Forget the Olympians and runners who end up in every running magazine you see--give me the normal runners (now, please do not get in a huff--I admire and respect the professional runners--it is just that I am more "in-touch" with the idea of the average runner--people that I can relate to). I will never be the fastest (well---maybe I should not say that---maybe at age 85 I will be). I run because I love it. It makes me feel good--healthy & strong. A few weeks ago I read an article about a women 64 year old woman who runs 11 miles daily and has for the last 12 years--you can read about her here. She inspired me--she looks so happy in the photograph and I want to be like her.
Today on the Runners World Facebook Fanpage there is a post about a 95 year old Bronx woman took up running at 67---LOVE it, read about her here. I love these stories--they give me hope. As a runner who did not take up running until I was 39 (last year)--I find that some people love the fact that I run (regardless of how fast or long I go) while others seem to send me the "you are not a real runner vibe"--is it in my head? I do not think so. I have been dismissed in conversations when my 10-11 min/mile pace comes up---almost as if I was wasting their time talking about running. I have labeled these people "running snobs"--in their minds, they run--I jog. Why do they care--why do I care---I run for me--I compete only with myself. I am just as much of an athlete. It would just be nice if everyone was supportive.
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