NatNews

With skipping Walkman CD players and chunky iPods in the past, it’s much easier for runners to enjoy a variety of entertainment options as they hit the pavement or trails.

According to a poll conducted by Runner’s World, more than 70% of runners prefer to listen to music or podcasts while they run, while nearly 30% would rather have both ears open to their surroundings. Lyndsey Kohn, who is an active participant in the Thursday Night Social Run (TNSR) group, said that she typically opts to jam out to her favorite songs when she’s not running with others.

“If I am running solo, I have to have music to motivate me,” she said. “Right now, I’ve been listening to a soundtrack playlist from TV shows or movies I love to keep me inspired. Who doesn’t feel amazing listening to “Running Up That Hill” (Stranger Things edition)?”

White Rock Running Co-op admin Josh Odegard said that he also likes to make sure that his go-to tunes are ready to play when he laces his shoes—mainly so that he forgets about his dislike for the activity in which he’s taking part.

“When I run by myself, I absolutely have to have music,” Odegard said. “It’s mostly because I love music but also because I hate running, and music partly takes my mind off of the fact that I’m running. I also hate running with headphones, so I always run with my phone in my hand with music playing out loud—even in half marathons.”

Running with other individuals or a group can also help one remain entertained and motivated while simultaneously making the miles seem to go by a bit more quickly.

“I tend to run better when I’m solo, but I have more fun with people,” Kohn said. “Especially now with this heat, group runs keep me accountable to my goals.”

Because of his aversion to running, Odegard said that he also enjoys when he can knock out a few miles with others.

“I don’t enjoy running, but I love being social, which is the only reason I run,” Odegard said. “My paces aren’t steady, though, and I don’t have many friends who can run my pace but also only run as few miles at a time as I do, so on most of my runs, I’m by myself. But 99% of my runs are still at group social runs.”

Whether it’s putting in those earbuds, connecting with nature and surrounding sounds, chatting with others while trekking along, or a number of additional strategies, many runners have their own unique ways of making sure that they get their mileage in each week.

“I try to make each run as fun as I can through the music I listen to, running in a cool part of town, or the post-run matcha lattes or tacos,” Kohn said. “Signing up for a big race is also what motivated me in the long term.”

As an adult, it can often be more difficult than it was in grade school and college to form friendships and relationships. Some individuals choose to become involved in organizations or social groups (such as the White Rock Running Co-op) to build community, while others discover that they’re able to do so right in their own neighborhoods and apartment complexes.

Leading the way among individual markets, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex recorded demand for 15,400 apartments in the second quarter of last year—and the expansion of the area has seen continual growth since then. Needless to say, there are quite a few people living in apartments in Dallas.

“I like the convenience of apartment living, especially living in a location in Uptown where I don’t have to rely on a car and can walk to the grocery store, the Katy Trail, and restaurants,” WRRC member Dan Sullivan said. “I also like having access to amenities—like a pool and garage parking—especially in the summer.”

With approximately 60% of Dallas residents renting their homes and apartment occupancy levels at more than 95%, many individuals are often able to build relationships and create communities within the complexes in which they live.

“There’s a social aspect to apartment living that’s nice in that it’s easy to meet people and make new friends,” Sullivan said. “There’s a sense of community.”

Some complexes, including the Village in Dallas, have made conscious efforts to increase the levels of community for their residents.

“We have a great gym facility, a dog park, and a fancy pool—the Village did a great job with the remodel,” WRRC member Elizabeth Cruz said. “I mainly socialize with people at the dog park or with the new running group that just got started. I love chatting with different people!”

While dog owners are frequently able to form unique bonds through their shared love of their pets, one does not need to be a regular at the dog park to make friends. Sullivan has also been able to meet other individuals in some of the more popular shared amenities of the Ashton, a premier high-rise apartment building in Uptown.

“I do enjoy interacting with other folks who live in my complex,” Sullivan said. “I’m typically guarded in hosting neighbors at my place, but it’s fun chatting out at the pool and in other common areas.”

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WEEKLY PHOTO OP

WRRC members enjoyed Jacky Bonilla's RMH event last Saturday

Tuesday, August 2: National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
Thursday, August 4: Uforia Latino Mix Live at Dos Equis Pavilion
Friday, August 5: Midland at Billy Bob’s Texas
Saturday, August 6: WRRC Saturday run starting at Taco Joint