Not everyone is going to want to run, and that doesn't have to be justified to me or anyone else. So that's why I can't stand it when people feel the need to justify it, and then spout off something like, "Well, you like running" or "You're good at running" or "Well, you're a runner."
All I can say to that is...not always.
I didn't always like running. I know I've mentioned it here before, but I was legitimately that kid who walked the mile "run" in gym class. These days, I love running in general, but some days I still really, really don't. If you don't want to become a runner, fine, but don't justify it with "You like running, you wouldn't understand" because I was the epitome of a running-hater, so I know that logic doesn't stick.
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| Sometimes I don't love running for weeks at a time! Getting this reminder in my inbox is always a little hard to swallow. |
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| And anyway, what does being good at running look like? Are we talking about being good like Meb? Because really, in that case, who is? |
I think I blame the mile run in gym for people's aversion to running. I mean, coaches never teach you to build up to a mile. Twice a year you just...run it. It's like, Good luck, kids! We're not going to talk about pacing yourself, intervals, or even how far a mile really is! Go get it!
What do you say to these kinds of excuses?
Did you always like to run?
ABK
I definitely used to be a running-hater as well! I was always in sports in high school (even soccer, where you run a lot), but if we had to run for a warm up or for punishment (something else that probably shouldn't be done if we want people to actually like running), I hated hated hated it! I thought it was so boring and awful, but as I started running more, I started to enjoy it. That process took over a year! I hate when people say, "Oh you're so lucky that you're good at running and you like it." -_-
ReplyDeleteI've heard from many of my soccer-playing friends that they hated running, and it was often used a punishment! That definitely should stop.
DeleteSo much yes! I also used to dislike running. I told my husband my running time was as much fun as going to the dentist. Now I love it! And yes, I think that mile run is about the worst thing we do to people. How many of us think we hate running because of that ridiculous practice?
ReplyDeleteSeriously, when your only experience with running is the mile and running-as-punishment, it makes sense that we think we hate it!
DeleteRunning is HARD. And it's really, really hard when you first begin. I think a lot of people are put off by the notion of running because it's not something you can just jump into and be "good" at. Whenever someone learns I'm a runner and then they're like "Oh, I hate running." I'm just like "Why?! Have you given it a chance?". I get not everyone is going to run, my boyfriend hates it and that's totally fine. But, what I love about running is that anyone can do it! It doesn't discriminate. I wish people would give it more of a chance!
ReplyDeleteI always tell people I used to hate it and they should give it a chance...but then I feel like I'm preaching! Like you said, I don't think everyone has to love running, but I wish they'd at least TRY it! I just feel like they're missing out lol.
DeleteTotally feel ya! I was just like that- I hated running until I was 26! And I never would have thought I'd be running one half let alone multiple halfs. But people change and it's definitely possible to change your mind about something. I also agree about the "good at running" stuff- none of us were good when we first started. I still don't think I'm a good runner necessarily. I enjoy it but I'm not winning any age group awards anytime soon (part by choice because I don't want to train that hard).
ReplyDeleteI do wonder what being a "good" runner looks like. Is there a check-list somewhere? I think you're a good runner!
DeleteI feel uncomfortable when people try to justify to me why they don't run- especially because I never, EVER push running on other people. Like you said, there are a ton of other ways to be fit and healthy. Running doesn't have to have any part of that.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to sound judgey, but I hate when certain friends of mine who are moms claim they don't have time to run or workout due to work and their mom-ly commitments. I know lots of moms who run! You either make it a priority, or you don't.
Exactly, I don't push running on people, but they STILL feel the need to justify why they don't run. I swear, they're the ones who bring it up like 80% of the time!
DeleteOooh yeah, don't get me started on the mom excuse. I know plenty of moms who run and who are WAY faster/more dedicated than I am.
I agree that so many people dislike running because of bad experiences running the mile in gym class. I know that mile really put me off of the whole thing. My gym class was always right in the middle of the afternoon when it's super hot, I had no idea how to pace myself and no one ever told me to build up to the mile. It's not like we started with 400m then 800 then 1000 then the mile ... it was like you said "hey kids, go run a mile." Even more so, it was like "hey kids go run a mile as fast as you can!" I distinctly remember my gym coach holding her stop watch and calling out everyone's finishing time. Ugh!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, running the mile for me either meant in snow on the track (in Cleveland...I clearly remember having to walk within the first lap, which I now know means I couldn't even run a quarter mile, probably because I took off sprinting!) or in the sweltering heat in Florida. And uphill both ways ;o)
DeleteI used to be a runner-hater....I mean I would furrow my brows and ask "Why would you do that?" until I started. Then I got it! The comment I dislike is "You wouldn't catch me running unless someone was chasing me!" Well duh...of course you'd run. But I'd bet you'd run after a million $$ too.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how those "clever" lines about running aren't very original or true?
DeleteThis all begs the question...if so many of us hated running, what made us give it a chance, and how can we convince others to give it a chance, too? (Or at least stop them from brushing it off.)
Yes! I hate when people give me a disgusted face and shake their head when I say I'm a runner. Like helloooo I don't do that when you tell me what you do for fun.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what you said about the mile run in school. The class that I was student teaching for had to run the mile for the first time in their school careers ever while I was there. I made signs and went out to cheer them on and 5 of my students broke down in tears because they didn't feel good and hated it. It broke my heart!
Yeah, the disdain is totally uncalled for! It feels really judgmental.
DeleteUgh that story about your students...that's really sad. Poor kiddos! I tell my students all the time that the mile run isn't fair and the way it's structured sets them up for failure, so they shouldn't feel too bad. I try to lead by example by sharing my love of running/fitness in the classroom. I love that you made signs for them!
Hey I missed this post somehow?!?!?
ReplyDeleteIn high school my friends and I loved volleyball but hated running to the point that we'd lie to our coach and say we were on our periods to skip out on the warm up running drills...lol. Seriously!
Now that most people who know me know how much I run and love to run they stop trying to tell me how bad it is. ;) I hated when people would say "Don't you know how bad running is for your body?!" in such a way that it made me feel crazy for running. I honestly have never felt stronger than I do now.
I think people like to say running is bad for your body because it makes them feel better. At this point, we know sitting is worse for us than running! So there, naysayers!
DeleteThis is a great post! I have to comment even though it is old now!
ReplyDeleteI was also a mile-walker in school! There was one year when, no joke, I actually came in dead last. Until this post I never thought of it but you're so right - a mile is a really long way for a kid (or anyone) to run without training! The notion that "ANYONE can run!" is only sort of true. To run properly, you have to be taught. Like, as in, don't start off your run at an all out sprint. Now it seems like a no brainer, but all these years I thought I didn't have the stamina to run because I couldn't sprint as fast as the other girls in soccer practice or whatever. I honestly didn't get that you have to start out slowly and pace yourself and stuff.
Many non runners I know just say "I hate running." And I say, "okay." I also don't know why anyone feels the need to justify it, but maybe they've been pressured or picked on about it before so the defensiveness is their natural reaction now. I would love if I could get more people into running, but at the end of the day, if you don't want to run, I don't really care that much. Just like I'd hope you don't care that I'm not into your hobbies.
I was lucky to have friends who walked the mile with me - they made me feel less self-conscious about taking 20 minutes! I never had to come in last alone.
DeleteI've found that trying to talk people into running is a lost cause, but usually people make those comments because they want to try to make you convince them. I've found leading by example (and writing my blog) has helped get more people into running without my having to preach about it! lol