We've all been called crazy, right? Given a quizzical look when you mention a planned or completed workout? How many times have you been asked, why?
Without trying to sound like a sleazy salesperson, I let her know that I'm having fun, and that is of utmost importance, always. I'm challenging myself beyond my wildest dreams, and doing things because I can. I've been on the other side of that fence, not being able to do the simplest of things, because I couldn't. It sucked. Further, I told her that triathlon, running, swimming, cycling don't define me, but they sure make me a happier person. I let her know that no, I won't win races. I'm not, and won't be paid for any of this, but I am 'compensated' by a much stronger sense of independence, freedom and confidence than I have ever known! Can you imagine the therapy I'd need if I didn't have this in my life!?
Christmas eve, while helping my best friend clean up after dinner, said "You'd better be eating dessert tonight, especially since I know you're probably up to something crazy again tomorrow anyway. Nothing surprises me anymore." She then finished off by saying "...sometimes, I think you're addicted."
Another time, she has asked if I was becoming obsessive because of the heart attack that Terron's dad suffered... I told her I was "crazy" well before that happened. She nodded in agreement.
Without trying to sound like a sleazy salesperson, I let her know that I'm having fun, and that is of utmost importance, always. I'm challenging myself beyond my wildest dreams, and doing things because I can. I've been on the other side of that fence, not being able to do the simplest of things, because I couldn't. It sucked. Further, I told her that triathlon, running, swimming, cycling don't define me, but they sure make me a happier person. I let her know that no, I won't win races. I'm not, and won't be paid for any of this, but I am 'compensated' by a much stronger sense of independence, freedom and confidence than I have ever known! Can you imagine the therapy I'd need if I didn't have this in my life!? Do you have people in your world, that are outside of 'our bubble'-- in which we all have common goals and passions, that just "don't get it"? Do you bother taking the time to try to justify it? And if so, does the glazed look in the eye of whom you're talking ever go away?
22 comments:
I don't really have any friends that are endurance athletes, so none of my friends really "get it." I've tried to explain it to them, but have really just given up. Now, if they ask me something, I'll give a very brief answer and won't elaborate unless they ask. It's just not worth it anymore for me to try and explain things to them over and over again!
My all time favorite question is still, "How far is that marathon?" Sheesh...you would think after the 2nd or 3rd time they would get it...They just don't get it.
I just smile and wave, smile and wave. You can't expect people who do not run to understand our "obsession". They never will UNTIL they start to run themselves.
Yah, a mixed bag like the other comments above.
Some people can't imagine that running is really good for you.
Nobody remembers marathon distance unless they're a runner or live with one ;)
When I say i want to run 8 marathons in 12 months some people stare like I'm completely bonkers.
Oh well 8)
Yeah most people don't get it, I like to think I am allowed to breath the rarified air above the layer of smog...but that's just me
And yeah about this absentee blogging thing!
Most of my friends think I'm crazy, but they also think our traveling to visit brewpubs is crazy. So, in general, people just find it amusing LOL. I never bother to try to explain.
Welcome back to blogland! I just try to explain what I like to do and leave it at that :)
yeah i can't explain it. people are usually like "why? that sounds miserable". i guess not everyone gets it (well, obviously). i've just kinda given up on trying to explain. a few people have picked up on it/started a little running/workout habit which is kind of cool.
welcome back :) hope you and t had a good christmas!
look who it is!!! :-)
depends on whether or not i like the person. if i do, i'll try to explain or talk about my passion for it. if i don't like them, it isn't worth my breath.
Gosh I wish I could be 'addicted' to any kind of excersise right now in my life LOL. I sooo want to be. But my mind mentally is just not there - it hasn't been in a while. *sigh*
I used to be a 'workout-aholic" in my 20's ...for a looong time. So I do get it. And I remember people giving me looks or making comments when would turn down an invite to go somewhere b/c I said I HAD to go to the gym...
A lot of people have told me I am crazy, but I really don't care what other people think. I do what makes me happy and keeps me sane. I definitely talk to my friends who aren't involved endurance sports about it, but people I am not close to I don't really give them the time of day..they can just think I'm crazy :)
I actually don't really have a running circle. I'm fairly new to this group and learning quite a bit on my own. I do have a special connection with my running buddy because she gets why I refuse a drink or leave early to fit an early run in the next day.
Even my marathon running friends dont get my Ultra marathoning .. LOL. Most of my non running friends dont ask me about my "crazy" running anymore.
I don't have any friends who share - well ANY of my interests be it endurance training, weight lifting or diet. So, I don't get asked to justify it much. People tend to simply avoid the topic with me. If I'm asked why I'm going to bed early, or skipping the drinks and I say it's because I have a race the next day, the topic is usually dropped faster then it came up. But, I'm in it for me - and so I keep at it.
The real funny thing is that I used to BE that person saying, "I'd never run Xk, I can't even run 1k" yet I just emailed a half marathon clinic coach today. Proof that people sometimes CAN change and "get it".
Over time, my running friends have become my best friends as I've drifted away from friends I now have less in common with.
My family probably doesn't understand completely, but they don't really question it anymore. People who know my parents even ask me about my running sometimes. Clearly, my parents think it's brag-worthy to have a marathoner for a daughter. :)
I think we all have people in our lives that don't get the need for challenging themselves. People think I am crazy for doing triathlons, scuba diving, still being in the reserves, etc. If it is what makes you happy and a better person then stick with. Great post.
Glad to see you back on the blogging saddle. Keep it up, you are an inspiration to all of us!
I know the feeling and there are definitely a few people in my life who make the "addicted" and "crazy" accusations and don't bother to take the time to try to understand.
In the end, they are the ones missing out!
Keep doing this for you.
Ha, those days are long gone! people expect it out of us now. they come up to me and ask if I'm entered into a crazy event they read about.
I recall a quote earlier this year in Ultra Running Magazine that went something like this. For those who understand, no words are needed. For those who don't, no words can explain.
What a wonderful blog Melanie. I also face the same things as you, the incredulity, the running is bad for you/your knees/whatever. I also smile and nod when people say "wow, running IS important to you isn't it?" without trying to explain. How can you explain passion to someone who clearly doesn't understand it? A passion, be it for anything is a passion and only another person who FEELS passion can begin to comprehend the feelings we get when we complete a workout, even if we're dead tired and we sit and think out loud "why on earth am I doing this again?" LOL
You're an inspiration to us all. Thank you for entering my cyber life :)
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