Thursday, November 5, 2009

Runners Offence

Well my first run since the marathon is in the bag. Felt really good. I thought about my next race and goals. I considered how well I recovered from this race and find myself encouraged and wanting to run another marathon soon!!!
I made an interesting observation today I'm sure many of you have experienced and can identify with, I call it the runners offence.
We offend some people by our running endeavor! I think on a subconscious level and even a conscious level passers by or even acquaintances find us offensive!
Note-32% of Americans are obese! We remind some of them daily of this condition!
Anyone ever had a bottle or something thrown at them while running? Is it just meanness? Or is it self anger? How about a little sideways comment? "Your knees will wear out" Why say anything? Self justification? Since the race I've seen some instances of this phenomenon. Will we let this thwart our passion? Nope! It works the exact same way in the spiritual realm, too! Think about it! 2.13 miles- Peace!!

12 comments:

Terri said...

Love this post Mark. I so agree with the analogy. That is why we are told in the spiritual race to keep our eyes fixed on Christ. It works both ways doesn't it? In the physical and spiritual realm if we let others get our eyes off of the mark we can get tripped up, boy do I know that all too well. But I am thankful that He can work it all for good!

Marlene said...

Great post, Mark. Fortunately, I have not had anything thrown at me but I have had many comments like "Run Forrest Run" - I like to think they're just jealous.

People at work also like to point out the occasional (and tragic) deaths during marathons, and wisely point out 'That is why I don't run.' They are making excuses for themselves, something that WE don't need to do.

Jamie said...

Nothing thrown at me yet but I have been "yelled" at as I passed by. Lately all people can talk about are the marathon deaths in the news and little comments. I just don't think they understand nor want to.

jel said...

I don't find ya a bit offensive!
more power too ya!


now it's when the running shoe come off after a long hard run, that's offensive! "P~U" ;)

Anne said...

Reminds me of a race where I was a course marshal and a woman kept heckling runners and yelling that they were destroying their bodies in the name of vanity, etc. etc. We were in a public park, so I couldn't ask her to leave. I guess it's a good thing she didn't have anything in her hands.

Tim F said...

I just had someone tell me yesterday that humans are not meant to run 26.2 miles. That is why there are these deaths.

I've also had people yell from a car. What they yell I never pick up on.

Unknown said...

Hmmm... this was a very, very thought provoking post Mark. I had never thought about the parallels with running and one's spiritual walk ir regards to this subject but it does make so much sense!
I've often wondered though, what is the best way to respond to others sideways comments? Rise above it? Pray? Silence...?

Beth said...

I get where people come up to me out of the blue and tell me why they can't exercise or how they are going to start any day now. I'll just be standing there and they come over and confess like I am the exercise police. It makes me feel awkward, but I try to listen and be supportive. I'm glad your first run went so well!

Tina @GottaRunNow said...

I like to imagine that all of the walkers I run by are happy that they are walkers and that I'm not making them feel guilty. : )

I have a family member who used to tell me running is bad for my knees, but now, years later, I think she's coming around. Don't give up hope!

A Plain Observer said...

I get a lot of sidewalk scares. they drive really close to me or sometimes yell to scare me. Fools

Stacey said...

That is so incredibly true. I have never thought about it before but my sister in law and her husband, while very healthy & fit athletes have always poo-pooed running. They have always filled me with negative thoughts by the way they talk about running. It has been very damaging both to me and to our relationship.

I have never thought of the parallels between that persecution and my spiritual life. I will now. Thank you.

Bob A said...

I've rarely been harassed while running but my sister-in-law is convinced I'm going to ruin my knees. Funny thing a couple of days ago. I have a pair of light gray shorts that show sweat in potentially embarrassing ways. As I was coming to the end of a 5+ mile run, I passed some Kenyan young men, one of whom yelled at me in Swahili: "You've peed on yourself." Granted, it looked that way but who in the world would actually say something like that?

Sauna

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