Sweaty Love

by Leslie Aronson — May 16, 2008

Exercise isn't just good for your body, it's good for your love life, too. As the June edition of Runner's World elucidates, running (or any sport or activity for that matter) can be an easy way to spark some romance. Various cities (New York, San Francisco, and Atlanta, to name a few) offer singles-specific running groups. Race-day endorphins and the general feeling of solidarity and camaraderie among runners can often lead to conversations, which can lead to further socializing opportunities. A running date (or Frisbee date, or golfing date, or fill-in-the-blank-activity date) can be a nice alternative to the usual dinner and a movie routine. As Runner's World suggests, there are certain rules of etiquette that one should abide by, though, when engaging in the unconventional date:

• Dress comfortably - Don't dress to impress in this circumstance
• Wear deodorant (you're guaranteed to sweat, but you don't necessarily have to stink) but avoid perfume, as your increased body temperature and heart rate can amplify the scent and become overpowering.
• Take it easy - Don't race with your date. You want to set a pace that's comfortable enough that you can maintain a conversation and not show the other person up too fast (there will be plenty of time for that later).
• Don't worry about sweating and looking gross. It's an active date - it's expected that you'll both potentially get pretty gnarly.
• Don't brag about previous running/activity-oriented accomplishments.
• Don't do anything overly gross, like spitting or blowing snot: enough said.
• Don't insist on making eye contact - You don't want to fall and injure yourself. Or look like a doofus.
• Don't get too personal - Exercise-induced endorphin release can lead to a desire to share too much too fast or get too emotional. Resist this urge, at least on the first date.