I have been dipping into the Cool Running site for nearly a year now, usually just lurking and enjoying the informative comments and advice, occasionally adding my two bobs worth.
This virtual running community has grown into an important part of my life, and a very positive and sometimes humbling influence. Most significantly, it is a community in a very real and tangible sense.
COMMUNITY
This virtual running community has grown into an important part of my life, and a very positive and sometimes humbling influence. Most significantly, it is a community in a very real and tangible sense.
Etymology: Middle English comunete, from Middle French comuneté, from Latin communitat, communitas, from communis
1 : a unified body of individuals: as
a : STATE, COMMONWEALTH
b : the people with common interests living in a particular area; broadly : the area itself
c : an interacting population of various kinds of individuals (as species) in a common location
d : a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society
e : a group linked by a common policy
f : a body of persons or nations having a common history or common social, economic, and political interests
g : a body of persons of common and especially professional interests scattered through a larger society
2 : society at large
3 a : joint ownership or participation
b : common character : LIKENESS
c : social activity : FELLOWSHIP
d : a social state or condition.
1 : a unified body of individuals: as
a : STATE, COMMONWEALTH
b : the people with common interests living in a particular area; broadly : the area itself
d : a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society
f : a body of persons or nations having a common history or common social, economic, and political interests
2 : society at large
3 a : joint ownership or participation
d : a social state or condition.
Cool Runners (CR's) represent a vast section of Australians (anda sprinkling of ex-pats). Their sole shared demographic is internet access and an interest in running, although may be teenager or septuagenarian ; rural or urban; gay or straight. Interest in running ranges from a desire to start to national champion, yet despite these differences there is an overwhelming sense of support and encouragement.
What prompted me to write this was the thread on depression which has been active this week. This is no tirade of intolerance nor politically correctness. Diverse views and opinions were expressed with compassion and understanding of others. Not only did people share their own experiences, they dealt with different views politely and with understanding. I am unaware of other forums where an issue such as this could be dealt with such maturity.
This has been reinforced by meeting a number of Cool Runners; Lucky Legs is inspirational, Plu is such a nice guy that one's belief in human nature is elevated, Miss Skarmel and Superflake are talented, committed individuals with humility.
I have gained much from my involvement in Cool Running. As the entry criterion is if you consider yours be a Cool Runner, you are I proudly wear my CR cap.
Thanks for that entry Flash. The caring shown in the CR community can be felt in many of the words posted. It can be quite emotional at times. I often read over paragraphs that are obviously written with such thought and willingness to help others.