Today I ran 2 miles in 21 minutes.
Two months ago I couldn't run a half mile.
Since it's been so hot here, I've been running at the YMCA. Apparently, Wichita has one of the best YMCA programs in the country.
It is pretty amazing. There are at least 6 facilities in the area and with a membership you can go to any of them. 4 of them have water parks. They have climbing walls, indoor pools (lap and play ones with structures and fountains). They have tracks, basketball courts, gymnastic equipment, I could go on and on.
However, the track is pretty small and to do 2 miles I have to run 16 laps. That's a lot of counting.
It's either that or pass out from the heat. Keeping track (pun intended) like that actually reminds me of my swim team days when I had to count laps.
Anyway.
The past two times I've run on the track I've gotten comments from other runners. Mostly stuff like "good finish" and "keep it up."
Runner friends: Is this normal running culture? Does this happen to other people?
Or are they just encouraging the lady
At any rate I'm 50% appreciative of the support and 50% wanting to tell them to mind their own business.
I'm hoping to run a 5k in October. Apparently Wichita has a fairly prominent running community. They even have their own website. Honestly, I'm not anywhere near ready nor willing to call myself a runner, but I like how running makes me feel.
Very loud headphones... They help block out input and also send the message, "I can't hear you... So kindly, shut up!" ;)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm not sure what kind of phone you have or if you run with it, but I have a great app that was free On my iPhone (mapmyrun) that monitors how far/fast/heigh you run... It's super handy. I bet there are different versions for other smart phones too!
Hope that helps.
maybe on a track that small, the regulars feel like it's a "social" place....? I mean, you must pass each other a million times, practically hanging out in the same room. maybe they're just bored and want to make friends...i dunno...maybe that's the witchita ymca gym culture. I think holly has a good suggestion: headphones. stay focused lady. you can always make friends in the coffee shop.
ReplyDeleteI would say you're right on both counts, it's normal running culture, but people don't congratulate the guy at the track floating by effortlessly (except during a race, where everybody gets the love). So it's a backhanded compliment, though well-intentioned. If you want to turn it around, just say "Thanks, You look great too!" Or maybe less graciously: "You too! You've obviously overcome so much...congratulations on beating that horrible disfiguring disease!!" Maybe not. :-)
ReplyDeletedang girl. you have worked up a crazy running regimen! i have been trying to run on and off for over a year, and only got up to about 1 1/4 miles...but haven't done it in a while, but started back this week ahaha.
ReplyDeletei run in my neighborhood, and have only gotten a few comments - but one time, these two dads cheered me on, literally (clapping and woohooing) as I went by....i had my earbuds in so didn't really hear what they said...but i found it super encouraging.
random.
but encouraging hahaah.