I had a conversation the other day with a person who tries to be kind but after decades of being mean and nasty, words still come out wrong. She had called me to see how I was doing, we speak to each other and ‘catch up’ about once a year….and only if she calls.
She had asked me about my progress on my running and my weight loss because apparently it is how you look that defines you. I had NO IDEA ← insert a heavy sarcastic tone here. I always thought it was the things you do and they way you treat people that define you.
At any rate, I told her about my weight loss – it has tapered off but that happens. It leaves in waves and the tapers off. The suggestion was to drink shakes or smoothies to boost something or rather so it will kickstart me again… Um – get ready for more sarcasm – I had no idea she was a nutritionist too!! I ignored her helpful suggestion and told her my Doctor, my dietitian and I had a plan and its working great. (apparently if it was working great I would be thin by now) I also told her of my running life – its hard right now because of the new snow and the windchill makes it disgustingly hard to want to go outside – but I do it.
Then she asked me what will happen to me when I stop running altogether? It would be a shame to get massively fat again. WTF? Why do I have to stop running?
Apparently, it isn’t as awesome as cycling and I should switch now before its too late.
Really? Too late for what? Armageddon? The Zombie Apocalypse? I am pretty sure I don’t have to quit if I don’t want to. In fact, my Doc and I were just talking about up coming races and how I preregister to keep motivated because I always need to know what is coming up next so I don’t fall into the Marathon Blues ever again.
The Marathon Blues is a phenomena where you train super hard for an event and then once it is done, you have nothing to look forward to or train for and life feels like it is missing something. I told my Doc I have 4 half marathons for 2014. That will keep me going in spite of the snow.
I am currently waiting for the sun to come up because I don’t feel like running with my headlamp today. And I am hoping the wind will slow down when the sun is up…at the very least it will look warmer than dark and foreboding out.
As far as I can tell, there is no real good reason why I have to quit running or why I would ever stop. When that day comes, I will deal with it then. Meanwhile, being 46 I have a good 20+ running years ahead of me if I continue to play it smart. Between me, my Coach and my Doc – we have it covered… Thanks.
Now please excuse me, I have a 5k in shin deep fluffy snow to run.
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Me and Mo 
Her snide remarks are likely driven out of jealousy for the positive changes you are making in your life. Everyone has issues and many people sit idle while their issues make them miserable. When those type of people see someone challenging their demons and making progress, it threatens their own status quo.
Keep doing what makes you happy and healthy. Oh, and “enjoy” the snow.
Not liking the snow so much – it can stop any time now so the path can be cleared…then I will like it again 🙂 I agree with you. Cheers 🙂
Go out and kick some ass, my friend! You’re far braver than I am. I took the bus up the hill (2 stops) to my office.
It always amazes me how free everyone else is with their advice on what’s best for us and how what they do is obviously the only thing that’s going to work so you MUST do it immediately. I think we all have “friends” like that. If you’re happy with your progress and how things are going, why can’t she be happy for you? Skinny does not equal healthy nor happy – I wish people would clue in. Argh.
I know! Why can’t people just be kind? Thanks Friend 🙂
I hope this conversation made you enjoy your run even more. It would be motivation for me! 😉
It sure did 🙂