Together 🗞️ Slow News Day #43

Hey,

Today is the last full day of my solo trip. I settled into it pretty nicely after those first few days of anxiousness, finding a routine that felt comfortable and comforting. I’ve done loads of things with a very clear intention of making myself feel good or looked after — whether that was bringing familiar comforts with me or moving my body regularly.

And it's the latter I want to talk about in a bit more detail. If you’ve been reading for a few editions, thank you! Plus, you’ll know that I’m getting back into running. Joy of joys, then, when I saw that Park Run had made its way over to Rotterdam!

If you don’t know about Park Run, it’s a free, volunteer-led, 5km event held every week across the UK (and some European nations, too). The event is super inclusive, accessible, and welcoming and I’ve — somehow — never done one before. I timed my first ever 5k back in Falmouth and absolutely dragged myself over the line in a shade under 30 minutes. Just before leaving for Rotterdam, I did the same in Leicestershire and managed a pretty identical time with a similar struggle.

And so I set off for Kralingse Bos Park Run with excitement and trepidation. I was following a couple who were in their running gear and making their way their with Maps as their guide, so I said hello and — shock of shocks — they were from Leeds!

We made it to the start line, had our warm up, and were swarmed by a bunch of Brits, Germans, and Dutchies — Rotterdam Marathon was the next day, which made this event a perfect opportunity for eager runners to shake the last nerves from their legs.

A quick intro from the race director and we were off… and at a pace I was kind of daunted by. Lauren and I pulled it back a bit, whilst Liam soared ahead. Soon, we were joined by a marathoner named James. We chatted about running, about James’ plan for the marathon, and about Lauren’s upcoming races.

… and then we crossed the finish line. I even managed a little sprint to see it out! I came in at 27:45, shaving two minutes off my strive-to-achieve-it PB without even really feeling it.

There was something about running alongside friendly faces and sharing the experience with others that made it easier, more enjoyable, and more achievable.

And that feels like the perfect summary of the second part of this loneliness mini-series. I’ve found a good routine and felt pretty content with my solo life for the last two weeks… and I also think that it would feel even better if I was sharing it with others.

No black and white answers, no ‘I now know myself perfectly’ clarity, no terrifying self-implosion. Just the safe knowledge that I can do this life on my own and that there are parts of it that will always be better when they involve other people.

Slow down guide

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Ease your way out of Friday afternoon with this newsletter, a nice cup of something, and a little background music. Steal my setup if you aren't sure where to start.

After I press send, I’m going to head into town and to somewhere nice… maybe Dune, to try out some Shokunin Coffee. I’ve experienced plenty of the local options so far, but this is one that’s not happened yet. Let’s take a chance and make the most of it. I might even get (another) bag to bring home out of it.

Whilst I’m out, I’ll be shuffling my current playlist and waiting patiently for Hospital (One Man Down) by Madison Cunningham ft. Remi Wolf to come on. It’s simply a lot of fun. The shape and form of it jumps about, pulses in and out, and the vocals are joyous. Bex and I danced around the living room to it on a Sunday night recently. Turn it up loud, have some fun, and I’ll catch you again next week.

Take it easy,