You know what I'm really getting sick of? People posting their runs on Facebook. I am all for using apps to track your runs, but do the rest of us need to see every run you do? If we are really friends, it can come up in conversation and that's fine with me. Brag away. As for my only-on-Facebook friends...I don't care. Stop it.
First off, you might just be unable to turn off whatever automatic posting option there is on your app. I don't know how that's possible really. Have someone smarter help you. Why do you want to tell the entire Facebook world you ran a mile and a half anyway? Come on. I'm very impressed that you started running. Write an interesting snippet about your run. Comment on your new running shoes. Post a picture of your run. It's just the stupid mile count and map that annoy me. Stop it!
Secondly, it's probably actually you just bragging to the world that you are more fit than the rest of us. Think again. Just cause we don't post every run doesn't mean we aren't working out. In fact, we are so busy working out we aren't even on Facebook anyway. Well, not me, actually, I go on Facebook quite frequently. But I don't feel the need to update everyone every time I go outside to do more than walk to my car. And if I didn't run, I would be especially annoyed that you were rubbing my laziness in my face with your pathetic mileage! STOP POSTING ALL YOUR RUNS!
Just stop.
We don't need to know, and we don't care. Go find people who do, and tell them in person. Post a picture of your running outfit, or of you holding a medal (just not at the end of a mud run please, so sick of those...have you read this post?). By the way, I ran five and a half miles this morning. That brings me to 45 this month. #hypocrite
Showing posts with label Snob. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Snob. Show all posts
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Monday, September 15, 2014
Keepin' it Clean
Is everyone doing those obstacle races lately? I can't seem to use any kind of social media without seeing a thousand posts about the Spartan run, or a mud run, etc. You got dirty running a race, what's the big deal? It's the newest fad, and it's kind of making me never want to participate in one.
I know this is a really ridiculous thing to complain about, but humor me. Most of these people are not runners. They just see this race where you climb things and fall into things, and they think, everyone else is doing it, why don't I? Well, maybe they think one of a million things, but essentially it breaks down into that thought. After they do it, we are all subjected to muddy pictures of them with their arms triumphantly raised in the air. Brag much? Wow, you ran one race. I'm so proud of you.
What's the big draw to these "races" anyway? Why have they become such a trend? Do people want to roll around in the mud, and think that they need an excuse to do so? Don't bother with the race honey, just get a hose and some dirt then jump in. Mud wrestling is a real term. If you're a woman, you'll probably draw a crowd. What is getting "down and dirty" looking to prove about yourself? Maybe it's about how tough you are. Maybe it's woman trying to show they aren't afraid to play with the boys. Maybe that sounds a little sexist. Why are people flocking to these races? Are these runs just about showing off?
I resorted to the internet to try to find out other people's opinions on mud runs. I saw the word "fun" a lot, and "challenging" a bit too. There isn't a concrete reason for the spike in popularity. Which leads me back to the general braggy-ness of people. I'm seriously thinking that everyone just likes to be able to say they've done a mud run. They've survived! And they have a picture of themselves covered from head to toe in mud to prove it. I'm not a big fan of the current "big thing". I tend to go in the complete opposite direction. I guess I'm a traditionalist. I'm quiet about my successes. Don't get me wrong, I love races and the environment that comes with racing. I like meeting other runners. I like talking about miles and courses and water bottles. I like novelty races. I want to run an electric run. I'm a hypocrite.
I am anti-mud run. There, I said it. It's too gimmicky and I don't like it! That's my opinion. You don't have to like it. I'll get dirty on my runs and not feel like anyone needs to know.
I know this is a really ridiculous thing to complain about, but humor me. Most of these people are not runners. They just see this race where you climb things and fall into things, and they think, everyone else is doing it, why don't I? Well, maybe they think one of a million things, but essentially it breaks down into that thought. After they do it, we are all subjected to muddy pictures of them with their arms triumphantly raised in the air. Brag much? Wow, you ran one race. I'm so proud of you.
