Running & Friendship
Last night I read an article called “Chasing Happiness Together: Running and Aristotle’s Philosophy of Friendship.” It’s been a long long time since I read Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics, and I should probably revisit it. According to Aristotle, everything we do, we do in pursuit of our ultimate goal - Happiness. And, “friendship” is a critical component of living a virtuous life and ultimately being truly happy.
Aristotle says that developing a friendship based on virtue requires time, familiarity, trust, mutual good will and mutual sacrifice. Running provides a perfect setting for developing friendships.
When you run with someone - especially on a long run - you talk about everything: families, childhoods, philosophies and personal “issues.” Running together involves meeting challenges together, and being with your running partner away from computers, cell phones, televisions “frees” you up to develop an even deeper friendship.
My own experience is a testament to this. I have been fortunate to have some really great running partners, my most recent and most compatible partner being John K. Before I moved to Idaho, John and I ran once a week during the week and often did our long runs together on weekends. We used to run at around the same pace - John is now setting PRs all over the place - so our paces differ a bit now as we have taken on different goals, his being speed, mine being longer distances. We did, however, run a recent 20-miler together. And, in the spirit of true friendship, John slowed his pace a little to match mine - thus, mutual good will and mutual sacrifice. Two weeks prior, we ran our long run in the pouring rain - an effort that was much easier with a partner.
To all my running (and walking and triathlon) friends, I am rooting for you and feeling anxious for you in all your racing (and training) adventures. I get as excited about your successes as my own, and I feel your disappointment on your setbacks.
Yesterday, my husband Mark completed 16 miles in preparation for his October “comeback” marathon - his longest mileage in 5 years! Even when I can’t be there physically, I am totally with all of you in the spirit of our friendships.
Good physical health contributes to our overall well-being. To be good runners, we must practice running. To be good people, we must practice the “virtues.” I am so fortunate to have friendships that are based on virtue, in which we pursue good lives and happiness together.
August 11th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Jenny,
Thank you for the kind words. You have been a tremendous inspiration to me. You lugged me through the 3 day breast cancer walk in 99 (as a friend of a friend) and got me through 5 Chicago Marathons! I never could have imagined doing a marathon when we first met. You’re right! Spending this time together lets you share so much of yourself and during the 3 day walk you encouraged and motivated me. It meant more than you can ever imagine. Even when I disagreed, like “The hill is your friend” I knew that you were there and that support would see me to the finish! You gave me the confidence to believe that I could even consider the marathon. I love you for it and nothing compares to the friendships like this!