Take me, for example.
When I look at myself, I see a strong, driven and confident person with just a dash of adventure.
But when some people look at me, they see an unapproachable, competitive and cocky person with just a dash of crazy.
Are they completely wrong? No. I can be all of those things.
But, am I completely right? Probably not. No one likes to admit their flaws.
Usually, other people's misconceptions about me don't bother me. But for some reason, when it comes to how I am viewed as a runner, all those misconceptions get under my skin.
- When you see me in my skirts and socks, I am NOT mocking your sport. And just because I look cute doesn't mean I don't take running seriously. - I am a runner with drive and passion and fashion sense. These things are not mutually exclusive.
- When you see me running with my posse, laughing endlessly, I am not goofing off. Just because I have managed to combine friendship and running doesn't mean I don't train my butt off. - I am a runner who runs 6 days a week, 2000 miles a year and is constantly striving to improve. I just bring my friends along for the ride.
- When you hear me talk about pace and PRs and placement, I am not asserting that I am better than you. Or even that I am trying to be better than you. - I am a runner who is competitive with no one but me.
- When you tell me I am too fast (or slow) for you to run with, you are wrong. There is no such thing. Pace is relative to the individual and the workout. Chances are we can find a common ground. - I am a runner who will always run with anyone who asks. No matter how fast or slow.
- When you tell me that I'm crazy for whatever the reason (mileage, 2 marathons in 6 days, eating habits, doing something you "could NEVER do"), you are lucky that I don't punch you in the face. I am not superhuman. Or even extraordinary. I'm not doing anything that thousands of other people don't do every day. I am not doing something that you couldn't do if you tried. - I am a runner who sees the value in pushing past self-imposed limits and sets goals (sometimes lofty) to make that happen.
30 comments:
Great post and you are so right about perception. I wish I would have your confidence. I always care what other people think (especially at work) and this stresses me out... I need to get more self-help books :)
I loved reading this. I am pretty much over worrying that someone may not think I am a runner as I am just not fast. They can suck it as far as I am concerned. I run 12 months a year in any weather, I train, I rest, I do what I can and verrryyyy slowly....I am getting faster.
Agreed! People who aren't on the running wagon so to speak don't get it when you talk about how awesome a run was and they think you are bragging. I tell other people about my accomplishments because I am PROUD of myself and what I am able to do.
Amen, sistah!!
Could not have said it better myself.
LOVE LOVE LOVE! Awesomeness... and I 100% got your back... not that you need me to have it. ;)
LOVE this!
Note to self - never call T crazy.
Winks & Smiles,
Wifey
Great blog entry!
T- I think you are crazy and cool. I love how you love who you are. Don't be too hard on us underachievers- maybe someday we will manage to work past our lay and undisciplined habits. Meanwhile, please don't punch me in the face :)
AWESOME POST!
nice post and good points! I love that you have fun with the sport.
And one thing on competitiveness. I am competitive. And even competitive with other people....I love other runners but I also want to pass them if I have it in me - and I don't think that's wrong. :)
This post is great and you are completely awesome, not cocky at all!
Preach it!
Great post!
Nothin' wrong with just a dash of crazy. ;o)
my family & friends always tell me that I'm crazy for running my halfs. When I'm on the blog world, I feel "normal". I ignore them and consintrate on what makes me happy. It does annoy me after some time, though.
Well said, I get a lot of this all the time. Love your take on it all.
This is a great post. I've probably said something along the lines of a few of those, apologies in advance. I have learned a LOT about running and other runners the more into running I become. Love it! Thanks for sharing.
You are totally superhuman in my book, though. ;)
You are so right! I think only other runners understand how much we like to share the bug with others, regardless of how slow they might be. I admire your ability to not care what others think.
That must have been prompted by something?!
I could write a short novel on what my hubbs told me over the weekend about his perception of my running. Bummer that couples don't always grow in the same direction...let alone what "outsiders" think of my daily priorities. As if I'd care!
Great post!
The tough thing about perception is, it is the truth for the precever. To save an argument, I just keep doing what I do and you should too. Be awesome and never appologize.
Loved this!
one of my mottos when it comes to life is "You can't change people or opinions, only your reaction to them"
You are who you are and from reading your blog you are beyond ok with that. Don't let anyone else opinons get under your skin.
Yep...it's a fact!
Sing on!
So, San Diego, care to slow your pace down for a slow run while you're in my neck of the woods? ;)
People are very judgemental, and the more "different" you are from what the majority of people consider 'normal', the more people judge. Having 12 kids (or several different races), being a dedicated runner, getting married young, etc. have all led to people have very off perceptions of me. It used to bug me and then I decided that I am just going to be me... the people that matter will take the time to get to know the real me and the people that choose to just pass rash judgements can be darned.
Great post!
totally impressed. & thank you for the running past "self-imposed limits" bit. i put way too many of those on myself, think i could take a page out of your book & push right past them. thank.you.
Very well said!!!
I love this post, especially the "punch you in the face" part!!! :)
ugh. i feel you!
i hate it when people aren't comfortable running with me because i've sped up on my solo runs. i always say that i love running with company more than i like running fast.
well said girl!
Awesome post, T! I can promise that when I look at you, I see a strong, driven, and confident person with just a dash of adventure! You rock!
Well said. I get you!
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