#ParkRun ^^^ Actually there were more than just a few other crazy people who showed up this last Saturday morning despite the cold and wet weather … more like a few hundred (501!)
How far will People go for Connection and Status even in cold weather? #PeopleConnectionStatus
The Park Run Tribe
Why do people Park Run? (Even in poor weather)
-) Is it just fitness? Or
-) Is it just a good habit? Or
-) Is it about People & Connection & Status 🤔
Maybe it’s “People like us do things like this?” (Seth Godin definition of a tribe)
Park runners might be described using many labels: and “a tribe” seems like quite an appropriate label …
I know I go in part because I know everyone else will be there: almost like a mix of almost-anonymous camaraderie with accountability?
Your Park Run Connections
In all my years of park running, very few strangers have talked to me: which is unusual for me as I teach people how to network more effectively and efficiently for a living so I am good at making conversations with strangers 🫥
There are definitely some opportunities to connect (other than when you are bunched together at the start):
-) There is a Facebook group that exists for most Park Runs: so that provides some Connection.
-) There is also usually a coffee spot which some Park Runners go to after their Park Run for their caffeine hit: and some people go to this.
Your Park Run Status
If it’s not so much about the interpersonal connection, then it maybe it’s more about status:
-) being present
-) wearing the T Shirt
-) your results
-) your achievements (new PBs = Personal Bests)
And then there is the volunteers who get well deserved special recognition: that is quite a strong demonstration of Status at Park Run.
Park Run In Person
It seems all of these ingredients come together to create more Connection and more Status for hundreds of thousand of People globally every Saturday morning;
In person.
(There is nothing virtual about Park Run)
#PeopleConnectionStatus
ZCS#008
