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General

Should I Apologize for Being a Runner?

  • Kerrie

During a recent conversation about running, I noticed I was basically apologizing for having run 8 miles that morning. Why couldn’t I just accept the compliment? When I got to thinking about it, I recalled several other times in recent memory when I’d done that — even when talking about my marathon! Isn’t that part of the reason for running a marathon in the first place? So you can brag about it?

Actually, I think there’s a time and place to brag about running — and that’s mainly here on my blog or when I’m on the phone with my parents.

But if running comes up in conversation and someone asks how many miles I ran that morning, and I say 8, and then they go, “WOW! Eight miles?!” what is the proper response for that? Yeah, I’m awesome, which is why I ate half a plate of nachos, half a burger, a pile of fries, and two beers! (Don’t eat all that, by the way. My eyes were way bigger than my stomach and I was so sick later.)

What I actually said: “Well,” looking down, “I like to run” in an apologetic tone.

What do you say when someone compliments your mileage or your “speed”? What is the correct response to someone who makes a big deal out of your as a runner?

 

Yesterday’s tempo recap from DailyMile:

Two things: 1. I switched my tempo day with my repeat day because the total mileage is more and I can do more on Mondays, and 2. I somehow ran out of time and didn’t want to drive (again) to the part of the trail that’s not a downhill/uphill out and back. So I went into the tempo knowing I’d have some fast uphill miles. Ick.

But I cheated. I turned around early so only 1.5 miles total of my four tempo miles were uphill. WIN. Goal pace for tempo: 8:13.

Mile 1 (warm up): 9:45
Mile 2 (tempo 1): 8:12 – downhill
Mile 3 (tempo 2): 8:12 – 1/2 downhill, 1/2 uphill
Mile 4 (easy): 9:36
Mile 5 (tempo 3): 8:14 – uphill
Mile 6 (tempo 4): 8:11 – downhill
Mile 7 (cool down): 10:09

Something funny: The traffic was all backed up along the highway, so the cars were crawling along. I raced a red pickup truck for basically all of Mile 5 — till the traffic cleared and he sped away.

 

Today’s swim recap:

I finally made it to the pool early in the morning. BUT I was late; was hoping to get in 40 minutes instead of 30.
20 laps kicking with kickboard
8 laps freestyle (so happy that I found my goggles!)
2 laps breaststroke cool down

 

Other random thing:

Fun fact! Our boxer Bennie’s dog show handler, Cindy, is also the handler for the No. 1 Bernese Mountain Dog in the country, Abbot, who lives out here. He WON breed today at Westminster and will compete in the Working Group ring on TV tonight! If you’re watching, feel free to cheer on Cindy and Abbot!

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9 comments
  1. Allyson says:
    February 14, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    I don’t make apologies, but I always feel like I need to throw in a disclaimer like “I’m really slow, though” or “it’s the only form of exercise I like to do”.
    Great job on the miles and laps.
    My youngest loves to watch dog shows, maybe we’ll check it out.

    Reply
  2. Carla says:
    February 14, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    Amen, sister. Why do we automatically demean our accomplishments? I make myself crazy. Maybe some smart person will have some good responses to use in such situations.

    Reply
  3. Kris says:
    February 14, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    I’m the same way!! I have such a hard time accepting compliments. Recently I just started saying Thank You and not down playing whatever they are complimenting me on. I still become embarrassed but I try to convey to the person that I’m appreciative of their admiration.

    Reply
  4. Jess @ Blonde Ponytail says:
    February 14, 2012 at 2:54 pm

    Brag on girl! Be proud of where those strong legs take you!! Why is it that as women we brush off compliments so much?!!

    Reply
  5. Amanda says:
    February 14, 2012 at 5:11 pm

    I do the same thing, and have no idea why. I always feel like I need to qualify it, like “I’m really slow” or “lots of people do better than me.” Weird.

    Reply
  6. Jen says:
    February 14, 2012 at 7:54 pm

    I believe this goes deeper than just sheer conversation or esteem/confidence.
    Running means so much more than one day’s miles.
    There’s a book I’ve read many times about meditation…
    I quote “In fact, there is no better way to waste your nascent energy and enthusiasm for practice and thwart your efforts so they will be unable to gather momentum. Best to meditate without advertising it.”

    That’s from Wherever You Go There You Are.
    Obviously if you partake in a meditation group etc the forum is open for discussion.
    I think we do this when we discuss our running with those that don’t truly understand what running is for us on the most basic, yet profound levels.
    🙂

    Reply
  7. alma says:
    February 14, 2012 at 11:01 pm

    Yes, why do we do that? I am so guilty. Do men do the same thing? Curious to hear what any male commenters say about this.

    Reply
  8. Christine says:
    February 15, 2012 at 3:10 am

    So true! Meanwhile I have mostly runner friends and it’s not that awkward anymore.

    Reply
  9. valeriekw says:
    February 15, 2012 at 9:04 am

    That is so cool about your handler!! I used to own/show Berners (more recently Tollers), so I bet I would even know her if I saw her. I love hearing about your dog show stuff – makes me miss when I used to show. Having 2 kids pretty much put a stop to that, but many people can balance both! And I am totally jealous of your RV!! That is the only way to go! Good luck with your Boxers – they are such fun dogs 😉

    Reply

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