So without further ado, I'd like to discuss my least favorite running quote. No not the quotes that motivate you to get out that door and run for hours and hours. No, I'm talking the types of crazy things you hear from those people who don't understand runners. Your co-workers, family and friends who probably know you very well, but don't understand the first thing when it comes to distance running.
Because the truth is, I doubt PEOPLE don't run marathons because IT'S BORING. I bet they don't run marathons because it's HARD.
I cannot tell you the amount of times of heard someone say to me "I would run over 3 miles, but I get so bored." The expression makes absolutely zero sense to me. In all my years running, I've never once been out on a run and thought "Wow, I'm so bored right now, I should just stop." I have thought, "This is really hard, I should give in and stop." But then determination kicks in and I motivate myself to try to finish strongly.
Running isn't easy. If it was everyone would do it. Running isn't boring. If it was we wouldn't have millions of Americans signing up for marathons everyday. Running is a special sport- one in which you have to trick your mind into working against or with your body, depending on the day. It's a beautiful sport, one I love. Because it's so competitive and mostly competitive with yourself. The challenge is what keeps this sport from being boring. (thanks lb!)
Racetober has kicked into gear and I have tons of friends chasing their goals in the marathon in the next couple months. I can't wait to live vicariously through them because being a runner is permanent, whether I'm training or not.
So here's to our amazing sport that is challenging and not boring!
What's the most annoying running related phrase non-runners say to you?
So funny that you mention that quote. Before I started running, I ALWAYS said "running is boring." Once I actually started running, though, I never ONCE got bored. Sometimes it's really hard and sometimes the runs feel way too long, but truthfully I'm never bored out there. (Maybe it's because I plan my running routes around where the best puppy-sighting is.)
ReplyDeleteAnd I love what you said about running being a part of your life, even if it isn't every single day. So true.
You'll bust out of your running rut eventually, when the time is right, and you'll be kickass. I can't wait for it!
AMAZING! So proud of you! And running is a way of life and it's absolutely not boring. It's empowering, fulfilling, gratifying, and a happy maker. Great post and great job!!!
ReplyDeleteMy swim coach used to say that same thing - if it were easy, everyone would do it. I guess I'm lucky to have never had anyone tell me running is boring - most people I know are supportive! But I definitely know there are people like that out there, and it's so silly. Running is everything BUT boring!
ReplyDeleteI wrote a whole post about annoying things non-runners say. My favorite being "I can't run because of my knees.". But the top annoyance is the question "how far is this marathon?"
ReplyDeleteI don't hear a lot of "running is boring" I hear a lot of "I hate running" or "I can't run" which is annoying and everyone has their excuses, but that doesn't annoy me as much as when I tell someone what my milage was for the week (which these days isn't as much, but I'll be ramping up very soon!) and they compare it to the amount of miles they've spent in their car. It's just an awkward conversation. Uh, cool. I run more than you drive... honestly what am I supposed to say to that?
ReplyDeleteWhen I quit running for two years, I absolutely felt like part of me was missing. I knew I needed a good break after college but my life got so out of control without it. When I moved to Seattle and started running again everything fell into place. That being said, running ruts definitely happen, and I look forward to seeing you back at it when you are ready!
Anyone who thinks running is boring isn't doing it right.
ReplyDeleteI love this post Lizzy!! (but you knew that already). What you didn't know is that this might be my favorite post of yours that I've ever read. You said everything so well. I have been on runs that I haven't enjoyed, or that are so tough I'm not sure that I can continue, but I have never once thought "this is so boring!" My mind is too busy trying to keep my legs moving to get bored.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite lines: "Running is a special sport- one in which you have to trick your mind into working against or with your body, depending on the day."
Now you tell me what part of that is boring!?
Also - I love your overall attitude! I'm sorry you're in a running slump, but being a runner is part of your identity. That won't go away just because you have to take a little time off from the sport.
I've definitely rolled my eyes at this phrase before. But then again, I'd say the same thing about swimming. I realize swimming is also really hard - but I just don't enjoy it. I love running, but I guess I can't expect everyone to feel the same!
ReplyDeleteI love this post, Lizzy! Running certainly is not boring (though I may argue that swimming is :) ). It is HARD. I don't know why non-runners are always saying that phrase. I'll be sure to correct the next person who says that to me, haha ;)
ReplyDeleteHa. The only time i get bored is on the dreadmill ;) But i do believe that running might not be for everyone, so I don't usually say too much to those that take that attitude! great post, well said :)
ReplyDeleteRunning outside is great - I definitely do not get bored. Running on the treadmill on the other-hand, I find it harder and I think I do get a bit bored, but its harder to push because it is just easier to stop.
ReplyDeleteLB sent me your way.... love this post.
ReplyDeleteHA! just the title of this made me laugh!
ReplyDeleteLizzy, loved this post! Especially the part where you say "running is always a part of my life, even if it's not 365 days a year." It makes me remember that I need to be ok with taking it easy right now :)
ReplyDeleteAs for the quote - dude... so true! People always say that to me! I also love when my mother-in-law asks me if we're going to "run the marathon" every time we do a race, even if it's a 5k!
Oh man --- I've gotten a lot of those nice comments from the not-so-supportive crowd.
ReplyDelete"Running isn't good for you, especially marathons - you're in medical school, don't you know that?"
"You're way to into running than I can handle."
"Training for a marathon cannot be fun, no matter what you say."
"You ran XX miles? Why?! That sounds terrible!"
"You have a running coach? What a waste of money."
great post. i agree with you fully. as a runner, i too, get into ruts. there are days when my runs are super strong and fast and other days where i need to take a walking break within 1.5 miles. there are also the days when i just take off.
ReplyDeletei am not a runner but i love running. i love the stamina and the pretty legs and slender body is such a perk! i prefer to get in long runs every weekend ( this is five or more ). mentally, it's just my thing.
i hate the excuses and i think someone mentioned above that she hears people say they can't run because of their knees. my knees hurt sometimes too but no excuses for me ( oh and by the way, i am one month shy of 43 years of age ). excuses are just that...excuses. as for boring....oh my gosh...running is the most mind clearing activity in the world. :)
so true, it's not boring at all!! I think I get tired of answering "when will you run boston?" It's not the only reason to run
ReplyDeleteI hear this all the time too!! And I think I react the same way as you do...just laugh, because I know I just can't explain it fully to someone who doesn't get it. I also hate the people who believe the myth that running is "bad for you" and say something that implies you're doing this awful, destructive thing to your body. And I think its hilarious when people think "marathon" = "race" and ask how long this marathon is.
ReplyDeleteI know we've talked about this before, but I think it's the best thing you could do to take it easy with running when you're not that into it. There's absolutely no reason to force it or feel guilty - you will always be a runner and it will always be there for you when you're ready to go back to it.
I'm with Shannon. Running on the treadmill is where I do get bored.
ReplyDeleteI am on the same page as you with those running comments people make! One I hate is, "I have better things to do than spend my time running for 2 or 3 hours."
ReplyDeleteGlad you are taking a break! Sometimes a break is needed, and it definitely doesn't make you any less of a runner! :)
Haha and 4 marathons and countless other races later, I totally DO think running is boring! I just like the way I feel when I am done so much that I keep doing it!
ReplyDeleteBeing challenged is a very exciting thing. If things were always easy then it wouldn't be fun.
ReplyDelete