Ordinarily, I would talk about the 3 mile run I did today. Instead I want to talk about an incident that happened after my run. An attempt was made to body shame me today.
I was at the grocery after my run. I was in my running tights and a 1/2 zip top. I am well aware of what I look like in running tights, and I know I could look better. Still what happened really upset me.
I was at the deli getting a couple of things. A couple came up towards the counter. The wife looked at me and giggled. She got her husband to look at me, she whispered something, they both laughed. She thought it was even funnier to point and laugh at me. I decided not to make a deal about it, because I figured I would never see this woman again, and it really didn't matter.
Well I saw the couple again. This time I was at the check out, and they were at the next register. The wife saw me again. This time, she started getting people around her to look at me and laugh. They all whispered things and laughed. Now I was pissed.
The wife looked at me one more time. What she saw was me glaring at there, and mouthing the words, "What the fuck!" It was like common sense hit her at that moment, and she did her best not to look at me again. She did though...and all she saw was glaring me. No more laughing or giggling. She and her husband hurried out of the store.
Trust me, I think there are outfits that look funny on people. I get it. I also respect people and let it go. Mocking, and bringing attention to that is poor taste, rude, and it shows a lack of respect for others. I think it says more about the person, than the person they are trying to shame.
Well I wasn't shamed today. I ran 3 miles, and I have a half marathon in March. What did that woman do today other than try to belittle another person?
Charlie
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
The Image
As readers of this blog know, I demystify running whenever possible. Running intimidates a lot of people, and I hate that. To me, it's an image problem in our sport.
I was confronted with this yesterday. I spoke with someone who has talked to me about potentially coaching a training program in our store. He said, "I think this could be a great program which really targets the real runners." I tried to hide the look I wanted to give him. I very positively said that if you are putting one foot in front of the other, then you are a real runner. I mentioned that the person who runs the 6 hour marathon is just as much a runner as the 3 hour marathoner. He didn't seem impressed. Needless to say I won't be hiring him.
I work with people every day who are scared to be in my store. They feel they don't belong, because they don't "look" like a runner. Well if runners are ONLY people who are slim and run speedy fast, then I guess they don't look like a runner. As I head out on my runs though, I see short and tall people running. I see old and young folks trotting along. I see thin and I see heavy people out there. We are all putting one foot in front of the other and running.
I joke with customers that my running won't win beauty contests, but it doesn't have to. It doesn't matter how I look when I run. Running is about how you feel out there. If you are enjoying it....keep doing it. If you aren't a gazelle running - who the HELL cares?
There is no need to be afraid of running or shopping in a running store.
If there is an issue with image, then it's the person who is being critical of those of us who don't run like them. It's not you or me.
Charlie
I was confronted with this yesterday. I spoke with someone who has talked to me about potentially coaching a training program in our store. He said, "I think this could be a great program which really targets the real runners." I tried to hide the look I wanted to give him. I very positively said that if you are putting one foot in front of the other, then you are a real runner. I mentioned that the person who runs the 6 hour marathon is just as much a runner as the 3 hour marathoner. He didn't seem impressed. Needless to say I won't be hiring him.
I work with people every day who are scared to be in my store. They feel they don't belong, because they don't "look" like a runner. Well if runners are ONLY people who are slim and run speedy fast, then I guess they don't look like a runner. As I head out on my runs though, I see short and tall people running. I see old and young folks trotting along. I see thin and I see heavy people out there. We are all putting one foot in front of the other and running.
I joke with customers that my running won't win beauty contests, but it doesn't have to. It doesn't matter how I look when I run. Running is about how you feel out there. If you are enjoying it....keep doing it. If you aren't a gazelle running - who the HELL cares?
There is no need to be afraid of running or shopping in a running store.
If there is an issue with image, then it's the person who is being critical of those of us who don't run like them. It's not you or me.
Charlie
Monday, January 18, 2016
Dusting Off, and Running On
Yes, I have not posted since October, mostly due to not having much to say, but I do now.
So I needed to do something to jump start the running, and regain my health. After dad died, I fell into a depression, which as you may know means eating. I have gained weight. Not happy about that, and got depressed about that, so of course I ate.
Well things are going better now. I have a running plan:
March 20 - NYC Half Marathon
June - Newport 10 Miler
October - Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon - London
November - Philadelphia Marathon
That is an ambitious plan, and I know it. I needed to get back on the horse and goooooooo. So I am going. I have joined a club, not a gym, but a Run Club, which is like a studio, with treadmills and run groups and classes. I loved the concept, and am giving it a 3 month trial.
The treadmill class is a lot of fun. Think of a spin class, but on a treadmill and running. You start with a dynamic warm up, then a leader takes you through intervals on the treadmill, and then a cool down using weights. I had a blast. The treadmill and I are not always friends, but I enjoyed the class, and will do more.
I know the first half marathon will not be pretty, but the goal is to finish! Time will be worked on as the year goes on.
I am also dedicating my running to Special Olympics this year. I will make a donation at the end of the year, based on how many miles I run. I will talk more about that as the year progresses.
I've missed talking running, and look forward to getting back into it. I hope you follow.
Charlie
So I needed to do something to jump start the running, and regain my health. After dad died, I fell into a depression, which as you may know means eating. I have gained weight. Not happy about that, and got depressed about that, so of course I ate.
Well things are going better now. I have a running plan:
March 20 - NYC Half Marathon
June - Newport 10 Miler
October - Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon - London
November - Philadelphia Marathon
That is an ambitious plan, and I know it. I needed to get back on the horse and goooooooo. So I am going. I have joined a club, not a gym, but a Run Club, which is like a studio, with treadmills and run groups and classes. I loved the concept, and am giving it a 3 month trial.
The treadmill class is a lot of fun. Think of a spin class, but on a treadmill and running. You start with a dynamic warm up, then a leader takes you through intervals on the treadmill, and then a cool down using weights. I had a blast. The treadmill and I are not always friends, but I enjoyed the class, and will do more.
I know the first half marathon will not be pretty, but the goal is to finish! Time will be worked on as the year goes on.
I am also dedicating my running to Special Olympics this year. I will make a donation at the end of the year, based on how many miles I run. I will talk more about that as the year progresses.
I've missed talking running, and look forward to getting back into it. I hope you follow.
Charlie
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