Meeting women my own age/interests

[Atlas]

Because of your screen name the first thought shouted in my brain was POTLUCK! Judging from the amazing vegan restaurants in Denver there must be a sizable population of herbivores. Check out meet-up or facebook for any local groups. I've met a lot of great people at vegan potlucks (my partner of 4 years being one of them). Like others have pointed out, there is a group for everything out there. It's just a matter of finding them.

[ny biker]

I've met people in my neighborhood by getting involved with one of the committees that make decisions for my condo association. If your home is part of a homeowners/condo association or has some kind of neighborhood group, it might be worth getting involved.

Also if you went to a college that has an alumni club in your area, that's another thing to try. And if you belong to a church/synagogue/other religious thing, I know some people make friends by getting involved there.

[nuliajuk]

Do join a running or cycling group - you might be surprised at the range of abilities. An exercise class during the day might be another option for meeting people. Volunteering for a marathon or 10k race might make you some new contacts while handing out water and energy drink.
I know that it does get harder to move to a new place and make friends after age 40 or so. People already have their own circle of friends and don't really need new ones.
I moved to this city for the job and still don't really know many people. Joining clubs has made me a few acquaintances, but no real friends. I swam with the triathlon club every Sunday morning for 5 months and can count on the fingers of one hand the number of people who ever spoke to me or acknowledged my existence. This winter I'll try the cross-country ski club. I volunteered for one of their loppets last spring and they seemed like a friendlier bunch than the triathletes.

[Biciclista]

there are actually vegan meetups here in Seattle. maybe there is such a thing where you are too.
Go to your local food coop and sign up for something. also, DO join a running group, you can't assume everyone else runs like the wind. don't eliminate your own good ideas without trying them!

[indysteel]

Whatever you choose to do--and I think all of the above are great suggestions--be prepared to make the first (and second and third moves) with people. Don't wait for people to come to you or to invite you out. Be pushier and more forward than you otherwise might want to be. And say yes to as much as you safely can, even if it's a bit outside your comfort zone.

To the above suggestions, I'd add joining a local YMCA. I'd suggest the Y over other gyms because they often offer social activities, too. Make use of social media, too, with respect to anything you join or are interested in. That will keep you attuned to events, impromptu gatherings and the like.

[shootingstar]

Since I've moved twice in 2 different provinces after leaving a province where I was born, I have to say, that friendship takes time.

Guess I've gotten to a point there if I share 1-2 interests with someone, that's good enough. If we share more, ie. similar values, great, even better. As long as the other person isn't too dissimilar that we can't talk about stuff for 2-3 hrs. in 1 sitting.

[colby]

I have this problem, too. Even if I share interests with people I work with (married or not), I just can't make the leap to hanging out with them outside of work, it almost feels like asking someone out on a date. With co-workers, starting with getting lunch or going out for coffee is my go-to. I have to admit I've had more trouble with women than men, I share obvious common interests with more male co-workers (and I work with 90% men). I also share your fear with cycling/running clubs not being my speed, literally or figuratively. At some point, I think you have to take a chance, one way or another. Don't exclude married co-workers, try the cycling or running club, try a new class, try a meetup or something new around another interest you have.

Maybe we should start a support group, I'll join. Once a week, stick your neck out, try to make a new friend. Just one thing. One week, I checked out the local triathlon-oriented bike shop just to see what they had. It was super passive, but I wanted to get a feel for whether I'd fit in. Someone in the elevator of my condo building was very reassuring about trying another local womens ride, saying it was very friendly to new folks (apparently she sensed my trepidation). This week, I'll have the same bike shop rebuild my bike that I'm shipping and see what strikes up from that. Baby steps.