But the sad thing is that by not learning french, I'm isolating myself from a huge population out there and as a result, I feel a bit lonely. It's a sad feeling when you can't make small talk on the train or while waiting in line at the store with your fellow rider/consumer. Not that I need to be that crazy American that doesn't shut up, it's just that it would be nice to be able to talk to the other moms at the park or in the yard, or even to the other kids in the sandbox. So, for all those million reasons for not learning, I've got one good one to get me started: loneliness.
So, feeling a bit bummed but motivated, I put in my earplugs, laced up my jogging shoes, and headed out the door this morning determined to make a breakthrough in the imperfect. As I jog through the park feeling sad and lonely, (did I mention I was listening to the rules of the imperfect?), I started to see my running buddy Asian-Man in his standard red shirt and white running shorts. And as we approach, he sticks out his hand for a high five and shouts words of encouragement. Now with a smile on my face and a quicker step, I continue on and repeat the words and phrases of the Coffee Break French crew. And as I hit my first straight-up-hill of Parc Monstouris, I see grey shorts Walking-Dude and he gives me his daily thumbs up and friendly Bonjour as we pass each other. After Walking-Dude, I come to Hard-Core Couple with their fancy running belts full of water and running gels and get the smile-nod combo from them as I continue to make my way down hill. I'm now repeating with confidence and the led in my shoes that I was feeling as I started this run has now disappeared. I'm running swiftly and easily with happiness as I realize that although I don't know any of their names, Asian-Man, Walking-Dude, Hard-Core Couple, and Black-Pants are my friends. (Well, the kind of friends that you meet in the park on dark, cold, sometimes wet/snowy days and together put your bodies through ridiculous torture as you all loop around a park!) I've made some great running partner friends that I can't communicate with through words but find a way to communicate through encouraging gestures such as high fives, thumbs ups, and smiles. And as much as I'd love to know their names or hear their stories, these friends are so very valuable to me. They push me on the days when running is the last thing I want to do. (Asian-Man saw me walk once and I got a good scolding....not sure what he said exactly but I didn't need to! I'm a coach and I know better; I just started running and he was smiling again!) Then there are days when I want to sleep in and skip the run. But then how would Walking-Dude feel if I wasn't there to say Bonjour to him. I'm sure his day would be ruined!
My revelation of my non-communicative international friendships really bumped up my spirit level this morning. It's great to think about how running and sport can bring us together no matter what language each person speaks. I love the community that is formed through sport and that words are not really necessary. (Although, those that know me well know I would not fair well without being able to talk some trash during sport. I think I just found some more motivation...)
I play soccer with french speaking woman and have taught and learned different rules and techniques of the sport through creative hand gestures, body language, and lots of mistakes. Although it's not easy, we patiently work together on the pitch, enjoy the game of foot, and even improve a little bit. A common language isn't necessary because we are motivated to learn and just enjoy the game. We don't need silly words when a quick high five and smile are going to let you know all you need: "You're doing a great job, it's great to see you, have a fabulous run, and we'll see you tomorrow!"
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