Endurance Sports Thrive on Social Media... Who'd a Thunk It?

Maybe it's through the enjoyment of what some would call suffering that thickens the bond amongst those who are endurance athletes. It could be that smirk and knowing nod exchanged between the runner and cyclist both soaked to the skin from plying their craft in the rain when most are knee deep in beer and chicken wings watching football.

Can you blame our non-endurance friends for thinking we're nuts? Well, having been one of those folks not too terribly long ago the answer is short, no you can't. However, after you experienced "it" (fill in the blank with your reason)sitting inside on that same rainy day seems absolutely crazy!

Fear not fellow "loons" there are a lot of us, and they can be found pervasively on sites like Twitter and The Daily Mile, a link to both can be found to right of this post. They will take you directly to my not so handsome face. Click at your own risk. But, if you fancy yourself an endorphin junkie, or want to be and you really want to learn A TON about it in a short period of time then click away. You'll find plenty of support, help, motivation, tough love, sarcasm and even some really cool give aways! I haven't really run across anyone that wouldn't want you to meet or exceed your goals and not get hurt doing it.

There is a wealth of information available to you (most learned the hard way by some very intelligent people) I'll give you a bit of a head start on Twitter with some of my favorites:

@hellasound - He's listed first because this list concept is shall we say borrowed from his 110 people to follow in 2010 list, and because of his rockin' tunes

@coachprs - He was Chi running before it was cool (or called that) and loves to help all levels of folk have fun and train smart

@ironbrandon - He has a passion for endurance sport like few I've ever seen and would help anyone who asks accomplish their goals. His podcast is informative and fun

@alitherunner - She's a regular mom running, and I'm pretty sure we were siblings in a previous life

@bemadthen @krystheilen @ragdoll_inc - 3 girls from San Antonio that should have their own TV show. Very funny!

@shootruntri - She video blogs her runs even the ones in -10 degree days or nights. I think the girl is part polar bear

@kelownagurl - She's Canadian, but will converse with us Yanks anyway. Always there when you need her.

@shutterbitch - She could be the funniest person I've never met. Just started following her, and feel somehow deprived for not following sooner

@landicefitness - They are a treadmill manufacturer that is really doing a good job getting their arms around runners on a personal level and they give away cool stuff

@brooksrunning - They are really good at this social media thing. They are a large company that makes you feel like you're the only one wearing their shoes. Awesome!

There are loads more people out there willing to help, finding them is half the fun. It is great to be reminded daily how social running is, you don't have to do this yourself if you don't want to. We here waiting for you!!