Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Do You Have a Problem?

Running tip for the day: Always decide on and commit to your workout at least 24 hours in advance. Get specific about your route, your mileage, your pace. Review it in your head the night before or even write it down. This will make you more likely to meet your goal for that day. It's all about intention!

Do you ever get the sense that people think you are crazy for running and training as much as you do? Of course it's the non-runners I'm talking about here. They just don't get us, do they?

As in,
  • When you tell them you're training for a half marathon, marathon, or (god forbid) an ultra marathon, they give the token response, "Oh I haven't run that far since I was chased by (insert favorite bad thing here) a murderer, my mother in law, the tax man, my mom and her sweaty underwear." Or they'll make some crack about the furthest they ever go is to the fridge for a Hagen Daz bar.

  • You can never complain for a second to these people about something on your body hurting because they will just remark, "Well that's what you get, you stupid shit, for running so much."

I bring this up because I have started going for monthly sport's/deep massages. I love my massage therapist (I say this as if she is my personal massage therapist, only existing for me and my needs, at my beck and call day or night, she vacations with me, comes to all my races with me...if only), but she is not a runner. Yesterday she was rubbing me down (anyone getting aroused?), and started commenting about things on my body: Oh, I see you have a huge blister. Is that from running? Oh, I see you've lost a toenail. Is that from running? Oh, I see you have a scrape on your knee. Is that from running? (we all know where the scrape came from: not running, but falling off the treadmill). Oh, I see you have a huge bunion. Is that from running?

Plus, when I came in the door I was fresh off of my tempo run and per usual, my intestines were playing dodge ball with the fecal matter inside so I had to warn her that I might at any given moment have to jump off the massage table and sprint to the bathroom (maybe even naked) if one of those cramps turned into a full fledged crap emergency. So, (again) she asked, "Oh, is your stomach upset from running?"

Then she reminded me that running is "hard on my body" and, am I sure I really need to put my body through these things? She also told me later that she thought I was addicted to running. Better than being addicted to rubbing people's bodies with scented oil while listening to a CD of waves crashing, isn't it? My mom even said to me yesterday, "I don't know how you got this way. No one in our family is like this" (can you say black sheep?)

Obviously non-runners. All of them.

What non-runners don't get is that runners don't give a shit about bloody blisters, colon distress, pulled muscles, wind seared skin, intermittent puking, minor dehydration, or scrapes from falls. Hell, we keep Icy Hot, Ben Gay, foamrollers.com, Dr. Scholls, Super Feet, and Advil in business. They count on us to keep running while we're hurt or uncomfortable just so we'll buy their products in bulk. Seriously, Costco should have a runner's section specializing in running care packages comprised of ointments, wet wipes, ibuprofen, band aides, Depends, gels, salt tablets, etc.

I should rephrase. It's not that we don't care about these maladies, it's that we don't let them stop us. A non-runner or someone who can give or take running will get a blister and decide, "Well, that's a sign. I'm out for the season." A more serious runner will train and race through all sorts of pain and discomfort, refusing to give up unless a doctor or God flat out says, "You must take a break from running or you will never run again." To a runner, only the threat of not being able to run in the future is enough to make him/her rest. I know this because I ran a half marathon with a stress fracture and despite the unbearable and ridiculous pain from miles one to thirteen, it never occurred to me to quit. I am just that stubborn. We all are.

So, is this stupid or is it just what it takes to run the miles that we do?

Do you ever feel judged by those around you because of your addiction to/love for running?

Guess what? I'm not even running today. In fact, I'm not even swimming, biking or going to yoga today. I am resting. See, here I am resting on the stairs. Usually at this time of day I am still in workout clothes and have smelly crotch syndrome. I even matched my pants to the dog.

Drinking: Vic's 12 oz. latte with 2%

69 comments:

  1. Did you explain to your masseuse that your addiction to running is bringing her business? I'm sure everyone deals with people that don't understand but you would really think a massage therapist would.

