Getting Connected

Have you ever arrived to a new place and found it really difficult to get connected with your new community? It would be a magical experience to get to your new duty station and have an instant community, friends already there waiting for you, and running mates ready to hit the pavement. For some people, it’s really easy to show up and jump in…getting to know people left and right and getting involved in community activities. For some of us, it’s a little more difficult. Thank goodness for social media, because at least you can virtually link in quickly with various community organizations, such as Stroller Warriors®. Moving beyond that virtual realm is a different story. Raise your hand if you follow the SW page but are nervous or hesitant to show up for a workout! Maybe you follow other organization pages but just haven’t quite found the nerve to go to a function. Showing up at a gathering alone and knowing no one is quite frightful….darn right nerve-wracking. ​

What if our watches could pair us with people?

Imagine you’ve just shown up to a new base and see an event advertised for newcomers. You decide that this move is going to be different; you are going to get involved quickly and make new friends. Perhaps you feel pumped up and motivated for this social event at first, but then you arrive and suddenly doubt why you didn’t just stay home and curl up to a good movie. You know in the end, the experience is valuable, but it’s nonetheless difficult. For me, it might go a bit like this:
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     I show up, a little nervous and praying there is good food. Surely there will be someone here I recognize. I try to scan the room for anyone I might know…anyone familiar.  Nothing. Not a soul in sight that I recognize. I feel so uncomfortable right now. What do I do with my hands? I need a drink to hold. No drink. Do I cross my arms? No, they say that’s unsocial. Can’t hang them at my sides; that just feels weird. Don’t pick your nails; that’s weird, too. Geez, stop looking so uncomfortable. OH, there’s someone. I know her from somewhere; I just can’t place her. What do I do? Where do I know her from? Oh, man, I suck at names. Even if I remember where I know her from, I won’t have a clue what her name is. …what to do, what to do? Be brave. Just walk up and say, “hi.” Seriously, what’s the worst that can happen? 
     Eh, maybe I’ll take a lap and see if I can find that drink first. Walking…walking….okay, bar. Relax. Pick something other than red wine, so I don’t end up with purple teeth. That would suck. Beer is good. Beer is casual; I can be casual.  Roll the shoulders back, don’t slouch, smile. Pretend to be relaxed. This is fun. This is a great opportunity to meet people. Having fun. When does the new Gilmore Girls come out? I could really use a pizza right now. Or a taco. Tacos go great with beer. So does pizza. I’m stopping by Taco Bell on the way home before I order a pizza. Why not? I had  a long run today. I’m sure I burned enough calories. Oh, hey, is that a mini quiche? 
     There she is again. Okay, I’ve got this. I have to say something; otherwise, I’ll definitely         regret it. Simply say something, ANYTHING! Gah, the agony! Why is this so hard?!?! Okay, deep breath. I’ve got this.

     Approach. Smile. Nod. Start speaking. 

     -“Hi. I couldn’t help but notice your Garmin. Are you a runner?”
           -“Why, yes, I am! Have you heard of Stroller Warriors?” 
(mental note: Ah, I’ve seen her on the Stroller Warriors chapter page! I should totally go to a workout). 
 …continue awesome conversation and decide to show up at the next SW workout.

Showing up at one of those workouts, kids in tow.

Perhaps this interaction serves as the perfect ice breaker for you at the event, and you enjoy the rest of the time with more ease. There is so much comfort in meeting someone you have a connection with regardless of how distant that connection is. This rings even more true when we move across the country or around the world constantly having to generate new friendships and support networks. Running is one of those great connections, and Stroller Warriors has enhanced that connection by being a world wide club. You can move to just about any base in the US, Germany, and Japan and find a familiar name or face because of Stroller Warriors. So for those of us that struggle a bit more in things like showing up to an event or starting a conversation with a stranger, just do it. Truly, what’s the worst that happen? Nothing of consequence. The best that can happen? You stumble upon a new friend, running mate, or even a whole new community. 
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If you’ve been lingering around virtually, keep doing so, but go ahead and click that Events tab on the community page you are interested in. If it’s a Stroller Warrior page, then the next workout will be listed there. Just go for it. You will be greeted with a community of people who understand you experience, and you will be grateful you went. If you haven’t joined any community or running group pages yet, I suggest you start here: Stroller Warriors Chapters


Have you had any fun events like this? Tell us about the ways you get connected when you move to a new place!

One of the many communities you can happen upon simply by saying "hello" to a stranger.