Stick it to 'em

Photo courtesy: I <3 to run.

'You've got to be realistic here: you're just not 'designed' for this type of races.'

'You're nuts. What point are you trying to make?'

'You? Seriously? No. Sorry. Not in a million years.'

'What are you running from? You might want to see a shrink about this...'

'It's just ridiculous. You're out of your mind, and I do not mean that in a good way.'

'There is no way that this can end well. Such a ridiculous way of life.'

Just a compilation of the sh%t I've been trying to ignore lately. And yes, I know I'm not the only runner/triathlete that has been dealing with nasty remarks like the ones mentioned above. Sad, if you'd ask me. Plus, I can handle some trash talking. No problemo. But, guys, enough is enough! You get to a point where it's no longer considered funny to catapult anything running/working out.

Apparently, doing what you love doing, and minding your own business while doing so, makes some people around you want to...well...blurt out their thoughts on the sad little person that they believe you are. Both behind your back, and in your face. Did I mention the 'minding my own business while doing so' part? It's not like I hop around all day and every day, humming that I love running, and that I loved my first ultra, and that I loved those marathons I did this Spring. Nope, I don't even bring the whole 'running' thing up in conversation. And nope, I do not wear running gear to work, dinner, etcetera. Okay, there are some 'compression sock tan lines' (it's a word), but that's it. There's no 'I {heart} running and non-runners suck' tattoo on my forehead. At least, last time I checked there wasn't. Maybe I should get one... ;) But still...what is it with human beings that makes them feel the need to throw their opinion all over you, like a huge pile of 'I drank to much beer and ate garlic' vomit (see, I didn't say sh^t this time. :)).

The thought that springs to mind - every single bleeping time that someone is talking sh^t about my running and/or running in general - is: why?

Having a strong opinion on a certain subject, well...I understand that. What I seriously do not understand is why you'd feel the need to make anyone deliberately feel bad about themselves...based on something that they love doing. Especially a 'harmless' thing called running. And yes, I do understand a 'you and your stupid running' remark if and when a person would hop around yelling 'running is so cool and non-runners suck' all day. Then again...if this would be post race / post PR, it would qualify as perfectly normal behavior. In my opinion... Any other remark, I do not get.

What ever happened to living your own life? And letting others do the same? Did I not get that memo?

But - for the haters - , once and for all.

1. Not 'designed' for long distance running? Thanks for your concern, but my quads will do just fine.

2. What point I'm trying to make? None. By the way, how's your cholesterol been lately?

3. Not in a million years? Luckily neither of us would be around to see what happens in a million years.

4. What I'm running from? Well...if you'd ask me: nothing. You sort of make me want to run from you, though.

5. Ridiculous? Schmadiculous. I'm not even going to answer this one.

6. There is no way this can end well? Well, since you're apparently blessed with some psychic powers...how about that BQ? Ever going to happen?

Stick it to 'em. Hard. ;)