“I just a beginner”
“I only run 5Ks”
“No it was just a half (marathon)”
“Um I run but I’m really slow.”
Any of those phrases – or some version of them – sound familiar?
Why do so many of us feel
the need to apologize for our running?
Of late, when talking with other runners I feel like more and more people feel the need to explain/justify their runs. I caught myself doing it yesterday when someone asked me if I was running a half marathon this weekend and I answered “No just a five-miler.” – Why the need for the “just?”
If you have made a commitment to yourself to run – then you are a runner. Period. Celebrate your efforts and stop feeling the need to apologize!
I needed this Michelle! You know I was feeling sorry for myself after my race, and I had NO reason to! Thank you! 🙂 Your attitude truly is amazing!
Tina Muir recently posted…Stages in a Running Life; Pin it Party
I do find myself using the ‘just’ modifier but I am totally doing it in jest. To me all running is an accomplishment that should be celebrated. Good luck and enjoy your 5!
Marcia recently posted…Loving/Not Loving
((needed. NEEDED.))
Carla recently posted…KURGO Tru-Fit harness and Quantum Leash review.
NEEDED this. I always seem to apologize for being a slow runner, which is just silly!
Lindsay @ Lindsay Weighs In recently posted…I Believe…
I use self-deprecation A LOT when it comes to fitness. I need to work on that!
Presley @ Run Pretty recently posted…New Things: I Dig Them
Thank you!! I need this and am working hard to stop it (not just in running but in life too…but that’s another story!). I am saving this to re-read it over and over. Also great to remember when you are having an off day/week(s). 🙂 Thank you!
Took me over a year to consider myself a “runner”
Yes! I have friends who know I run a lot, so when they talk to me about running and tell me they ran they say “Yeah, but it was only 2 miles.” I’m like so?? I’m not judging you! That’s awesome! I do it as well but have tried to stop and be more positive 🙂
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…My Top Back Exercises
Yes! So true! Thank you for sharing this, as many runners need to hear it. If you get out the door and run, you’re a runner. Pace nor distance matter. Everyone is always slower than someone else, even elites! So no use in comparing yourself (though I’ve definitely fallen into that trap as well) 🙂
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal recently posted…How to have a perfect tea party with Bigelow Tea
here here!!!!
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Friday Five: Places I’d Like to Run
Well said Michelle! We’re all runners, let’s not minimize what we do!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Places I’d Love To Run
Yes, yes, yes!!! This is so true and it’s SO easy to throw the word “just” in our sentences. “Just” is a simple yet powerful word!
After running six full marathons, I finally ran my first official half marathon this spring. When asked about the race, I slipped the word “just” in there and I always kicked myself after.
Honestly, I think the half marathon and the full marathon are equally as painful on race day! Training for the full required more time, though I am pretty well beat crossing the finish for either distance 🙂
Great post and thanks for sharing on FItness Friday!
Amy @ Life to the Full recently posted…Attitude is Contagious
Celebrate your efforts! Love it!
jill conyers recently posted…Beyond Calcium and Vitamin D for Strong Bones
This is so important! Every mile counts.
Coco recently posted…My Running Bucket List
I’ve done this AND been called on it. Still find myself doing it sometimes, erg! Time to own it 🙂
AmyC recently posted…I’ve got Disco Fever (10K variety)!