Run Safe

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Why You Should Not Be Too Embarrassed To Run



While out for my early morning run today, I happened across a fellow runner.  He was a big guy and I would not be exaggerating to say he was obese.   It looked as if he was doing a run/walk/run method.  He wasn’t going very fast and I saw him take at least one walk break.  By no means, was he “slacking”.  It was very apparent this guy was putting effort into what he was doing.  As I got closer I couldn’t help but be filled with a sense of admiration.  I said good morning as I passed and continued on my run.
It got me thinking about a conversation I had with another fellow runner, not too long ago.  This lady, who was also overweight, was struggling to “keep with it.”  She told me she would only run on a treadmill because she was “too embarrassed” to be seen in public.  When I asked her why she would be embarrassed for trying to better herself she told me she just didn’t feel like a runner and felt she would be ridiculed by other runners.  I’ll share with you what I told her.
If you are a new runner or even a walker (non-zombie type) aspiring to become a runner DO NOT feel embarrassed by making the effort.  As an experienced runner, I’ve learned that you will encounter two types of people (generally speaking); runners and non-runners.

Runners-
Photo from www.facebook.com/slowisthenewfast
Runners will support you.  Runners respect the effort.  Runners, both new and experienced, will admire you.  Most runners had to learn to become runners ourselves.  I promise you that most do not care about your pace nearly as much as you do.  Runners will tell you “good job” not because they are just trying to be nice, but because they truly understand that what you are doing is not an easy thing to do.  Runners truly are the GREATEST and the most supportive group of people you could ever want to be around.  Slow or fast, runners are filled with pride when they see you making the effort.   Now don’t get me wrong, just like with anything there are those small percentages of runners who think they are God’s gift and that their shit doesn’t stink but I can assure you those are not the majority. 

The first time you stand amongst the crowd at the start of a race you will discover how different each of us are but how much we all have in common.  It's an unforgettable experience and the reason why you don't hear of very many people who only do one race. 

Non-Runners-
There are really two groups of non-runners which I affectionately refer to as the lovers and the haters.
  • The lovers admire you just like the experienced runners do.  They are soul searching and have that desire but have not been convinced enough to believe that running is a possibility.  When the lovers see you, you are their role model, their inspiration.  And you are a far greater source of inspiration than the experienced runners.  You’re more relatable.  You’re the person they look at and say “Well hell, if they are doing it, maybe I can too!”
  • The haters are the true non-runners.  They have no desire, no interest and are perfectly content spending their life being sedentary.   They are not to be confused with people who are active in some other form of physical activity.  I’m talking about the people that see you while you are running on the side of road and as they pass you in their car they flick you off, drive a little closer to you or even swerve in your direction.  Yes, those people do exist.   As an experienced runner I can assure that these people will laugh and taunt me just as much as they will you.   The topic of safety while running is another thing worth looking into.
You’ve probably seen it worded and phrased in a number of different ways but all of the sayings are trying to tell you the same thing.  If you run, you’re a runner.  It doesn’t matter how fast you go, you’re still lapping they guy/girl on the couch, etc., etc.    The best piece of advice I can give you is to always remind yourself of who you’re doing this for.  Why do you run?  Do you run for that person driving past you?  Are you running for the guy running faster than you in a race?  Are you running to impress “experienced runners”  I think once you start to be honest with yourself about why you run, you will have a much easier time dealing with all of the other negative thoughts that my seem to discourage you.  
So the next time you're out their making the effort don't feel embarrassed, feel proud.  I can assure you there are far, far more people who are being inspired by what you're doing than not.

17 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Very well said. As someone who has been running for years and made great progress but still struggles with the idea of people seeing me run, this is a great reminder as to why I'm out there and why no one else's opinion matters.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm overweight and set a goal to lose it through diet and exercise. My wife, an avid runner, now pregnant, suggested I try running--the last thing I ever wanted to do for exercise. I've been running for nearly a year now and it has brought be down nearly 75 pounds. I felt the same way about running outside as your friend and many others, I only ran on a treadmill for months--mostly because I thought you had to be "hot" like my wife to be a runner. However, once I started making personal gains and breaking previous bests, I decided it was time to go outside. I started in the early morning when it was dark and no one would really see me and because no one looks weirder than I do when I run: I have an awkward gait akin to Bugs Bunny's prancing horse (you know the one) with two left feet. But I realized something: for all the runners and non-runners who would see me--most of the non-runners being my friends--they were eager to give a thumbs up or a wave. Most of my friends couldn't wait to tell me they saw me running and to keep up, that I was looking good. I never felt like a "runner" until I started running outside. We sold the treadmill and I haven't run indoors since. Thanks so much for the article; it was a great reminder of why I run.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Fantastic article. Thanks.

