Runningmonkeys

I’ve just been reading a paper by a couple called Bernard and Veronique Cova called Tribal aspects of Post Modern Consumption research : The case of French In-line Skaters.

They describe the way that this category of people, the cultural group brought together  in the name of in-line skating, has formed more of a tribe situation rather than a formal association.  These tribe members are more likely to share common emotions, styles of life, moral patterns and patterns of consumption rather than more conventional descriptions. 

It seems that French in-line Skaters are bonded at a deeper level than their activities require (or at least they were back in 2001 when the paper was written). 

This got me wondering if runners experience this same tribal bonding?  Runners share so much more than simply the fact that they run.  The lifestyle of runners is so much more than simply the act of “doing miles”.  But usually, these higher level experiences aren’t enough to join us together as a tribe.

Sure, when runners do get together they share unusual bonds, but day to day, runners are primarily lone addicts.  They don’t share the same continual community that other subcultures enjoy.  Is this surprising?  I don’t think it is.  It sort of makes sense, because although runners are often extroverted people, the primary reason that they run usually comes from within themselves.  It is when a runner challenges him/herself that amazing things happen inside.  It is the day after day solitude on the road, that helps a runner to have focus and a clear mind.  Running is a solo sport for good reason.  But I sure like the idea of being a part of a Running Tribe.