i joined a run club for singles
but all i want to do is run
“So where are you from?”
I didn’t want to answer him. I didn’t want to have this conversation.
I was running. Didn’t he see that I was running?
I mean, actually, we were both running. Because we’re in a run club, and that’s what people are supposed to do.
Run.
If you don’t already know run clubs are the latest trend for singles finding love — TikTok has 5.5 million posts alone on “Join a Run Club to Find a Single Man” — and I’m here to tell you that I became one of those people.
Running is one of those weird things in life. You either love it or hate it, and even if you hate it, you will, at one point your life, probably around the time you turn 30, try to force yourself to love it.
Now people are running to find love while running, even if they hate it, which I guess makes sense since we’ve all been trying to find love on dating apps and we all know we hate doing that.
Anyway, yes, I recently joined a run club. But, here’s the thing — I joined it to actually run, and that’s my biggest problem.
Well, no, my biggest problem (well, I don’t know if it’s a problem, per se, as much as it is a character flaw that I’m happy to admit to) is that I’m competitive. I’m so competitive that I will turn a game of Christmas charades into a death match (just ask my friend Colin — thankfully we are still friends). I like to win. Sometimes winning means running up a hill without stopping. Sometimes winning means running a personal best. And sometimes winning means running faster than everyone else.
I don’t think anyone at this running club cares about any of that stuff. People there are running to chat and to connect — to socialize.
I don’t want to do any of those things.
Granted, I joined the club with my friend, Madison, but we both decided that we were there to run at our own pace and we don’t really talk much until we meet after the run.
This is what I prefer. Not having to answer questions like, “What do you do for work? or “Do you come here often?” Because it turns out you can’t escape classic pick-ups line even as you’re sweating, gunning up an incline overlooking False Creek.
Look, there is nothing wrong with this approach. It’s friendly and respectful. There is no alcohol involved. You happen to sidle up next to someone attractive mid-stride — hey, why not shoot your shot! I GET IT! These are some of the reasons why these run clubs are so popular with single folk, and for good reason. I hate the apps too! I want to meet men in the wild too!
I just don’t want to talk while I’m running. I want to run. I want to focus on my pacing. I want to admire the beautiful landscape. And, potentially, I want to outrun you.
I’m very aware that this is a Brianne issue more than anything. I mean, in all fairness to myself, this isn’t an issue as much as it’s a preference. At least preference sound better. Some people don’t like it when others slurp their soup; I don’t like when people talk to me while I’m running.
Anyway, it turns out, I’m still running away from guys.
I know this.
But maybe, just maybe, it’s because the right guy hasn’t caught up with me yet.
Thanks for being here!
Love, Brie xo
BRIE LOVES THIS WEEK
Here are some of the things that I really loved this week.
SONG
QUOTE
“Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” You’ve Got Mail (1998)
TV SHOW
Netflix’s The Perfect Couple (OK, the only thing I did love was the dancing sequence, but I did finish it within two days, which I think was the perfect amount of time to spend on it).
WHAT I WORE
I basically lived out of activewear this week (as usual) and these leggings and bra fit like a glove. ARITZIA (of course, because I live in Vancouver.)
TEXTS FROM PARENTS
LATEST ON THE PODCAST
i don’t want to be single anymore — Available on Spotify & Apple.
SEASON 2 is BACK WITH A BANG! Starting with this solo episode of mine detailing why I don’t want to be single anymore.
