Sunday, October 24, 2010

degrees of separation ...

The other day, I saw a criticism of a parenting style on a social media website. The individual who made the judgments was called out and she defended her actions by saying that the person she was critical of was outside of her social circle. I took that to mean that, "it's OK to ridicule someone as long as they never find out." Maybe that's not what she was saying, but that's how I took it.

(Note: I am not saying that I have never said something negative about another person. I have. I just haven't ever broadcasted it so blatantly.)

Anyway, I responded to the situation by saying, "You never know who knows who." And I'm right. I am constantly amazed to see that I have many mutual Facebook friends with people who I didn't think had ever crossed paths. The world is small and the longer you are in it, the smaller it gets.

My run this morning proved that. G was running her last 22 miler before the Richmond Marathon. I decided to join her for the first 10 miles. The plan was simple. Park at the start and run to mile 10 where I would pick up 3L's car (she was joining G for the last 12) and drive it back to the finish. Easy peasy.

Except it wasn't. When I got to the car. It was locked. And I could see the keys on the floor. Crap! The group had already left, so there would be no catching up to them. So, I ran back to the SAG and bumped into a woman that I recognized from Dizzle and Doodle's race yesterday. I told her what had happened and she mentioned that her friend was running another mile and a half and driving back. AWESOME! It was agreed that we'd run a little further and her friend, T, would drive us back.

During the ride back to the start/finish, we talked about our marathon training, injuries, kids, pretty much a runner's "getting to know you" session. Then with about a half mile left, I mentioned that I would like to volunteer as a coach for the training team one year when I am not marathon training (adding that I am actually a certified coach).

At which point, T turned to me and said, "Oh, do you have a website?" My buddy, K, jumped in and said, "Yes. And she makes the cutest headbands too." Then, T looked at me and said, "Oh my God. You're TMB. I was on your website the other day. You're like famous." I snickered and said, "Yes, that's me. And look, now you get to tell everyone that you drove me back to my car when I was stranded."

It was funny. And weird. It's not the first time someone has recognized me from my blog or dailymile or my website. But, I'm not really used to it. And it ALWAYS makes me realize that even though I think I "know" my readers (at least my commenters), there are actually a lot more people out there that "know" me (and subsequently, my family) from all of this.

Fortunately, for me, I am a "tell it like it is" kind of person. The TMB you get here is the same one you'd get if you met me face-to-face. I'm honest and frank and I try my best to think before I speak. Because, you NEVER know who knows who ...

20 comments:

Katye said...

hahaha love it! at NIKE last weekend I had 4 people total say "Hey, are you Long Legs!" its a weird feeling but very fun!

Jodi H said...

Great post! I was one of those strange people that came up to you at Rock and Roll Chicago! And by the way, I recognized you and Katye based on your socks!!

tjp said...

hey M! It's T from this morning...so happy to run across you today - last week I had posted on Tall Mom's blog that i was thrilled to find out about you from her...another question for you - does Road runners sell your handbands? the girl's car that i was driving us around in was wearing one that looked like yours...i was telling them about you post run and said "..and she makes headbands just like the one you are wearing!" another coincidence?:) glad to meet you and K this morning - hope to cross paths again soon! ps: the blog is great and my friend confirmed that the headbands DO NOT SLIP! yay for honesty all around!

MCM Mama said...

LOL. I had the same experience lately when someone on twitter. I dropped enough clues + we have enough mutual contacts that he DM'd me and said are you so and so? When my heart started beating again (after all it was a strange man LOL), I knew exactly who he was too. Small world. ;o)

Jennifer Newman said...

great story! and you are so right, you never know who knows who! I like how you seem so real and I didnt think it was act - you're too real to not be real. I strive for that on my blog. I appreciate that you are you and give us you!

I hope all that makes sense.

much love, jen

Jen said...

So true. You pretty much ALWAYS know where you stand with me too... and I think we are CALLED to be better people and not gossip... but since we are human, I know we cannot be perfect.

Thanks for reminding us!

Anonymous said...

Love it... and you are famous. You, and Tall Mom, and SUAR, and EMZ, and many others... you are all celebrities to me... celebrities that matter... way better than reading some gossip about Hollywood celebs.

Marlene said...

Small world indeed and you are so right that you never know who knows who... especially with networks like FB, blogger, twitter, etc! Glad everything worked out!!

Katie A. said...

It really fires me up when people think they can say whatever they want about another human being and it have no negative consequences. You're so right, you never know who know's who!
You're famous, I love it! Glad the run worked out, to!

Unknown said...

I know what you mean and its weird being recognized at the store or just by happenstance. Its humbling and cool at the same time!
Yeah, never pick your nose while driving, you never know who will be snapping a picture of you haha!

Carly said...

So true!!!

Karen Seal said...

You are SO right about that! You really never know who knows who!! Glad you were able to get where you needed to go! :0)

ajh said...

You make a great point.

Pam @ herbieontherun.com said...

I like to mess with people sometimes... when I hear someone badmouthing someone else, I'll be all, "That's my cousin!" The look on their face is priceless. I let 'em sweat it for a second before I tell them any different. Maybe they'll learn someday...

Aimee said...

Soooo true!

kat said...

Very true mind, I always say mind who you chat, cause your right, you never know who may be listening!

Rae said...

Very true! It's such a small world! Look at us, we lived close to each other at one point. And, you are famous! If I ever get the chance to meet you, I'm asking for your autograph! :)

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Great post!

I often have to remind myself that I don't know who all is reading my little blog and what they might do with that information about my family. I shared a comment on another blog I now wish I hadn't. A little too honest about my less than perfect life. I value being honest but I don't think others really want the honesty when it's a downer. Life lesson number 6831.

Runners Fuel said...

Great post!

Lisa said...

Interesting you posted about watching negative comments. I was just the recipient of a neg comment during my race yesterday. I posted it on mystorychapter2.blogspot.com post "page 168" - the last paragraph of the post. The situation opened my eyes to comments I might make - not any more.

Also, this weekend I met RustBeltRunner & Healthy Strides. It was a little surreal to meet them in real life. I'm just bummed I don't live in VA anymore.