Since I’ve been injured you would be amazed at how many people have tried to tell me that it’s time that I give up running. I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve heard that I should find something new to conquer, that I’ve already run a marathon and should move on to the next big thing, or that clearly my body is trying to tell me to stop.
Depending on the day my response toggles between frustrated and amused, because if they truly understood the passion that I feel for running they would never tell me it’s time to stop. I didn’t run a marathon to cross a goal off a list and move on, I ran a marathon because I wanted to run it. I don’t run because I hate the act of it but want to burn calories, I run because every step that I take – whether it’s good or bad – propels me forward and makes me a better person. And I don’t believe that my body is trying to tell me to stop, I believe my body is just telling me that I need to adjust and that soon enough I’ll be running again… faster, more effectively, and stronger.
If you never sign up for your first race, decide to run farther, try to run faster, push through a musicless 18 miler, run 20 miles on Christmas Eve in the rain, or suffer setbacks and celebrate victories then you’ll never understand the pure accomplishment that comes with running.
Do I think it’s for everyone? Heck no. But I know it’s for me.
do you have to deal with people berating you for running? I’m not even running right now and I do.
I def feel your pain with this one.
I had taken time off because my knee was feeling really janky so I wanted to see if rest would heal it. it took a month, but it worked. When I started running again I started getting minor shin splint pain. I was telling my friend about this (who knows how much I love running and even ran a half marathon with me) and she said that maybe it’s time I quit.
Quit?
Who does she think I am?
I was so offended that she would suggest that. She knows how competitive I am. And the way she said it was so condescending.
Once I went to an orthopedist for my shin splint issues. His first solution was to stop running and the pain would stop. Was he serious? I couldn’t believe I paid $300 for that kind of advice. I did not go back!
Hang in there! You’ll be back to running soon!
gotta love the “just stop” advice. I can’t even tell you how much I identify with the “who does she think I am” sentiment because I feel exactly the same way when people tell me to stop.
ahhhh I so needed to hear/love this, esp. today. It has been soooo hellishly hard getting back in shape after 8 wks (!!!!) off and I keep having these thoughts that I’m just not cut out to be a runner. And its sooo discouraging because even when I hate it I love it! It’s so crazy that I’ve only been at it a year and can’t even imagine myself not being able to run. Even when I suck horrendously at it, it’s still so much weirdly a part of who I am. LOVE this post.
don’t worry, 8 weeks is nothin’. i’ve been out for 5 months and i still believe that it’s all going to be OK.
I think breaks are good but when you have a passion, You have a passion. Don’t forget that.
do what makes you happy!
OH YEAH I DID!! When I was unable to run due to my injury that is what my co-workers would tell me and I wanted to punch them! I agree with every word in this post!! You will be running soon..faster and stronger than ever!!
I hear this all the time.
It’s weird. I got a severely sprained ankle from softball (worst injury I’ve ever had), and people kept asking when I was going to start playing again. There was never a: “you should just give it up” comment.
But, running is completely different! I’m not injured, but people seem to think I should stop. It’s bad for your knees. It’s bad for your bones It’s bad for joints. I’ve heard them all. Why do people insist on trying to get you to stop something you love that has so many health benefits?? I just don’t get it.
Your attitude on this made me smile! You will be faster and stronger soon, and I can’t wait to hear about it!
Even though he says he doesn’t, my hubs hates it that I run. He thinks it gets in the way of our time together. So as much as I love running, I always feel guilty for wanting to do it. And he hates it so there’s no hope of getting him to do it with me. It’s a bummer. So I feel ya.
I love this post. I have definitely had people tell me that I’m ruining my body, that I’m STUPID for running long distances, and that I should stop running altogether. I can be sensitive to it sometimes but I just try to tune it out and realize that they really don’t understand and it’s too bad for them.
And this is why it’s so important to me to have friends like YOU who understand. <3 <3
hah. those people are dumb. clearly i know you better than most people and i know you aren’t stupid!
ok maybe we just exchange ridiculously long emails from time to time, but still.
i super heart you!
Oh honey I know this has been such a struggle for you. I hate it for you, and I kind of hate those people for not getting it! That would be like telling you to stop loving your child or get a divorce! But I guess people don’t get that.
Hang in there!! I know you’ll get back to it!! XOXOXO *HUG*
love you mucho.