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  2. Yeah, it's a different world. I think the most common I get is "isn't running hard on your knees?". I tried running but my knees couldn't take it. Yet often these same people are overweight and unwilling to do anything to lose weight - which is more than likely where the knee problem is coming from. Since I took up running I have way less day to day pain than I did before.

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  3. I wish I "got it" but I don't. I've always truly wanted to be a runner though. I try it every now and then & just can't get into it.

    Kind of like how I always *want* to like pumpkin pie. But every year at Thanksgiving I sit down, dig my fork in and BLECH! Then I think...."maybe next year".

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  4. first i have to say that a REAL sports massage therapist is truly a lifesaver on my calves, i got my first one and it made such a difference in my exercise.

    i am more addicted to exercise as i swim bike run...i think i need to learn to take a day to smell the roses - but otherwise I want to get a workout in b/c it makes me sane, healthy, happy

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  5. I need a sports massuse...gotta look into that, thanks for reminding me ;)
    And you're right...I am so tired of non-runners telling me I am crazy or x happened because of running! Well, I may be addicted to running but at least it's not crack!
    And I am crazy, I went to the dr's yesterday feeling like crap, turns out I have strep throat and am on anti-biotics. I left that office and went home for an 8 mile run. Yes, stupid and crazy, but it was soooo pretty out!

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  6. Well said. All of it!

    And now I must take a cold shower after all this talk about rubbing.

    Afterward, I am going to read your experience of running with a stress fracture!

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  7. you are funny! LOVED THIS POST! every single sentence... and yeah, they just don't get it.

    I MISS RUNNING (thank you for listening, haha).

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  8. yes! I played a team sport for a while (as an adult) and was always miffed at how people were constantly bitching/making excuses for why they couldn't hold up their end of the game. I finally quit because I figured I was better off investing more time in myself than listening to people who always showed up with a different complaint or "injury" every other practice.
    -beth

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  9. you are so funny. your masseuse should realize that if you weren't "addicted to running" - she would have one less client!! and where does she think you lost a toenail or got a blister or bunion!!?? :-) anyway - day of rest sounds great; thanks for writing such good stuff! :-) also - have to comment on the "running tip of the day" because that is what works for me, as a new runner, to keep going - i have to plan the week's run out ahead of time. knowing i need to "stick to the plan" keeps me getting up at 4:30 a.m. and out the door for the daily run.

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  10. I am judged by non-runners all of the time. I just ignore them; they are dumb.

    My husband even thinks I am stupid and laughs at me for reading so many running blogs. He thinks all we talk about is running. Duh. We talk about poop and farts and all sorts of cool aches and pains. For instance, my bunion hurts today due to running. I, of course, ignore it. He just doesn't understand; he is dumb too.

    I e-mailed you back. Let me

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  11. It took me almost a year to get my non-running friends on board enough to stop giving me such a hard time about my new "lifestyle" and my coworkers still are not on board. I'm gearing up for Marathon #2 next week and they still call me the running freak of the office... but lovingly. :)

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  12. "To a runner, only the threat of not being able to run in the future is enough to make him/her rest." - You are ABSOLUTELY right on with that statement.

    I told a non-runner I was gonna run a half-marathon and she said, "You didn't ask me about what I think, but I am going to advise you not to. The human body is not built to run so far."
    I thought to myself, "That's why I am training."

    I love running because, unlike other sports, runners band together and understand and support each other. Runners usually have a goal and run toward it and suck it up (and in) all the way.
    And I LOVE running because no one else around where I live does so they won't join me and I can be left alone.

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  13. I intend on drinking a really good beer within the next 24 hours. I am fully committed to this goal. Oh, you said workout...

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  14. Great post. Well said. I'm ostracized all the time for my workout habbits. Ask me if I give a shit?! I don't!

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  15. I stopped sharing with nonrunners how much I run. I may say, "yes, I run a little", but that's it. Heck, my own family doesn't fully get it!

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  16. But Beth, Resting IS fueling your body ... so really, you're doing something for running today :). I love how Tara calls her husband dumb. Hahah. Go Tara! I emailed you, too, about hooking up next weekend ... looking forward to it. Love the pants/dog matching attire - sweet!!

