Since I've started running a few years ago, and recently training for triathlon, I've met some pretty incredible athletes - marathoners, Boston qualifiers, Ironmen, even an Olympic bob-sledder! But if they were standing in line behind you in a grocery store, would you know?
Drove in the rain (ugh) last night for our group ride, and once there, was introduced to an unfamiliar face. Roughly 55-60 year old lady, slight build, shy, timid body language. She was introduced as "Donna, recent half-Ironman finisher". My jaw just about dropped, eyebrows raised, eyes almost popped out of my head... but tried not to make it obvious.
Shame on me for being so surprised that she, based on what she looked like within the first few moments of meeting her, could possibly be fit or strong enough to accomplish such a feat.
I find this to be the ultimate in motivation though, meeting someone that you didn't think could, that did. Runners/cyclists/triathletes come in all shapes, sizes, ages. Amazing, really. I wouldn't be surprised if people, especially those I know and have known for years have made the same assumption about me!
Just proves that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover :)
27 comments:
It's funny. I am always passed by someone who I think has no business being faster than me AND I think I've passed people who think the same of me.
You never know...
it's ok to go slack jawed and stare in amazement when anyone finishes a half iron. male, female, young, old, fit, heavy..... doesn't matter. "You actually did that?" is always an appropriate question in that situation. The follow up question "but you're so [old, fat, blonde, pierced]" is where people get into trouble.
I think that's the best part about being a runner. There really is no shape, size, age, gender, race that makes you a runner, it's the fact that you run that makes you a runner.
My first race was in Feb and I too was amazed by all the different people there. I was very nervous, b/c I judged myself "I don't 'look' like a runner, what am I doing trying to complete a half marathon?", until I got to the race and saw that runners don't have a look, they have a common passion! :)
btw, i got passed last year in a sprint tri by a 72 yr old man. this year in a different sprint, a 12 yr old girl beat me by 20 minutes. there's always a bigger fish....
Good post! You're right, it's hard not to 'judge' someone immediately - even if we don't mean to!
I don't think I look like a runner, so I often wonder what people think when they find out. :p ("YOU ran a marathon?")
Haha Carolina John's commented cracked me up...The follow up question "'but you're so [old, fat, BLONDE, PIERCED]' is where people get into trouble."
I have had the same experience. A women in her late 40s was running near me in a tri. I kept thinking that she must have been on her first lap (I was on my second). Nope! She so kicked my butt. Lesson learned!
People always say to me - you ran a marathon !? A whole one?? :)
It's funny - I know a killer cyclist, I mean crazy good, road and mountain. He would show up to large group rides on his 80's steel bike, khaki shorts, ancient running shoes and his big specs (also from 1980). People would just look at him and say, the slower group is ~15mph pace and you might want to check that out. Yep, then he would take off with the fasties/racer types and drive them into the dirt, first guy back. Ah, the joy of it.
You're so right, never make assumptions based on size, age or decade of your gear!
While watching all the contestants come out of Lake Michigan for the triathlon I watched a month or so ago, I was amazed at the variety of shapes and sizes that walked out of the water. My friend who is doing IM will be the first to admit that yes she can do IM, but is weak at other things. She calls me strong! Never judge a cover!
Very true post, I am guilty of doing this sometimes, and I think others are amazed when they find out that I've run X marathons.
We are all very gulity of doing this. People probably have looked at me and thought the same thing. I used to think that runners were really skinny and some are, but reality is we come in all shapes and sizes.
I think we've all judged occasionally based on first impressions -it's human nature. And it's always a humbling experience realizing that perhaps someone much older and more shapely can outrun me any time of the day.
I've done the same thing - it's just a natural reaction. Just as soon as I think someone can't possibly be a runner, they go zooming past me and leave me in their dust!
I'm surprised she didn't plunge her hand into your chest, rip your still-beating heart out and show it you just before you died!1!
No, wait. Did I say I'm surprised she didn't do that?
I meant I'd've been surprised if she had done that.
But admit it, sistre! If she had, it would've been awesome!
Then, when I saw her, with her slight little body, I'd'a been all, "YOU'RE a murderer? YOU?1!?"
Then it'd be my turn for a little improvised heart-surgery ...
Even AWESOMER!1!
One thing with the running community is that we all come in different shapes and sizes and ages. I think we have all gotten off guard at one time or another.
Good story.. I had a similar experience when the over wight gray fuzzy afro hair and a beared to match had run 101 Marathon and BEAT ME!! Never judge a book by the cover.. Although I must say at my height people ask me a lot if I play basketball and I am happy to reply..LOL
Have you ever looked at someone and been surprised that they are a runner, or a triathlete, or whatever?
Yeah, it happens everytime I look in the mirror...
I agreee with Lisa's comment. I'm no more surprised at anyone's participation than I am at my own. That's what I love about running! It's all inclusive. Nice post!
Well, when I tell people how much I run, nobody has ever looked at me and said, "oh yah, I can tell that just by looking at you."
Great post. Applies to all life, really.
That is very true. I am with you. Truthfully, I am guilty of this. I was stunned when this little twerp passed me in the Vermont Marathon last May? Get this - He was only 9 years old. Same thing applies to older people who have passed me. I have come to learn that I shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
I have tried so hard the past few years not to judge.. I think it's a natural instinct to size people up...but uhh after all the 80 years have passed me and the mom with the stroller...I get it you can be anyone and do this if you've got the mindset
i usually get judgemental on the skinny ho's at races who look fast(-er than me) :) i love seeing people who don't look like they could handle it, and then they do! i just love seeing people making the effort and trying to improve themselves instead of being like everyone else and sitting on the couch.
i try not to judge people in general though (workout-related or just in 'regular life') because i know i hate when i feel like people are judging me. i saw a good quote a long time ago and try to remember it daily -- "be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle"
You should someday watch the finish line of a full ironman distance tri. You will be amazed at the very ordinary looking folks who finish. Then you will think you can do it too :-)
So true. I'm sure people would never guess I'm a runner/triathlete just by looking at me! And isn't it so humbling at a race to get passed by some elderly man or woman?? I totally get mixed emotions when that happens...cuz it makes me think that I totally suck...but also makes me burst with pride for these strangers, cuz I hope I'm still running at that age...and KICKING @$$ the way they are!
i'm guilty of doing that myself. i tend to do it during races though! impressed that when sizing someone up at the starting line, they are kicking my butt halfway through! haha, i suppose it's to prove that very point to me, eh? so you aren't alone there.
A few years ago I read an article about the guy who played Norm on 'Cheers.' I forget his name, but anyway, he said when he first started running he was really embarrassed by his size, so he'd go out to run in the middle of the night with a flashlight, and then he gave that up because he realized that runners don't judge other runners. I love that about running.
I've shown up at races and seen some people and thought something horrible, like, "At least I won't be last!" Then they totally kicked my ass. Serves me right for being such a judgemental twat towards them!
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