What's the big draw to these "races" anyway? Why have they become such a trend? Do people want to roll around in the mud, and think that they need an excuse to do so? Don't bother with the race honey, just get a hose and some dirt then jump in. Mud wrestling is a real term. If you're a woman, you'll probably draw a crowd. What is getting "down and dirty" looking to prove about yourself? Maybe it's about how tough you are. Maybe it's woman trying to show they aren't afraid to play with the boys. Maybe that sounds a little sexist. Why are people flocking to these races? Are these runs just about showing off?
I resorted to the internet to try to find out other people's opinions on mud runs. I saw the word "fun" a lot, and "challenging" a bit too. There isn't a concrete reason for the spike in popularity. Which leads me back to the general braggy-ness of people. I'm seriously thinking that everyone just likes to be able to say they've done a mud run. They've survived! And they have a picture of themselves covered from head to toe in mud to prove it. I'm not a big fan of the current "big thing". I tend to go in the complete opposite direction. I guess I'm a traditionalist. I'm quiet about my successes. Don't get me wrong, I love races and the environment that comes with racing. I like meeting other runners. I like talking about miles and courses and water bottles. I like novelty races. I want to run an electric run. I'm a hypocrite.
I am anti-mud run. There, I said it. It's too gimmicky and I don't like it! That's my opinion. You don't have to like it. I'll get dirty on my runs and not feel like anyone needs to know.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Track Rules: Walk Tall (In the appropriate lane)
To keep the peace of the track, faster runners should use the inside lanes, and slow walkers should use the outside lanes. Pretty simple, right?
Hahaha.
Instead, people decide randomly. People walking by themselves seem to scatter to whichever lane their heart desires. No matter whether they are strolling or speed walking, they could be anywhere. Not only that, they change lanes! Apparently, it is very hard to remember how many times they have been around the track, so they have to switch lanes every time around to keep tally.
I'm going to remind you again that I'm not racing around the track at a breakneck pace. I keep to the third or fourth lane (closer to the inside, but not close enough that I'll get in a faster runner's way). Each time I go to the track I am determined to be able to stay in my lane the whole time. Instead, I'm almost constantly having to run around people as the mosey around. I'll actually make sure and pick a lane that no one is using, but by the time I've done a half mile, someone is ahead of me IN MY LANE. What are you doing in lane four? You can see that I've been running in this lane for several laps. There is at least one lane NO ONE IS USING! GO THERE! WALK OVER THERE!
I just took a moment to calm down. Sorry about all the capitals. I got carried away.
Do you understand my frustration though? I'm running at a steady nine to ten minute mile pace, in one lane, for about 30 minutes. I pick a lane that no one else is using. Yet, people seem determined to ignore me and wander over into my lane. Then they walk. Slowly. So, even at my not-so-fast pace, I catch up to them and have to move around them and then back into my lane. Unless I switch to the other empty lane. Sometimes I do that, only to have another couple people decide to walk in that new lane.
Can I clarify here that most of these times there are only about ten people on the track. Eight of these people are walking. One guy is running in lane one. Then there's me. Why are so many people moving into my lane?! Leave me and my lane alone! I would like to just run without any obstacles. Is that such a big deal?
Please walkers. Pick one lane from lanes five, six, seven, or eight. Walk in that lane. Stay in the lane until you are done with your walk. It's not difficult. If you're having trouble counting your number of laps, just find some other creative way to remember. Is it that hard to count in your head? Stay out of my lane.
Hahaha.
Instead, people decide randomly. People walking by themselves seem to scatter to whichever lane their heart desires. No matter whether they are strolling or speed walking, they could be anywhere. Not only that, they change lanes! Apparently, it is very hard to remember how many times they have been around the track, so they have to switch lanes every time around to keep tally.
I'm going to remind you again that I'm not racing around the track at a breakneck pace. I keep to the third or fourth lane (closer to the inside, but not close enough that I'll get in a faster runner's way). Each time I go to the track I am determined to be able to stay in my lane the whole time. Instead, I'm almost constantly having to run around people as the mosey around. I'll actually make sure and pick a lane that no one is using, but by the time I've done a half mile, someone is ahead of me IN MY LANE. What are you doing in lane four? You can see that I've been running in this lane for several laps. There is at least one lane NO ONE IS USING! GO THERE! WALK OVER THERE!
