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Sweaty Hugs

I like my personal space. I don't like it when someone I don't know sits in the chair right next to me at church. I don't like when someone stands too close to me in line. And since my kids are an extension of me, I didn't like it when strangers would touch my babies. And I still don't like it when kids I don't know touch my girls when we are at the park, at school, etc. And when someone I don't know very well asked me if I wanted to hold her baby the other day, I didn't want to be rude so I held that baby. But I didn't want to.

I'm just not a touchy-feely in-your-space kind of gal.

So I'm sure you could guess I'm not a big hugger. I rarely hug people the first time I meet them. I even have relatives I am not entirely comfortable hugging.

I started thinking about this when I was looking through the pictures on my computer this morning and saw these:




When it comes to the runnerd in me, I am all about hugging. It's funny how running can bring you together. Whether it's snuggling together for a photo in front of the port-a-potties before a marathon or sweaty hugs and group photos after a half marathon, I never hesitate to get or give a hug. At first I tried to blame it on the runner's high dulling my personal space senses, but the port-a-potty photo BEFORE the race is proof against that theory.

The truth is there is something about running that connects us. Running isn't just something we do to burn calories or stay fit. For RUNNERS, there is emotion connected to running. And it is that emotion that comes out when I feel that urge to hug a runner I know - or sometimes even just recognize from the bloggy world. So if you ever see me at a race, you better watch out. There might be a sweaty hug coming your way.

Have you hugged a runner lately?
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Comments

  1. PennyJanuary 25, 2012 at 4:55 PM

    I'm not a hugger either! That said - I get very emotional at races so there's always a little hugging and a little crying at the end!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Running RicigJanuary 25, 2012 at 6:08 PM

    I am super uncomfortable when people touch me, even with family sometimes. I can't say that I've noticed a difference at short races, but after the marathon I could have hugged ANYONE. I was so happy it was like I was on drugs :).

    ReplyDelete
  3. Christy @ My Dirt Road Anthem: A Runner's BlogJanuary 25, 2012 at 6:50 PM

    I think running does bring out the hug in all of us. I have hugged people after races that I would hardly talk to outside of running.

    ReplyDelete
  4. MR DETERMINEDJanuary 25, 2012 at 6:51 PM

    I'm not a hugger either, which seems odd that I turned out this way since my whole family is huggers. I feel like the the Marilyn Munster of the family when group family hugs happen. I'm going to do my first race in March, I'll let you know if there is any hugging. I have a feeling there will be. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. MichelleJanuary 25, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    Love hugging my running girls!

    ReplyDelete
  6. ChristiJanuary 26, 2012 at 7:26 AM

    I love hugs from my friends be they runners or not so if I happen to meet ya at a race, I will take sweaty runner's hug. Thanks! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. misszippyJanuary 26, 2012 at 8:53 AM

    I'm with you on this...I'm not a very touchy feely person. But, with running, it IS different! Great insight on this topic!

    ReplyDelete
  8. LauraJanuary 26, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    Oh my...this is SO me. My hubs comes from a huge huggy family and it is just so not me and uncomfy. And yet with my run buds we are all about the hugs and high fives.
    Maybe because we all know what we go through in training!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Rachelle WardleJanuary 26, 2012 at 10:14 AM

    I could not agree more with this. I am the exact same as you....totally not touchy feely at all! Infact I can't stand it when people I barely know hug me....so awkward! But I totally agree about the running connection. I will hug just about any sweaty runner after a race, before a race, even during the race at UVM. How strange....I may be thinking about this the rest of the day. ha ha!

    ReplyDelete
  10. WhitneyJanuary 26, 2012 at 3:43 PM

    I need another Candice hug. Now where do I have to run to get one?

    ReplyDelete
  11. AliciaJanuary 30, 2012 at 12:18 PM

    Yay! That's our PR hug. Great day!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Annette@(running)In the Right DirectionFebruary 1, 2012 at 7:19 PM

    totally feel ya on the personal space thing...and ABSOLUTELY feel ya on the running connection thing.

    ReplyDelete

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