I had to be at an Opening Session Breakfast at 6:30am this morning, which meant that if I wanted to get my 6-8 miles in, I would have needed to get up around 4:15am to run on unfamiliar roads. I just didn't feel like doing it this morning. So, at the breakfast, I sat at a table with several colleagues and clients who know I run. They were shocked I didn't do my morning run. I explained that I will head out after the conference ends this evening. I will need it after 12 "on" hours. I will need an escape from people. They proceeded to go around the table and justify why they do not run. This conversation happens often between me and non-runners. These were the excuses:
- Unless someone is chasing me, I am not running.
- I don't like to be alone.
- I have bad knees.
- My boobs are too big.
- It don't like being cold.
- I'm too tired after working at these events.
- I'd rather walk on an incline on the treadmill.
- I hate running.
- It would take me 5 hours to do 6 miles.
- I'm scared of the dark.
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| Passing Paris in Las Vegas on my run - Some day I will run through the real deal. |
Excuses always amaze me; not only in what is said, but like you pointed out - the justification of it. So odd.
ReplyDelete415 is REALLY early, but I can definitely see why you would rather get away from the crowd after the work day. 12 hours is a l-o-n-g time. "I could never do that, my feet would hurt" ;)
Hang in there lady! You'll be back on your normal schedule soon enough :)
I wouldn't get up before a 6:30am start either. That's TOO early. I'd need to be in bed by 8:30pm.
ReplyDeleteI get crap from people who are even runners themselves.
"How can you run that far? Don't you get bored?"
and I wanted to respond "You watch reality TV. THAT'S boring"
:)
This happens every time I travel with colleagues for work. There's no good morning, just a disdainful "did you get up early to run?" Fortunately, there are several others who have caught the running bug and they're usually out there with me!
ReplyDeleteHope the trip is going well!
Is there a treadmill at the hotel? I'd probably try to run on that before the conference, or do a workout DVD in my room. No way I could run after 12 hours on the job! I get that crap too (I love the being chased one - so witty and original!). I assume it's because people feel guilty because you are working out and they feel they SHOULD be working out. It is dumb though, like I have friends who are amazing crafty and that is their hobby, and I'm not giving them a million excuses why I can't create my own Christmas cards, you know?
ReplyDeleteYou said it! I always wonder why people feel the need to justify why they don't run when it wasn't even mentioned. I hate when it happens too because for the most part all I did was just walk into the room-Ughhhhh! I usually answer well as long as you enjoy doing what you are doing, that is the main thing! Someone once said if you have to ask me why I am running then you will never understand! Keep up the running and I love reading your blogs as well!
ReplyDeleteI'd never thought of it that way before - that it's pointless for people to make excuses for something they don't enjoy doing. Geez.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm with you on needing to run or be active after a long day. I'm often tempted just to crash, but I've never regretted the workouts I make myself do!
Running in Vegas is indeed challenging. When you get a car you've got to hit Red Rock Canyon or my favorite, Valley of Fire. Rental cars are cheap in Vegas, but I realize the timing is tricky with long days at meetings and events.
ReplyDeleteIf you're stuck in the city to run, a few suggestions...
1. Find the large North-South street that's parallel and east of the strip. If you get out by Flamingo and Paradise Roads it's much easier to run. It's still congested roads, but the sidewalks are clear (nobody walks in Vegas) and the neighborhoods feel safe to me.
2. Run over to the UNLV campus and enjoy the paths. It's not too exciting, but at least you're in a lighted area away from cars and the strip.
3. Option three is my favorite: run up and down the strip, over the footbridges, up and down stairs, etc. It's like cross-training and a challenging workout when combined with pedestrian dodging. Just be ready for stupid things that drunk people say.
Your list of excuses reminds me of the crazy things people say when they find out I'm about to run a marathon:
1. Will you win?
2. How long is this one?
3. Do you run the whole thing?
4. Do you stop to take breaks?
5. I could NEVER run that far.
6. I can't even run a mile.
7. I can't even drive that far.
8. Them: I ran a marathon. Me: Oh yeah, which one? Them: It was a 10k. Me: That's nice.
9. Isn't that bad for you? Like for your knees?
10. I know a guy/uncle/neighbor who died while running. You should be careful.
We shouldn't expect people to "get" running anymore than I "get" sitting on the couch to watch tv for three hours with one hand in a bag of chips and the other hand on the remote. There are a lot of social divisions in America, but I believe one of the biggest ones is a growing dependance on media and entertainment which I believe is a huge contributor to our obesity.
first glance at this post pulled "my boobs are too cold" into my eyeballs. WHAT?! time to start drinking coffee. :)
ReplyDeleteI also hate the conversations with non-runners that turn into them listing all of the reasons why I am crazy for running marathons.
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to get a run in after your long day and I hope the rest of the trip goes well!
I think it's funny how non-runners are always compelled to tell us why they don't run. Who Cares? I don't! LOL!
ReplyDeleteSorry your biz trip is leaving little time for running :( Hope you’re able to get back at it soon :)
I just tagged you to do the 11 Random Things Post on my blog, check it out, it's ok if you don't have time especially since you are on a business trip, I totally understand.
http://fighthardfinishtherace.blogspot.com/
I have heard most of these and agree with you completely. If you don't like running, then just say that!
ReplyDelete