe in liquid courage on a date, we take in a hefty dose of liquid — er, chemical — courage on the run in the form of endorphins and Vitamin D. Whether we’re buzzed off a few drinks or have a runner’s high off a few miles, the conversation flows more freely (for better or worse) and the dialogue is livelier, resulting in closer bonding.
“Just as we imbibe in liquid courage on a date, we take in a hefty dose of chemical courage on the run with endorphins and Vitamin D.”
2. We’re doing an analysis
A first date is undoubtedly one of the highest risk-reward opportunities. On one hand you could be ghosted, repulsed, or bored, and on the other, you could meet your soulmate. It’s that level of uncertainty about how the night will play out that gets us so excited…and worried.
At first glance, the risks of a first trot with another seem much lower than for a date. But while you may make a potential lifelong running buddy who holds you accountable to your training, gets you out the door on those dreary winter early mornings, and shares running advice with you, there’s also the risk that they will hold you accountable to your training (when you really need a day off), get you out the door on those dreary winter early mornings (when you really need to catch up on sleep), and share running advice with you (that’s really unwanted and ill-advised).
For both experiences, expectations (or lack thereof) are made, setting us up to be satisfied, disappointed, or worse — indifferent.
3. We’re vulnerable
No matter one’s level of self-esteem, we all feel at least a bit exposed during any form of exercise in public or while on a date. On a date, we’re putting ourselves out there, fearing rejection and seeking approval from a potential romantic interest.
On a run, we’re putting our body in motion. From our not so graceful facial expressions, arm swings, and leg strides on the road, to our chewing noises, voice, tics, and body language at the table, there are plenty of quirks — and annoyances — on full display.
4. We’re being judged
No one likes to be called judgmental, but accurately judging someone’s personality helps us make better decisions. And we’re known to always be accurate; just ask us! Our table manners and treatment of service staff can determine whether there’ll be a second date. During the run, our gait, pace, and interactions with fellow pedestrians or drivers are a surefire indicator of reliability in a running buddy. At the end of the day, we just hope that the “judge” rules in our favor.
5. We’re making a statement
Of course, with every judgment comes the opportunity to make an opening statement. Similar to how you can tell a lot about a date by what’s on their dinner plate, what a runner has on their feet is their greatest form of self-expression. Are you the showy type who opts for a martini or a pair of hot pink Nike Alphafly with Tracksmith Reggie half-tights? Or perhaps you like to fly under the radar with a local IPA or a black-and-white Brooks Ghost and a grey t-shirt with no recognizable branding? Either way, it’s crucial to leave a lasting impression by nailing your closing argument conversation or mile.
“Just as you can tell a lot about a date by what’s on their dinner plate, what a runner has on their feet is their greatest form of self-expression.”
6. We’re making a crucial decision
Choosing the setting for a first date is just as crucial as the selected running route for a duo’s initial run. The key on a date is to find the right balance between keeping it classy and casual. No one wants to show up to a dive bar that’s accrued multiple health and safety violations but opting for a three-star Michelin restaurant just seems desperate.
The key on the run is to select a route that’s not too challenging but won’t be a cakewalk either. We don’t want to be gasping for air while climbing steep hill after hill on a trail, but we also don’t want to run on a monotonous, flat out-and-back on a busy road. For both, the goal is to keep things fun and light, while adding a bit of intrigue as to what’s coming next.
“No one wants to show up to a dive bar that’s accrued multiple health and safety violations, but opting for a three-star Michelin restaurant just seems desperate.”
May I have this run?
Whether devouring a few hundred calories in the restaurant or burning several hundred on the road, the objective is the same: to find a partner, for romance or running. But what if I told you that you could accomplish both of those goals at once? That’s right, the real hot take? Running is the best first date! Scorching enough for you?
