Twas a frosty run
Through the fall, i’ve high-fived my fellow running strangers all over Vancouver from Kits, DTES, to UBC, and the Sea Wall. I’ll run a couple times per week before work as well as one caffeine-fuelled long hangover cure of run a on the weekend.
My motive with #5Run is simple: bring joy to fellow runners. I wrote last year about bringing fun to running, but there’s something more important here.
If i can positively shift someone’s outlook on the day, i’ll take it. Unfortunately, this proves a bit of a challenge as Vancouver runners are a difficult bunch.
Runners epitomize culture
Runners represent a screenshot of Vancouver’s culture. There’s patches of awesomeness dispersed throughout the holier than thou choch-fest which plagues our city.
People visit or move to Vancouver and completely struggle to infiltrate social circles. I personally didn’t realize our cliquey international rep until a couple years ago. Now it’s clear, the inherent guarded social circles are glaringly obvious.
This extends to runners.
It’s embarrassing how guarded some Vancouver Runners are. Smiling at someone might garner a reaction that I visually violated them.
Can i brighten your day?
I’m determined more than ever to change status-quo for Vancouver runners – let’s call it a shakedown of sorts. I high-fived 29 keen eyed Sea Wall Runners on New Years Eve, and the reactions were mixed.
Some embrace high-fives like crazy! They’re enthused, smiling and pumped up. I had tons of people even wish me a happy new year whilst running by. Others, not so much. But that is okay, we can change that.
The point is this: if i can brighten one person’s day, its worth it. Offering a goofy smile and high-five is the least I can do to shift well-being, bring joy, and happiness to a strangers daily grind.
Life isn’t easy… we all have shit going on. Micro-interactions like a high-five make a genuine difference in a strangers normal routine.
The positive reactions I receive help me through my daily struggles (my psych friends call this ‘positive reinforcement’). Some days i’m so apprehensive that I have to force myself to extend my hand for a high-five, but it’s always worth it.
Mission Accomplished?
Sometimes (especially in the am when its freezing and icey) I’ll struggle to find any runners to share a five with. Here’s the party line: If i can get a positive reaction from just one person, its mission accomplished.
If this guy (points at myself) can change one person’s day (or week?) what can you do?
The effort is easy, but the rewards are exhilarating. I encourage you to try it. Start with one high-five next time you run. Let me know how it goes!
Question: Do runners epitomize the culture of your city?
The Aspiring Renaissance Man 
Awesome initiative, Con. I love your purpose and I agree that “micro-interactions like a high-five make a genuine difference in a strangers normal routine.”
I don’t run though, can I just high five you still?
Thanks Steph! You get high-fives whenever you like.
I’ve experienced opposite ends of the spectrum as well. I typically wave on my morning runs, and at the very least smile. Once though, I even joined a threesome of runners on their 16km run when they were about halfway through. One of them accidentally cut me off, turned, apologized, and then asked if I wanted to join. I said sure! It was a great run! I love your idea. If you see me on the seawall I’ll certainly give you a high five!
Damn that is a hilarious story. I’ve never linked up with a stranger mid-way through for a run. Perhaps a new challenge!
I love when people high five me when I’m running!
It’s a great feeling when you’re just about thinking its time to walk. Gets me motivated to keep on going :)
Always kind of too shy to high five complete strangers but I always wave and smile
Agreed, its such a great feeling and motivation to keep going. Fair enough on being a bit reluctant to high five. Somedays im not feeling up to it and i force myself to start with one high-five.
Thanks for the comment Sophie!
Nicely done! I like your genuine approach in making people’s day better. This subtle thing shows how great of a person you really are. Rock on!
Wow i am flattered, thanks for the kind words Ken!
Actually had a great response yesterday from runners on the Sea Wall. Most of them were in really good spirits.
I always give a “Good morning” or “Hi” to my fellow runners, but I’ve never given a high-five. Sounds fun! I’ll give it a shot during my next run.
Peter
Definitely give it a shot Peter – it’s crazy to think that such a small gesture can illicit such an awesome response for both parties.
Honestly, it makes the run go by so much easier as well!
Thanks for the comment.