RW/Pirate London Christmas Social

T.mouse wrote (see)

Why not post something on the beginners section or elsewhere.
I saw this thread but didn't bother looking at it, why? because I don't really feel part of the RW community - the Meldy's KK's, Wilkies etc.
I don't feel like I belong, I don't feel like the invite means me.  I don't feel like I'm part of the club as it were.

Forums have a life, people come and go. Most people don't stay for long. I read the avarage was 6 months.

You put 'pirate' and people feel excluded, I certainly do.The pub scenario keeps cropping up. Well if you walked into a pub and a group of old friends were chatting, would you sit down and join in with them or would you sit in a quiet corner somewhere (and wait to be introduced as it were)?

I'm a Pirate because I've earned it as I saw the values when I boarded the ship. Become an IM in less than a year from being a non triathlete. Tick. It was then throught that that I did the Double IM because a few people said that I'd actually be pretty good, and I was despite nearly pulling out because of various reasons.

I owe those people a lot and feel very loyal towards them, ditto to the friends picked up on the way...

However, there is an element of the Pirates that is back stabbing and bitchy. I've always stood up to that and they say... no no no, not me, must be someone else! Despite me hearing nastiness disguised as banter. It ain't banter, you're being cruel about people who just want to belong to a supportive group.

But until anyone else admits that it happens, it 'didn't happen'.

Ironically with barriers down, we all have fun in the 3D world, I just can't abide the slagging off behind backs.

It's a very small element btw.

'through'

There must be some people interested the post has had 435 views,

so if you are lurking its not that scary we are on the most part normal except we like running and ok some drinking

M...eldy wrote (see)

Look what you ended up with Schmunks  

I quite like what I ended up with . 

TG, I wouldn't be averse to a swift half somewhere somewhen... Having now read the thread twice, I am not sure that any dates were settled on.  Personally a working day is preferrable as I can combine the journey with work (only get to the big smoke once a fortnight on average since moving jobs) but value other peoples views on which day to do it.  Weekends tend to be family or training time................... ie not forum time.

So, red wobbly jelly to celebrate Happy Chap's 21st on the 7th Dec then

good post T mouse........do you think there is a need on the forum for a big RW meet up or do you think now its more opf a case of smaller splinter groups with things in common will get together and arrange through their threads..............

it wouldbe nice to have a big social ...but mayb ethe majority on here would rather have smaller get togethers......we all want and get different things from the forum and thats fine...

I think it is very much a clique and hard to get into - BUT once you know a few faces I think it becomes a lot friendly and easier to 'blend in'. I was in Chandos last year and knew noone except TP (because she spoke to me at Mile 17).... so somehow I ended up upstairs with the Fetchies because someone saw that I was bit lost and asked if I wanted to join them. Now, with having known a few more people - I think it'd be slightly different as I'd know who to look for?

Someone asked what it was about Fetch - I think it's a friendly community feel  but on and offline. I've ran with a few Fetchies at races and they ALL speak to each other and acknowledge each other. It's partly the kit (so they all recognise another Fetchie) but everyone seems inclusive.

We need a T-shirt!

One of the reasons why I don't post 'outside my own thread' as kk puts it, is because whenever I find one that interests me it turns into a 'why is the forum so crap these days?' thread.

I would love to come to a London social if a date is agreed that I can commit to.  I have very fond memories of the one or two that I have been able to make it to.  But please stop telling me that I'm boring because I can't be bothered to listen to the same old arguements over and over again

Tommygun, please go ahead and promote the social.  I appreciate the effort you are going to and know how hard it is to come up with something that suits everyone

T.mouse wrote (see)

Why not post something on the beginners section or elsewhere.
I saw this thread but didn't bother looking at it, why? because I don't really feel part of the RW community - the Meldy's KK's, Wilkies etc.
I don't feel like I belong, I don't feel like the invite means me.  I don't feel like I'm part of the club as it were.

Forums have a life, people come and go. Most people don't stay for long. I read the avarage was 6 months.

You put 'pirate' and people feel excluded, I certainly do.The pub scenario keeps cropping up. Well if you walked into a pub and a group of old friends were chatting, would you sit down and join in with them or would you sit in a quiet corner somewhere (and wait to be introduced as it were)?

I turned up to my first social, several years ago, not knowing anyone. 

I bought myself a drink, stood around looking for people who looked like runners, and pushed past my inclination to turn tail and go home.

Someone came up to me and asked me if I was a runner, and then suddenly I was talking to a group of people.  The people who already knew each other welcomed me into the group.  Because at a social people are expecting new folk, and want them to join in.

I'm not a pirate, but don't feel that excludes me.  The pirates still talk to me (if only to try and convert me to tri!)

I overcame my natural reluctance to talk to strangers, and was very glad that I did.

You can't expect to feel/be part of a community/group if you don't make some effort yourself. 

in t'old days - when this place was all fields etc - many of us had already met up at various races around the country so when the 1st socials came along, many of us already knew each other and that helped cut the ice easily.   others who did turn up not knowing anyone could feel a bit intimidated but most joined in easily.

one of the 1st socials back in 2004 was a Xmas lunch meet in Reading - meet up, have a run, have Sunday lunch and a few beers, go home - some of us who were at that are still in touch either on here or by other means.  many have become good friends.

for those who are interested in going, do so - it's a good way to meet others of a similar mind.  for some of us who have been there, got the t-shirts etc, it's perhaps not so important in our running life these days - we've moved on.

Werp !

So, ummmm... We going out then or what??

cool womble that make about four of us oh and my wife wants to come so thats 5 then sofar.

oh a date yes well what about Friday 14th December or sat 15th December.

Location might as well go to Doggets and Badge (or whatever its called)

I should be able to make 14th or 15th December.

I'll come from south west suburbs too