I’m currently an undergraduate TA (unpaid, not for credit) for a professor I took a class with last year. I did really well in her class and frequently came to office hours. Since it’s summer session, hardly any of my friends are around so I don’t have anyone to do stuff with and my professor and I have a lot in common and I was thinking of asking her to go running with me (we’re both female, she’s in her 30’s). We chat a lot in her office about life and career stuff, so it’s not like I’m a stranger. Would that be too weird? I know it’s pathetic I can’t find anyone my own age to hang out with, but I recently had a break up and I get along better with older adults anyways. I just don’t want to ruin our professional relationship by asking because I’m going to need a letter of rec from her in a year. Thanks in advance.
You’d probably make your professor uncomfortable by this request. What might be better is, next time you see her, if she’s a runner, ask her if she knows of any running groups near the college. If she’s in one, and she invites you to it, you’re good. If she isn’t, then don’t push it further.
And that is an idea - check to see if there are any running groups near your school. For example, Fleet Feet Sports stores, running stores, running clubs and the Y tend to all have running groups that you can join. Most of the people in them tend to be older than college age, so you’ll meet others who like to run and who you might be able to become friendly with.