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  17. YES!
    Thank you for putting into words what I am trying to say when I deck someone or roll my eyes.
    My MIL constantly says "why would anyone do that?" as if I'm not as crazy as 'those' people.
    Or she says, "How far did you go!?!?" Even after 2 miles.
    Geesh people! It's called exercise. Get off your ass and try it!
    (did I go overboard? oops)

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  18. i totally get this post 100%. it's really frustrating when people keep telling me i run too much. ummmmm no. they run too little

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  19. Oh dear I get this all the time, especially from those that are not physically active - at all! so frustrating. I just wanna bitch slamp em. lol

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  20. I get the same reaction from non-runners. However, I have never chastised them for their hobbies or lack there of. I've just learned to tune out the negative talk. I enjoy your blog.

    Rach

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  21. Funny, funny post, as usual and SOOO right.
    Maybe in the eyes of non-runners we were meant to sit on our couches in front of TV's all day long munching on potato chips and drinking coke?
    And I loved the running tip. I ought to apply it to myself.
    Happy running.

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  22. My family thinks I'm crazy too, but little do they know I've just begun my path to craziness.
    I love that you referred to your massage therapist as being addicted to rubbing oil on people. Your sense of humor is uncanny and I like it!

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  23. HOLLA!! You are so on! I want to know why when I tell people I'm traning for a 1/2 marathon they look me up and down to see if my legs have grown an extra 10 inches or I've lost 50 lbs.

    My boss even said THIS WEEK that I just need to get the race overwith and get it out of my system. Umm That's the problem. It IS in my system. OK, fine, I'm and addict. At least it's not crack!

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  24. Most people (at least on facebook) appear to be inspired by my running. Other's seem ashamed that they too aren't running. Others ignore me, but that's probably not the running, that's just me.

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  25. I absolutely get this post! From my family to co-workers to friends, they think I'm absolutely crazy to run like I do. Especially my family - they do NOT get how I could shrug past all the different issues and keep going.

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  26. love your post. I just started running and have NO running friends, so I get the constant question from Co-workers, family and friends as to WHY I would want to do that.

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  27. I'm a massage therapist and happy to hear you are going to one on a regular basis. With my job I can usually spot a runners body....they are in good shape! I'm a very new runner and I count on blogs like yours to keep me motivated and laughing!!!! Thanks for all of the laughs!
    Lisa

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  28. OMG! I agree with you 100%!! I work in a PT clinic and see alot of ingured depressed people... daily. & if i ever talk about running or exercise, people judge me. Make comments about oh i cant believe you do that-- as if running 20 miles is a sin or as if i'm stupid for wanting to go run 20 miles. Excuse me mr. but if i wanted your opinion of my running, I would have asked, DO YOU ENJOY RUNNING?!? I cant stand it when people run their mouth about things they dislike when no one ever asked them to begin with. I'm sorry for being fired up but i go through this every day. literally & i'm glad i'm not the only one. Also with tanning. GASP! OMG you TAN!? thats so bad your going to get cancer and die.... um i'm pretty sure i could die from a lot of things and tanning or running is the least of my worries. LOVE, angry runner/tanner nicole <3 <3

    p.s. thanks, i feel much better!!! you look so purdy sittin on those stairs btw... i havent exercised since sunday. epic fail.

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  29. I agree with you totally.

    Like one of the other posters, I work in a PT clinic (as the head PT) and people can't believe that I run FOR FUN. It's just a completely different concept for them.

    I love running. And anyone who wants to tell me something different can suck it.

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  30. I couldn't have said it better (which is why I don't even try; I just wait for you to say things like this and then I make other people read it too).

    I'm thinking your massage therapist should stop claiming to give "sports" massages if she is going to criticize her client's sport of choice. Just sayin'.

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  31. What a great post - I've already gotten a couple of those comments and I've just started running! I'm learning to keep my mouth shut around most people unless I know for sure they are one of the cult, lol!

