"You Look Like a Real Runner"

Spending time in Florida with my folks has been an interesting experience. I'm sure some of the people who know me well are giggling at that comment. Still it has been interesting to hear what my folks and their friends have to say about my running and weight loss.

Last night we had a party for my dad. He turned 90 this week. The first guests arrived, old friends of our family. The wife said she wanted to hug the skinny guy. So she did. During the evening though she made a point of telling me several times her salad dressing was lo-cal for my diet. I tried to explain I wasn't on a diet, but she really paid no attention.

Next was the doctor down the street. I haven't seen him in several years. He told me he barely recognized me. I explained how I lost the weight, and he said, "Wow...that's great. What diet were you on?" I just explained I wasn't on a diet.

Of course talking about the running gives people a glazed look on their faces. They politely listen, but really don't know what to say to a guy who runs long distances. They smile a lot, and tell me that's great, but they could never do it.

My step-mother had the comment of the week. Before I headed out for my run the other day, she saw me ready to go and said, "You look like a real runner." I said, "I better, because you can't fake a marathon."

I'm wondering what other runners experience when they talk about their sport to non-runners? Do they get the same glazed over looks?

Charlie