    And "Yea for you, John Sperry!" Keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Well said! I didn't like anyone running behind me because of the "flappage" I was sure I was flapping! I finally asked someone to run behind me and tell me how bad it was. They looked at me with wide eyes and said "Are you crazy? No one cares what you look like running! They just are impressed you are out there doing it!" Point well taken. We are our own worst critics.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great post! I fell in love with running because it makes me feel like I'm finally good at something. I may not be fast, but I always finish :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you for saying from an "average" sized runner what I have been saying as a fluffy runner for years. Real runners support us fluffy gals running. There is no reason someone should "hide" while they are doing something healthy for their bodies. Be proud! After 3 runs on the dreadmill, I started to take it to the road. And I haven't regretted it one bit. I have only received words of encouragement from runners on the trail. The only people that have either told me to stop or sent me articles that tell why I shouldn't run are those that don't run. But I don't mind being the Athena, the fluffy one out there. As far as I am concerned, I am just more hard core than my "average" size fellow runners. I mean, how many of them would strap on a 60 pound bag across their body before their run? I do it everyday. LOL

    I have friends that come in first place for their age group, while my goal is just to finish or not finish dead last. My friends are there to cheer me on at the finish line. And I always say, as I cross the finish line, "If this was an endurance competition, I WON!!!"

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great post. I think most of us who haven't been running our entire lives can attest to feeling "not good enough to be seen". It's an amazing feeling when you overcome the fear of being made fun of and just realize you're out there for YOU! I hope a few of my friends read your wonderful post and decide to put aside the fear and go for it!

    ReplyDelete
  10. As an overweight gal who characterizes her running as "plodding along," I wholeheartedly enjoyed this post. It takes a while to get over that idea that everyone is watching you and judging you, but it does eventually go away.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow, Dan! This is a fabulous website and an inspiring post. I would give my right arm to be able to run again. Once my basketball playing days ended, I thought I would begin running marathons, but after one too many accidents, alas, that was not to be. However, I admire runners and anyone at any age or stage that endeavors to stay fit through movement. When I am at Sue and Cliff's this summer, I will have to interview you and promote what you are doing on my blog. When you hit the pavement today, run an extra lap for me! I'll be cheering you on from Switzerland.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love this post. I was a non-runner who greatly admired runners and wanted to be one but I could never get myself to stay the course long enough to get over the hump of complete misery from soreness and tiredness. I decided to "hire" a team coach and put together a virtual training team for inspiration, accountability, and motivation. It worked.

    Together, 40 of us from across the world trained together for 13 weeks for a 13 mile half marathon. I crossed the finish line three weeks ago and it was the most AMAZING experience. I found the secret sauce: group accountability and an awesome coach who also happened to be a physical therapist and could help with the injury issues. I'm finally a RUNNER!

    It was supposed to be a one and done type of thing, but after the race was over, I realized I wanted to keep running, and I wanted to help others achieve the same amazing feeling of crossing the finish line. We're getting ready to launch another challenge on 6/15/13 if anyone is interested in joining.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P8pYeGoC88

    ReplyDelete
  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  14. So glad I came across this! I've been psyching myself into putting my trainers on for a while but feel too self concious to run where I live..Feel very inspired after reading this , so tonite I will venture out..����

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is wonderful. Thank you for putting words something I could feel but could not say well.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Trying to motivate myself to start running in public, so this helped me a lot. Been working out in the gym a lot and now feel fit enough, but am embarrassed to start. But I will. It's true what you write; whenever someone runs past me, I think “damn, wish I could do that too”. So I’ll force myself to start tomorrow. Wish me luck..

    ReplyDelete