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  32. I love it when overweight non-runners tell me that running is hard on my knees. Really? Because my knees are fine and you are lugging around 50 extra lbs. How do your knees feel?

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  33. This post made me feel a lot better about my aches and pains. I wasnt sure if I was just getting old or if I was doing something wrong. Its good to know that the little aches and pains are normal even for a pro like you.

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  34. I like your moxie! Keep it up and thanks for writing, it made me smile and feel connected to a greater group of people in the world. crazy masochist insane group but a fun group none the less!

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  35. I just found your blog from 5 miles 2 Empty! Your post totally made me laugh because it's so true. I just wrote a post about...You're not a RUNNER, You woudn't understand! It's so true that non-runners just can't relate. I find it funny to hear how impressed people can be about something that anyone can do if they tried it.

    Looking forward to reading more from you blog!

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  36. Such a cute and accurate post! Just found your blog :)

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  37. I started running just in the past 3 years and now am completely addicted to it!
    This was an awesome post and so true!
    I love it though too when "non-running" or obese or both for that matter try and run me off the road.....not sure, but I think it's a little jealousy driving on their part!

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  38. Yes, yes, and yes! So true - all of it. It irks me to no end all the comments while they sit on the couch with their 3 pounds of ice cream.

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  39. Lovely post! Until they start running they'll never get us. Luckily my family are all runners or runner-lovers!

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  40. This post cracked me up! Everything about it was right on target! The non-runners that I know are in two categories: those who are amazed and impressed at my determination & willpower, and those who think that I am crazy for being so focused on being healthy and in shape. I ignore the latter, and just keep on going!

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  41. I like that tip! I need to start using it! I totally skipped my workout for shopping yesterday...whoops.

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  42. I acutally heard my mother say I was 'obsessed' with running..it really pissed me off actually. If she says it to my face, I will lose it. Would she prefer I sit and watch tv instead?
    I am very happy for my run group/buddies...they don't invite us out on Sat nights when we all have to get up for a long run on Sundays. :0

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  43. This post is just chock full of the truth. Amen, sister!

    People think I'm nuts, especially lately when I've been doing the month-long triathlon. I think they rag on me because I'm fit and they're not. Hell, I'm just happy my stubbornness finally found a positive goal to work towards. :)

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  44. Excellent post and so very true. I pretty much stopped talking to non-runners about running... when it comes down to it, they're pretty much just afraid, lazy or jealous... maybe all 3.

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  45. Good post. Although, the lack of poo references was disturbing.

    Yes, I feel judged all the time. My wife's family (and really a lot of my friends) are not very 'active'. In fact, my bro-in-law told my wife a while ago that "I can't even read Adam's blog anymore because it is all about running and junk".

    So, I guess I'm like a lot of other people and have stopped talking to them all about running and sort of have running diarrhea mouth whenever I am around anyone else that runs.

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  46. Love this post! My dad has just started running and he ran 4 miles with me last time I was home. It was great to run together. However, my mother informed him that he doesn't need to run that far very often. I wanted to slap her but instead I just told her he could run his 4 miles whenever he chose to and she can sit her fat ass on the couch!!!

    Don't get me started on what the husband thinks of all this running!

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  47. Running humbles me... the people who think I'm crazy... I remind myself that they could either afford to be addicted to running or could use a good dose of it!

    I'm currently running with a small fracture on the top of my foot, a slightly sprained ankle, and a pain in the knee from a near love affair with the asphalt last week. I find it takes more discipline for me to not run than to run... and tonight... I hope to go at least 8... we'll see. Thanks for writing and yes... I get told all of the time that I am phanatical. That's ok... while they are sitting around reading about my pace or my expeerience... guess what I'm doing!

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  48. Most common that I hear: "I tried running once. I didn't like it." and "Didn't a guy die running once?" and the immortal "I ran two miles once - longest five hours of my life!"

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  49. I hear ya on the comments. It gets to be a bit annoying-- and sometime people feel like all they can talk to you about IS running. I DO have other thing in my life... sometimes... ok, if running permits :)

    PS> YOU have been tagged Check my most recent post for some SUNSHINE!

