Chris Fuller/Full Story Blog
I often run alone, but I appreciate the social side of running. Sharing your experiences as a runner, either during the run or afterwards, makes it more satisfying. Now, with new fun tools like Facebook, that sharing can be taken to a whole new level. It can make you a better runner.
Unless you have been in a cave for a few years, you probably have heard of Facebook. Answers to a survey question at our last race indicate that 67% of our participants are already on Facebook. That's probably already above 70%, and growing fast. Facebook has evolved from a tool primarily for college students to a robust space for all adults. I wasn't in that first wave (PCs and Macs weren't around yet when I was in college), so I had to do a little cramming to get up to speed on Facebook. Here's what I found:
1) Personal Pages
Everyone on Facebook starts with a personal page. That's a great way to talk about what you are doing and share that info with your friends. Many of my friends are runners (surprise, surprise!), so I'll see updates with today's workouts, pre-race jitters, post race results, and more. Since photos are easy to upload, I'll also see race pics, trip photos and even nasty road rash (runners and bikes don't always mix well). Every once and awhile, I'll see an organization posting on Facebook as an individual. That's where you'll find the Minnesota Distance Running Association (MDRA).
2) Groups
Groups are collections of people with similar interests. Search for running groups and you'll find hundreds. Facebook search tools are primitive compared to what Google can do on the Internet, but they are a start. The default search results are in descending order by size of group (i.e., biggest on top). There is no way to search by location, so you'll have to just page through if you are looking for running groups in Minnesota. It will take you some time, but you'll easily find one (or more) groups that you want to join. You'll find Run N Fun and TC Running Company as Facebook groups.
Groups are usually built to allow two-way communication: comments, discussion, talking between group members. If you have a running team or even a few training partners, you may want to start your own Facebook group as a way to coordinate runs and share stories and photos.
3) Pages
Pages are what companies do on Facebook. The Sporting Life page on Facebook is here. Facebook is full of pages for runners, from event management companies to equipment manufacturers to running stores and magazines. The best ones don't just duplicate what is on their web sites, but offer different content and more interaction, like discussions, polls and comments. As an owner of a company with a page, I can tell you that we want to hear from you! Comment on it, share it, let us know what you think. The whole point of social media is that you get a voice.
4) Events
You can find hundreds of running events listed on Facebook. Again, the search is lame, so you can't search by city, state or date. Search for "Hennepin" and you'll see Hennepin-Lake Classic right on top, followed by the Uptown Art Fair. Search for "run" and you'll find mostly running races, but also the Lighting Run motorcycle event and golf events on the Fox Run course.
Events usually have guest lists, and you can automatically let your friends know when you decide to do an event.
5) Applications
Facebook has spawned a whole sideshow of gadgets called applications. These are tools built especially for Facebook (they share the computer code with developers). Some of these developers are runners, so you'll see applications like mapping tools, training logs, and various ways to create social connections. Search Facebook applications with keyword "running" and see what comes up.
Next time you are on Facebook, check out groups, pages, events and applications. Tap into the power of social media to help your running. I wonder what I should eat the night before the Hennepin-Lake Classic? Hint: the answer is on Facebook!
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