It occurred to me the other day that I’ve spent the last half decade of my life in various stages of training for one race or another. The Caveman and the kids have schlepped to countless events, carbed with me, staked out along the course for fuel handoffs, run me in, you name it, they’ve done it. They are the team in Teamarcia, and I am beyond blessed to have them.
Through this little hobby of mine and the pre-dawn training runs, gut-busting speed work, and dry heaves at the finish line that come along with it, I’d like to think I’ve inspired my kids to chase their dreams. I hope I’ve demonstrated how hard work, tenacity and discipline help us achieve our goals. I well know that running is not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s more than ok.
Some even get a little snippy when the subject of running comes up. Remember last Thanksgiving when I was told I needed to ‘get a life’ when a certain someone saw my race medals? Comments like that one made me more sensitive to how I come across to others. My intention is never to be boastful about running but helpful. Supportive, not judgmental. Other than this blog, which serves as my clearinghouse for all things running, and my running friends, I typically don’t talk about my running life unless asked.
Although I’d never pressure my kids to run, I’d be lying if I said I never thought about how cool working with Girls on the Run would be. Imagine my delight recently when a very special girl asked me to train and run with her in a GOTR race. We’ll be rocking some 5k action on May 20. I’m hoping the benefits she gains from the GOTR experience sets her on the path to realizing her biggest dreams.
The irony? That person who told me to get a life last fall is this girl’s mom.
Have you participated in Girls On the Run? Is a sparkly tutu mandatory? I’m thinking it is!
How do you respond to anti-running snipes?
I can’t believe I’m the first comment!!
This is going to be so much fun for you. And it is the best kind of revenge. Maybe her mom will wake up and see how cool running is, too.
Oh how I love the irony of that! Sometimes my husband and his brother make fun of me and my sister in law, and all our running. But we just tell them to be quiet, and go play some golf : )
So awesome for GOTR!
I really don’t talk about my running as for the most part my non-running/training family just don’t get it. I just laugh off the comments about how I will have no knees left when I am old or that I am obsessed etc.
I’m healthy so they can suck it. 🙂
That’s a large reason why I started blogging– I occasionally added running stuff into our personal family blog, but most non-runners are not interested. It’s helpful to have running friends and an online blogging community who “get it”… and I love that you’ll work with GOTR! I’ve considered volunteering, but haven’t jumped on board yet. Too funny that it’s the snipey-comment-woman’s child. I look forward to hearing about your experience!
YAY for GOTR.
Im watching you … and will follow after 🙂
Part of the reason I have a blog is to talk about it! I know when I was a non-runner I would find it so annoying to listen to people talk about running – so I try not to do the same thing!
GOTR looks awesome!! Have fun!
You know what I think? That person that told you to get a life, I’m sure her flip comment was more about her than it was you. She probably feels inferior (and rightly so!) to the badass supermom/runner aura you give off.
But I have a hubby that is crazy into running, so I do have an outlet for all my training and racing talk. 🙂 All my non-running family asks about in races is if I had a good time, and that is the best kind of support I could get from them.
I think that most people who make comments like that are just jealous that you have found a passion that you love and that makes you happy.
GOTR is a cool organization – I know Laima has planned to runwith Gaigai for several years, but something has always interfered with the day of the race.
good for you! and so exciting for this little girl. curious though, has the mother said anything to you since the daughter asked for you to run with her? GOTR is really popular in Atlanta. I do so much with TNT it’s hard to volunteer with both but I would love to get involved one day.
We’ve been trying to start a GOTR chapter at the kids’ school – but haven’t succeeded -yet. It’s sounds like a great organization and program! Hopefully it will hook both the girl and her mom:)
how about those people who have never run a day in their life who make comments about how we’re “killing our knees” and will “just end up with arthritis one day.” ugh.
enjoy running with GOTR – i did it once and it was fabulous. here’s my post on the experience: http://runnerindenial.blogspot.com/2009/12/girls-on-run-5k.html
I’ve never had anyone give me flak for running. weird. I’ve only been admired. I hope it stays that way.
I sure hope sparkle skirts aren’t mandatory but it sounds like an awesome event/program
I ran with my goddaughter last year in the GOTR. It was awesome!! She’s fast!
Never done a GOTR, but it sounds like a blast! I do get some flack, but lack of understanding often causes people to say moronic things!
You definitely have an awesome, healthy, productive life as a runner, so that person can kiss it.:) Yes to sparkles and yes to GOTR. I love that program.
What an awesome opportunity you have ahead! How ironic for sure, but isn’t interesting how these things happen? Sometimes the biggest critics are really just jealous or mystified…and you are making a profound impact while they look on in skepticism.
Good for you.
I started blogging for the same reason. My family and friends really don’t want to hear about my training. They ask but become disinterested in under a minute.
Very cool someone asked you to train and run with her! That will be fun.
That is funny. And I hope you have a great time with it.
Oh, man. I have a blog post germinating right now on a very similar topic after a pretty nasty Facebook post which I took as very much directed at me.
Peoples’ reactions are weird. Almost completely disinterested (my kids/husband and most of my side of the family), suspicious (most of my husband’s family, thinking I’m pathological bc I run or ride semi-regularly…and the people who are ostensibly the closest to me get it the least and show the least interest. Thank goodness for my blog, Facebook, and the friends who ARE interested!!
GOTR sounds great. We don’t have something like that here in South Africa. We have many 5km fun runs at races to encourage family and kids to participate. 5km is not a formal racing distance here, only 10km and up. So the 5km fun runs are for family and kids of runners that do the longer races while they wait for their runners. I often get remarks of getting a life and some other chirps. I’ve learned over the years to just ignore it.
Love the new blog look! I would have to say the YES sparkles and skirts would be perfect for a GOTR run 🙂
That is awesome! And yes… a sparkly tutu SHOULD be mandated. And what a huge honor to be asked to run with your sweet relative (I’m assuming!). What a great role model you have become for her! Have so much fun!
Heck, my own mother tells me to get a life. When I talk about Ironman they look at me and shake their heads. I mean, why would anyone ever wanna do such a thing they think. And I trudge on. I share the same mom thing with you too! The irony is that I’m jealous of those other moms in a way just as they would like to be able to run like me. There is one mom that bakes beautiful cakes. I only wish I could bake like her!
Anyway, I think GOTR is a great organization! I’ve run in a few of their races and I love seeing all those kids out! They’re so pleased with themselves too! As they should be!
I have a couple of friends who volunteer with GOTR and it sounds like an amazing organization! Have fun!
Too funny that it is the girl’s mom who was snipey! Yes, I’ve had a lot of cutting remarks, but it usually just motivates me to work harder – success is the best revenge 🙂 I also think people just say things without really thinking them through – I rarely believe that someone is trying to be malicious. If you are anything like your “voice” on your blog, you are a wonderful role model and example! You Go Girl!
Well isn’t that irony for you? I hope she doesn’t tell her daughter to get a life!
I think you are a great role model! Keep up the good work 🙂
GOTR sounds fun – but I’ve never done it! I’m excited that you got asked and can’t wait to hear more about it!
Luckily, I haven’t encountered overly negative comments yet. (knocking on wood right now)