I just took a moment to calm down. Sorry about all the capitals. I got carried away.
Do you understand my frustration though? I'm running at a steady nine to ten minute mile pace, in one lane, for about 30 minutes. I pick a lane that no one else is using. Yet, people seem determined to ignore me and wander over into my lane. Then they walk. Slowly. So, even at my not-so-fast pace, I catch up to them and have to move around them and then back into my lane. Unless I switch to the other empty lane. Sometimes I do that, only to have another couple people decide to walk in that new lane.
Can I clarify here that most of these times there are only about ten people on the track. Eight of these people are walking. One guy is running in lane one. Then there's me. Why are so many people moving into my lane?! Leave me and my lane alone! I would like to just run without any obstacles. Is that such a big deal?
Please walkers. Pick one lane from lanes five, six, seven, or eight. Walk in that lane. Stay in the lane until you are done with your walk. It's not difficult. If you're having trouble counting your number of laps, just find some other creative way to remember. Is it that hard to count in your head? Stay out of my lane.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Track Rules: Keep Your Sports to Yourself
Why are there rules for running on a track? Well I actually just tried to look that up, and couldn't find a very specific article to quote. I'll just put it my way then. There are rules for running on a track because it makes it more enjoyable and convenient for everyone, and apparently it helps the track not get worn out so fast. These rules are not very complicated. Three days a week everyone goes clockwise, and the other days, we all should go the opposite way. The inside lanes are for faster runners, and the outside ones are for walkers. Why does everyone seem to find this so complicated? Or, no one finds it difficult to follow, they just don't care and selfishly do whatever they want.
I run on the track because its close to where I live, I don't have to worry about traffic, and I like to pretend that it's easier on my feet and knees. The measurements on the track make it easier to run intervals, and to have a better idea of how far I've gone and how fast (without having to check my phone or watch).
Unfortunately, every time I go to the track I am confronted with the fact that no one really gives a damn about anyone else. It's the "I'll do what I want" attitude, and it frustrates me to no end! I'm not sure I can fit all my snobbery into this one post. Lately running over at the stadium has just been driving me nuts. I run to de-stress. I run to cool off. I don't want to run over people, but I will.
I first especially noticed this people-problem when I was running at night. The track becomes a free for all once it gets dark. The middle field is completely filled with several different groups playing various sports: football, soccer, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, etc. This is fine. I don't need to use the turf, so I don't really care what happens there. It does start to bother me when balls and people roll out in my way. One night, I actually had to dodge out of the way before I got hit in the head. Maybe you should learn to play somewhere else. Maybe there should be more public parks that are open at night so soccer players can relocate themselves somewhere where I will not be running. Why is the track the only well lit field in town? Maybe that's a question for another time?
These sports people also don't know how to exit the track in a considerate way. They will slowly gather their belongings, and then drift out onto the track in groups. I guess they realize they still have some things to discuss, so they stop mid-track to talk about these (very important) issues. Do they move when they see me coming? No. And I'm not exactly flying along. They have plenty of time to shift to one side or another. Instead, they just watch as I run all the way around them, sometimes having to go outside of all of the lanes to pass them. Seriously?
Please feel free to play your games on the green space of the track. Contain them to that space! I don't run onto the field and get in your way! I keep myself and my stuff in a tiny little lane. Don't expect me to kick a ball back to you. Keep your balls as far away as possible.
I run on the track because its close to where I live, I don't have to worry about traffic, and I like to pretend that it's easier on my feet and knees. The measurements on the track make it easier to run intervals, and to have a better idea of how far I've gone and how fast (without having to check my phone or watch).
