It’s been awhile since I’ve posted anything even remotely related to running on this blog. As Lauren recently wrote on her “Taking the Good with the Bad” Post, “Anyone who has been in a relationship with running for a period of time knows that you don’t stay in the honeymoon phase forever. Being in a lifelong relationship with the sport means that you are committed to a life of ups and downs.” Smart words LB. Very Smart.
So even though I am currently in a running rut and taking time off, it doesn’t mean I have any less love for the sport. In fact, I’ve watched more track on TV then I have in years. I’m still following tons of running blogs and paying attention to running times, races and results in my local area. I still enjoy getting my local running group emails with speed workouts and meetups even if I haven’t showed up in awhile. Running is who I am and it will always be part of my life, even if it’s not 365 days a year.
So without further ado, I’d like to discuss my least favorite running quote. No not the quotes that motivate you to get out that door and run for hours and hours. No, I’m talking the types of crazy things you hear from those people who don’t understand runners. Your co-workers, family and friends who probably know you very well, but don’t understand the first thing when it comes to distance running.
Over the last few years since I’ve picked up long distance running, I’ve heard the phrase “I don’t know how you run marathons. Running is SO BORING,” numerous times. And although it frustrates the hell out of me, I just chuckle to myself.
Because the truth is, I doubt PEOPLE don’t run marathons because IT’S BORING. I bet they don’t run marathons because it’s HARD.
I cannot tell you the amount of times of heard someone say to me “I would run over 3 miles, but I get so bored.” The expression makes absolutely zero sense to me. In all my years running, I’ve never once been out on a run and thought “Wow, I’m so bored right now, I should just stop.” I have thought, “This is really hard, I should give in and stop.” But then determination kicks in and I motivate myself to try to finish strongly.
Running isn’t easy. If it was everyone would do it. Running isn’t boring. If it was we wouldn’t have millions of Americans signing up for marathons everyday. Running is a special sport- one in which you have to trick your mind into working against or with your body, depending on the day. It’s a beautiful sport, one I love. Because it’s so competitive and mostly competitive with yourself. The challenge is what keeps this sport from being boring. (thanks lb!)
Racetober has kicked into gear and I have tons of friends chasing their goals in the marathon in the next couple months. I can’t wait to live vicariously through them because being a runner is permanent, whether I’m training or not.
