Rise & Shy @ Clapham Common

25/10/2020

Wakey, Wakey, Rise & Shy!

A gay meet-up combining a brisk, morning fun run with a delicious breakfast (unfortunately, we can't go inside for breakfast together, so plan is to get takeaway coffee and sit outside for a bit). And what better date to do it than Sunday 25th October, to mark the end of British Summertime and invoke the winter solstice? Plus, you will have an extra hour in bed, so no excuses for first-timers!

The plan... First, we run. Then, we have fun.
10:00 - Meet @ Clapham Common Tube Station
10:15 - Start running
10:45 - Stop running - Meet @ Starbucks, Clapham High Street

If you don't feel like running or you're not an early bird, just come for the coffee and socialising from 10:45! I will have my phone juiced up and on standby throughout the morning, should you need to find us at any point.

Dress code: completely casual. Funky hats welcome. Wrap up warm!

See you there!
Rory D xxx

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LOCATION
Clapham Common Tube Station, SW4 7AJ
Starbucks Coffee, 202-204 Clapham High St, Clapham Town, London SW4 7UD

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FAQ

1/ I'm not a great runner - can I still join?
Yes, absolutely. Come along, whatever your level. I recommend you're able to run for 15 mins without stopping. If you’re just starting out with running, or you want a really easy session, come and take a walk with us in the park instead.

2/ How far will I be running?
Between 1-2 laps of the common (depending on how far you would like to go). Choose however you feel comfortable with and feel free to take break/s in the middle if you need to.

3/ Do I need any special gear?
Not at all, all you need is a pair of trainers. You don’t need to splash out on any specialist gear, but if you’re planning on running it's worth getting a pair of running shoes as this will protect your feet much better than shoes, sandals or flip-flops. Apart from that, just dress for the weather and wear something you would feel comfortable running in.

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DETAILS

This free group is for friendship and dating, designed to reach out to others and create mutual support. The concept is simple: helping one other get out there in the world.

I don’t charge fees for attending our meet-ups. All I ask is that a one-off discretionary donation is made for your first time. This is to help cover the cost of running the group. Meetup groups are not free to run and cost £180 over the course of a year. I've put a link below (Paypal) where you give a one-off donation of £10 (or any amount) to help out. The group will always remain free so there is no obligation but it would be greatly appreciated. The link works on both desktops and smartphones.

paypal.me/roryduffy27

Shy Bis & Gay Guys

Shyness and social anxiety can hold guys back from forming meaningful platonic and romantic relationships. It can be tough enough ‘coming out’, but being introverted can make it even more of a challenge and sometimes you need a gentle push.

So, whether you consider yourself to be ‘gay’, ‘bi’, ‘bi-curious’, ‘pansexual’ or any other label; whether you are ‘in the closet’, ‘out’ or in the process of ‘coming out’; whether you are vulnerable or feel at risk, this group brings us together. We embrace those who have experienced depression, anxiety, loneliness or isolation, especially if you may be considered on the spectrums of ADHD, Autism & Asperger’s, Bipolar, OCD and/or Schizophrenia.

You may be a highly sensitive person who experiences intense highs and lows to an extreme degree. You may be an artistic Creative with a vivid inner world hidden and locked away. You may feel easily overwhelmed by large groups of people, unsettled by the turbulence of the LGBT dating scene or sidelined/neglected in a whirlwind of rapidly spinning social circles. Anxiety may have even prevented you from moving forwards in friendships and relationships with other people because you are afraid of either hurting or getting hurt. This Meetup group is designed for you!

Have you ever taken years to build up the confidence to go to an event only to be disappointed? Want to attend an LGBT event but held back by your shyness? Simply come as you are. There is no need to pretend anymore. This is a get together for people who do not want to be on their own, to feel comfortable and foster a nice, friendly circle of people. And if you would like to come but do not feel like talking much, then that is cool, too! Take it at your own pace.

Queer Lifestyle

Queer Lifestyle is about more than simply accepting and embracing different gender identities and sexual preferences. It transcends those bubbles. In the sense that people can learn to love and accept themselves, even if they did feel "different", in any way, shape or form. This group encourages people to cultivate self-love through their life experiences and activities.