Unfortunately, every time I go to the track I am confronted with the fact that no one really gives a damn about anyone else. It's the "I'll do what I want" attitude, and it frustrates me to no end! I'm not sure I can fit all my snobbery into this one post. Lately running over at the stadium has just been driving me nuts. I run to de-stress. I run to cool off. I don't want to run over people, but I will.
I first especially noticed this people-problem when I was running at night. The track becomes a free for all once it gets dark. The middle field is completely filled with several different groups playing various sports: football, soccer, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, etc. This is fine. I don't need to use the turf, so I don't really care what happens there. It does start to bother me when balls and people roll out in my way. One night, I actually had to dodge out of the way before I got hit in the head. Maybe you should learn to play somewhere else. Maybe there should be more public parks that are open at night so soccer players can relocate themselves somewhere where I will not be running. Why is the track the only well lit field in town? Maybe that's a question for another time?
These sports people also don't know how to exit the track in a considerate way. They will slowly gather their belongings, and then drift out onto the track in groups. I guess they realize they still have some things to discuss, so they stop mid-track to talk about these (very important) issues. Do they move when they see me coming? No. And I'm not exactly flying along. They have plenty of time to shift to one side or another. Instead, they just watch as I run all the way around them, sometimes having to go outside of all of the lanes to pass them. Seriously?
Please feel free to play your games on the green space of the track. Contain them to that space! I don't run onto the field and get in your way! I keep myself and my stuff in a tiny little lane. Don't expect me to kick a ball back to you. Keep your balls as far away as possible.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Just to be Clear
I'm not a professional runner. Not even close. I'm not even a particularly good runner. I don't have a lot of races under my belt. I've never run a marathon. I still don't really understand what a fartlek is.
So why am I allowing myself to be so stuck up about running? Because I can. Yup, I'm gonna use that cliché expression. If you continue reading this blog, you'll probably see a lot of that.
When I am running, I find my mind wandering to many different things. Sometimes I wish I could do some sort of running meditation. Run with a clear mind. That hasn't happened yet. Instead, I notice a lot of rather annoying things. I want to say something about them. I know that I can't change the way things are, and I don't even really want to try. I like to complain. I like to bitch about people running the wrong way on the track. I'm a snob. A snob who occasionally runs.
I only really got into running less than ten years ago. It was all thanks to a friend, and the fact that running is a stress reliever that can include loud music. I tend to run alone. I race from time to time for fun, but I'm not especially fast, and I'm not looking to place (although I wouldn't mind). I like work out clothes. I love shoes. I'll probably talk about those things here.
I'm not sure whether I really care about other people hearing or reading my opinions. My opinions aren't that important in the scheme of things. I just like writing them down. When I run, I compose pieces of writing in my head, and sometimes I'm sad that it never goes past that. At the end of the run, they disappear. I never put them down on paper. Lost words. Maybe that can change here. I'll say what I need to say, and maybe, what you want to hear.
So why am I allowing myself to be so stuck up about running? Because I can. Yup, I'm gonna use that cliché expression. If you continue reading this blog, you'll probably see a lot of that.
When I am running, I find my mind wandering to many different things. Sometimes I wish I could do some sort of running meditation. Run with a clear mind. That hasn't happened yet. Instead, I notice a lot of rather annoying things. I want to say something about them. I know that I can't change the way things are, and I don't even really want to try. I like to complain. I like to bitch about people running the wrong way on the track. I'm a snob. A snob who occasionally runs.
I only really got into running less than ten years ago. It was all thanks to a friend, and the fact that running is a stress reliever that can include loud music. I tend to run alone. I race from time to time for fun, but I'm not especially fast, and I'm not looking to place (although I wouldn't mind). I like work out clothes. I love shoes. I'll probably talk about those things here.
I'm not sure whether I really care about other people hearing or reading my opinions. My opinions aren't that important in the scheme of things. I just like writing them down. When I run, I compose pieces of writing in my head, and sometimes I'm sad that it never goes past that. At the end of the run, they disappear. I never put them down on paper. Lost words. Maybe that can change here. I'll say what I need to say, and maybe, what you want to hear.
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