November 20: Hug a Runner Day

Hug a Runner Day

Today is the second annual Hug a Runner Day. Betcha didn't know that, did you? It's a Facebook event, "organized" by some, believe it or not, runners. I say "organized" (finger quotes!) because it's not something you really attend, I don't suppose.

This is what the page says:

G.O.H.A.R.D (Globally Organized Hug A Runner Day)

Come celebrate the Second Annual Hug a Runner Day!

Hug a Runner and Share the Sweat!

On November 20th put your running shoes on and... HUG A RUNNER. Just do it. Then do it again.

4 WAYS TO PARTICIPATE On November 20th:

1. Wear running shoes all day long. If possible, wear an old race bib. If you see someone wearing these items, run up and give them a hug!

2. Organize a group hug with your training group. (Don’t forget the pics!)

3. Send every runner you know a virtual hug by enclosing their names in double brackets like this ((Adam and Tim)).

4. Commit random acts of hugging.

They go on to suggest different ways to participate. It's a bit nerdy/runner humor, so it may not be funny to you. To me it's hiLARious!

1. Interval Hugging: Try both long and short intervals and don’t forget to change leads with your hugging partners so everybody gets a chance to set the pace. We recommend starting with 10 X 40-second hugs with ample recovery. More experienced huggers may want to cut down on the rest between hugs.

2. Long Slow Hugs: This should be a staple of your training program. Set aside time twice a week to share a hug lasting several minutes. Up to 20% of your weekly hugging time can be spent in a single hug. Be sure to choose your LSH partners carefully because this kind of training might scare off newcomers.

3. Speed Hugging: Don’t overdo this especially if you are not already an experienced hugger. Speed training is important but can lead to injury if huggers try to do too much too soon.

4. Hug Visualization: To be at your best you must prepare mentally. In order to be ready for anything, make sure to visualize hugging runners of all sizes, genders, ages, and ethnicities. Unlike in running, we do not recommend hug visualization (HV) while engaged in interval hugging (IH), speed hugging (SH), or Long Slow Hugging (LSH). Leave hug visualization to moments when you are alone.

5. Cross Training: Running couples may want to engage in some “cross training” activities. In fact some of the above workouts (especially the LSH) can lead to cross training. While not necessary, these activities can add a little spice to the day-to-day grind.

So it's a bit late in the day. You probably are thinking about tomorrow, not about hugging a runner, sweaty or otherwise, today. But the picture below is to help motivate you for whatever challenge you're thinking about undertaking. You don't have to be a runner to appreciate it.

Now. Go hug someone!