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  50. Just found your blog, I don't usually comment; but you freakin crack me up! I love it! I'll be back.

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  51. Holla! I love that. Yes. I have a problem and running solves it. The problem is general anxiety. This is a normal widespread epidemic and endorphins help it. Maybe if more of us ran or got up off our fat asses we'd be less neurotic, depressed, full of cardiovascular disease and bored shitless. I'd rather have the running problem.

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  52. That's funny, because just today I was telling my boss I was running at 5 mile St. Patty's Day run on March 13th, and he laughed and said "that's why I bought a car"!
    If only he knew....

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  53. Some I know who is rather obese was telling me that healthy people die all the time. And that healthy people die young.

    I feel like telling her, "At this rate you are going - feeding your body with junk and laying on your bum and doing nothing, you will die young too. At least I die looking lean and hot and you'll just be one bloob of something."

    Of course, I am too nice and proper to tell that to her face. I just smile.

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  54. Glad to met another black sheep! You hit the nail on the head for me. Most of those around me think I am obsessed with running. The few admire what I accomplish but still think it's crazy. These same people have their own things that they do; my hubbs could be infront of his computer for a week straight and think it was great, my mother walks almost as much as I run, My boss can talk from 9 - 5 without so much as a breath!
    Running is just my thing. So glad to have found others who understand and feel the same way!

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  55. OMG, yes. Love it.
    I am the TOTAL black sheep, too!

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  56. My PT of all people told me last night, "Running is hard on the body." At that moment I realized yes, and that's why I'm here. I was there for the second time in the past few months. But, that doesn't mean I'll stop anytime soon. The last words out of my mouth were that, "I want to be running when I'm 60, 70, 80 years old. That's why I'm here." He just smiled.

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  57. I love this post. You nailed it. Some people are so against running and I don't understand why. We have had family tell us how bad it is for our knees. People have a really hard time being supportive, for some reason. At least we have our support community here, right?

    Great tip at the top!

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  58. my husband annoys me when I bitch about being sore, and he says I'm doing too much. Duh, that's the whole point of being sore!

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  59. All so true. Great write up. It is so amazing how all of us think alike.

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  60. Today...not a good run day. Awful long run. I came in the house, threw up and then had to listen to my grandmother essentially point out that this is what I get for running. She has no idea what I do...just that it is "typical" of her "crazy" grandchild. LOL.

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  61. First off, I totally understand! I now say things like "I 'only' ran 10 miles today" just to get a rise out of people now.
    Running is cheaper than therapy...I know, I am a therapist! So I run!

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  62. You had me laughing all the way through this post- I loved it! People tell me all the time that I'm too "hardcore" and I can't be a vegan AND a runner (gaspppp how will she survive?!)

    Completely understand :)

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  63. Funny!
    I don't hear these too often, but I also don't offer up that I run all that much outside of my close friends and family who think it's great. Once I start running longer distances and getting more serious, maybe then the comments will come. Thanks for the heads up ;-)

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  64. This is amazing! Great post! And yes, I've totally experienced that so I end up not even talking about running to anyone. The typical non-runner response I get is, "Oh. Yeah, I don't run." And then a glazed look appears on their face as they start to clearly not give a shit about anything I have to say at that point. Yet, I'm supposed to politely listen and inquire about whatever it is that they do that I do not. Fun!

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  65. Running is a good brand. It's good PR for a person, but it's too easy to earn the title runner.

    I don't call myself a baseball player because I'm in an over-the-hill league popping out on 60 m.p.h. fastballs.

    I don't call myself a basketball player because run up and down the court a few times a week.

    Sure, I play baseball or play basketball, but I'm not a player (I just crush a lot).

    But if you do a few 5Ks and finish in the 50th percentile you're suddenly a runner.

    Like I said, it's a good brand because you can get the glory for having no skill compared to other people doing the task.

    And you're right, I don't want to hear about your injuries or your second wind or any of that other B.S.

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  66. I've always hated regular earbuds, as they hurt my ears after just a few minutes. I'd love to win these!

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