Running with Others
Depending on the type of travel you're doing, it may be easy for you to join up with other runners — or not. If you're on a business trip with associates whom you know also run, you can ask them whether they want to meet for a group run. If you're at a large hotel or convention center, ask the staff of the health club whether they know of any guests at the hotel who might want to run with someone. Or you might see another runner in the lobby when you come down for your run, in which case think about going together.
Just don't shed common sense in your enthusiasm to explore and exercise. If the hotel hooks you up with someone who doesn't seem like your type, make up an excuse to get out of the run. It's your personal time, and you are not obligated to run with someone even if the hotel did the work to find a running partner for you. Likewise, don't be offended if this other person seems to lose interest in running with you. No big deal — just go enjoy your run.
Running with Business Associates
Remember, too, that if you're on a business trip, you might end up jogging alongside the CEO — or a new assistant. In the same way that it's unprofessional to drink too much at a company function and start gossiping, the same holds true for informal meetings like runs.
When you're sharing in a positive activity like running, it's easy to feel an instant camaraderie with someone. In a business setting, however, don't mistake this for a window to tell all. You don't have to talk about business at all if you don't want to. Instead, talk about where you run at home, races you've run, or how long you've been running.
If the CEO wants your opinion about the department you work in, find something positive to say (even if you're miserable), at least to start the conversation. If he prods you, be tactful. You want to leave a senior manager with the impression that you're a team player and a smart person, someone who understands where the company is going and has constructive ideas about how to contribute.
If you don't have ideas, here's your opportunity to see whether the CEO will share his vision with you. Ask what his favorite aspects of the job are or how his prior experience is influencing his current position. Most people love to talk about themselves.
