By: Omar Acosta

When I first started running, like many, it was a pretty solitary activity. I would leave work, get some sort of strength workout in and then would move into the treadmill for some cardio. Maybe I would run for a couple of songs in my playlist, or watch an episode or two of whatever show would be playing on one of the gym televisions. It was an activity that I was doing but not truly enjoying.
Even when I transitioned to running outdoors, and slowly building up my distance, I continued to just run by myself. I was finding more joy in the act of running, but I could feel there was still something missing. I still remember the first 5K I did, crossing the finish line and then just heading home. I had accomplished a goal I had set out to do, but it didn’t feel as fun as I had hoped, or as it looked for many other people.
Luckily that same year, a group of friends and I decided to train for our first half, aiming to do the Dallas Half Marathon that year. We started meeting every Saturday to run together, and what used to be just a routine I felt I HAD to do became something I GOT to do. Waking up early in the morning was much easier when I knew that I would get a chance to hang out with friends. We commiserated over our ups and downs during the training, encouraged one another, went out for post run smoothies and went race day came we cheered one another across the finish line. It still one of my most memorable races, not because of the time and accomplishment but because of the memories of everything that led up to that race.

Years later, having ran so many more miles and races, I find myself often driven not so much by medals and PRs (which don’t get me wrong are still great to have) , but by that feeling that got me through that very first half marathon: Finding community and camaraderie in running. I have found The running community here in Dallas is so welcoming and accepting, whether it has been just a nod or random wave from a stranger at the Katy Trail, seeing familiar faces at local races or making new friends at one of the many local running clubs and social runs over some post run beers.
It’s one of the reasons that I’m proud to be an ambassador for Run Project and look forward to every race that they hold. Each and every one of them throughout the year, from Hot Cake Hustle in January to Pumpkin Spice in November is an opportunity to run (literally) across familiar faces, cheer on friends across the finish line and meet new people. Although every race is filled with different demographics of age, gender, race, goals, etc we are all out there (often in not the best conditions) trying our best, and united by our love for running. It makes it easy to connect with someone that may had just been a stranger just a few minutes prior.

So what are some of the best ways to get involved in this wonderful community?

JOIN A RUN CLUB

Run clubs have seemingly explored this year in popularity, and although it may be a meme, they’re still a fantastic way to meet new friends, get deeper into the running community, and of course, get some miles.
The benefit of run clubs popularity is that there are so many options available to you. There are groups that focus solely on training for upcoming races with track workouts and weekly long runs, groups for walkers and slower paces, social groups that just get a few miles before enjoying a beer or coffee and many of the different combinations. Check out run clubs such as White Rock Running Co Op, Oak Cliff Running Crew, Ampersand Running Club, Run It Up Dallas, ZFT Run Club We are Not Really Runners, Brain Dead Running Club, Ray’s Track Club and Addison Circle Running Club (which I lead). Of course there are many much more, and you could even start your own neighborhood run club.

CHECK OUT YOUR LOCAL RUNNING SHOE STORE

These are a great resource to meet other runners, and they often hold different social run throughout the week. You can pick up a new pair of shoes, get some miles in and meet new people, all in the span of an hour.

SIGN UP FOR A RACE

Run Project many races throughout the year are a great way to not only run, but also meet new people. So many of us do multiple races throughout the year, that I lost track of people I now easily recognize just from having seen them at previous races. And their great after party always means that it’s easy to stick around and have some fun. You can hit up the Beer garden, or get a sweet 360-degree video with your medal and new friends, walk around getting drink and food from the vendors or even sign for your next race!
So come out, especially as the weather is getting cooler, and get some miles and smiles with us! If you see me out at the next race, or at one of the trails through Dallas, make sure to say hi!