I read ⁠an article⁠ about how running clubs in New York City are overrun (ha ha) with singles looking to meet others. The problem is, the subjects said, these clubs are almost as useless as dating apps.

It got me thinking about my own experiences. First and foremost, the trail community is my tribe. I unwittingly found a group of like-minded people who are altruistic, tough and don't mind getting dirty. I have had a few instances where I've met some guys whom I thought shared a connection, especially an aid-station volunteer I met at Pedernales Falls in 2013, when I DNF'd due to heat exhaustion. We had some great conversations but nothing came of it, and that was fine.

I did a little crowdsourcing yesterday on some FB trail forums and found a few people who met their spouse or significant other through the trail/running scene. Others have not.

Bottom line: I don't run races or volunteer with an ulterior motive. But sometimes, friendships and potential romances are forged in the unlikliest of places.