This week’s pick of the week is a “twitterchat” that occurs every Sunday night—alternating each week between 8pm EST and 10pm EST. Getting in on the chat is as easy as searching for the hashtag #runchat.
I’m not really sure of the history of the chat and I’m not exactly sure who is in charge. Most of the time David H., whose twitter handle is @runningbecause, typically writes the questions at scheduled times as the followers of the hashtag answer and converse over those topics. Interestingly enough, I will also see the #runchat hashtag throughout the week as members post running successes when they achieve them.
I thoroughly enjoy participating in the chats. Through this time, I have been able to meet several great people who are also runners. I have developed some supporters when I run and a quick place to go for feedback when I need it. It is a very encouraging and informative group. Sometimes, I could get the information provided from a book or website—but it is nice to know how it is working for real people. Many internet sites, magazines, or books seem to cater to the elite runners—or aspiring elites. This, of course, is not me; so who do I turn to? The group on the chat are not elites. Every now and then, you’ll hear from someone that is very experienced. Most of the time the people are just like me—running for health reasons and not necessarily winning every race…or even winning at all. Most of us are just happy to finish and to receive a medal.
I strongly recommend that runners spend some time on Sunday nights with your twitter open and following the #runchat. And, by all means, join in!