I think here lately, I have a little bit of an issue with "non-runners".
No, not because they don't run, but because they give me grief because I do.
"how many miles do you run a day?"
"you need to eat a steak..you are too skinny"
"I don't run unless something is chasing me"
"you are gonna ruin your body"
"running just isn't fun"
And I don't disagree with any of that, if that is your perspective.
BUT----I have NEVER...and I would almost bet my house on the fact that I HAVE NEVER...told a non-runner:
"why do you not exercise"
"you should lay off that hamburger"
"you need to give it a try, you need it"
"you are gonna ruin your body by NOT exercising"
"running isn't all that fun, but crossing that finish line is a freaking blast, you should try it, you need a little joy in your life"
Yep, I don't think I've ever said those things.
Why, because number one: they are simply not nice.
Why should I judge you because you don't run. Maybe you do indeed exercise. Maybe you have a back issue that keeps you from exercising.
Maybe your knees are shot from a terrible life-threatening disease that I know nothing about.
Maybe you have terrible pain daily and good grief, how you wish you could run.
Maybe you would give anything in this world, if you could hit the road for a few miles.
Maybe you battle with a food addiction. And who am I to cross that. With all of the stupid insecurities that I battle with...but you just can't see them.
Maybe you are "bigger than me" and you would give anything to get rid of that. And you are insecure because of it.
And maybe..maybe...maybe...
See what I'm saying.
Man, I guess there's a part of me, that just wonders why it's ok to go on and on about my sport. It's not that I *love* running.
I mean, I do. But, it's more than that.
I love the alone time.
I love the time with Jesus.
I love "gangster" music.
I love crossing the finish line. Every single time.
I love doing a fun race with my family.
I love more than anything the friendships and relationships that I have fostered because of running. It is a community like no other.
I love giving a race my all.
Or I love encouraging a first time runner.
I love running for charity.
I love so much about it. Not just that it is a mile.
I love sweat falling off of my...because it is like a burden, that I am laying down.
I love it all.
Just like a baseball player loves hearing the crack of the bat as it makes contact with the seams.
Just that much!
So, I guess, I just needed to get it off of my chest.
Period. I love to run.
And I pray that I never take for granted the blessing that God gives me healthy bones, and joints, and a body that can hold me up.
Please, Lord. Keep me healthy. And let me use that.
Ok. enough.
#RantOver
6 comments:
I dont know you personally, we have a mutual friend Tellisa Kirk. I am not sure how I came across your blog, but I love it. You really give me encouragement. I try to walk as much as I can I wish I was a runner. Keep running!!!
Amanda Flynn
If someone tells you that you need a steak than they obviously do not know your obsession with cupcakes! #yougotyoursteak
Well Said "B" Im glad your a runner b/c I wouldn't be one if it were not for you!!!
I love it and I hate it all at the same time! Its the BEST!
A...to the...MEN! I miss running - my pregnant bones can't take it right now, but I am walking on the treadmill every day that I can, and can't WAIT to get back into it. :)
okay I have been guilty of saying I would only run if something was chasing me, but I never mean it meanly to my running friends. It's more of a jealousy thing - I think I can't do it, so I don't try!! :D But, I have felt that frustration when members of the family say something like 'you're too skinny' because honestly, like you said, I would never say 'no, you're too fat' and I have never been too skinny in my life!! It drives me crazy, so I can see where you are coming from. We had a distant cousin ask in Jason's family if he had cancer, because he was 'so thin' - no, he's just in better shape than he's been in years - that doesn't make him sick. It was frustrating being judged for trying to get in better shape by people who should love you - and people who are far from a place to judge your health. Crazy issues we all have I guess. I love that you run and the causes you run for!! I love you for that - always!!!
YES YES YES!!! i love it too!!! And I should definetly start back!!! tripp is one for heavens sake!! No time like the present!! Oh how I have missed it :)
And I have been that first time runner that you have encouraged! and am so very grateful for you!!
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