Every time someone finds out that I run a lot, the first thing they always ask is "Oh, so marathons right?"

It's common but it never ceases to be annoying. Then you tell someone you're a middle distance runner or you run the 800 and mile or something along those lines and they look at you like you're speaking another language and have no clue what you are talking about. You realize you can't really even have a conversation at that point.

I totally understand the question. I know very few people that run a lot (as you say) that don't run a marathon.

I consistently ran 90-100 mpw. Obviously not A LOT

Once I Bumped up to higher mileage of 125-140 it was for the purpose of running a marathon.

I guess the problem stems in the fact that some people run less than 110 mpw and think it is a lot.

Understandable Question wrote:

I totally understand the question. I know very few people that run a lot (as you say) that don't run a marathon.

I consistently ran 90-100 mpw. Obviously not A LOT

Once I Bumped up to higher mileage of 125-140 it was for the purpose of running a marathon.

I guess the problem stems in the fact that some people run less than 110 mpw and think it is a lot.

Yay.

That's not as bad as "Oh you're racing a 5k this weekend? You should win that easily. 3 miles is a breeze for you"

I am sorry you are experiencing such terrible persecution.

Would you like some cheese with your whine?

You should dip in the FULL THON pool while you're in your prime.

"The FULL THON is THE KING of all distances."

-Geb

Most people can only comprehend what it takes to finish a race. They can finish a 5k off 15 miles a week, so much more than that is totally unnecessary

I get the same sort of looks but people that know how much I'm running, when I say I'm not ready for a half marathon yet. I just say "I could finish one right now but I couldn't compete at the level that I want to."

Get over it.

Larry83 wrote:

It's common but it never ceases to be annoying. Then you tell someone you're a middle distance runner or you run the 800 and mile or something along those lines and they look at you like you're speaking another language and have no clue what you are talking about. You realize you can't really even have a conversation at that point.

Why not? Can you elaborate?

Larry83 wrote:

It's common but it never ceases to be annoying. Then you tell someone you're a middle distance runner or you run the 800 and mile or something along those lines and they look at you like you're speaking another language and have no clue what you are talking about. You realize you can't really even have a conversation at that point.

Free advice: don't talk about running with non-runners. Ever. This will serve you well in professional and social circles

What if they are the ones who bring it up?

I wore a t-shirt from a local 5k the other day to the gym. This lady that I know came up to me and goes "5K ??? I THOUGHT YOU WERE FASTER THAN THAT!!!"

sigh.......... wrote:

What if they are the ones who bring it up?

Non-runners don't tend to bring the subject up unless you've pretty much built your entire identity around it to the point that they know nothing else about you. And then they're only trying to be polite. Trust me, they don't really care.

If it does come up, I downplay it like I'm just a general fitness guy who jogs some. That, people understand. Serious competitive running doesn't translate.

Bob Sacamano wrote:

If it does come up, I downplay it like I'm just a general fitness guy who jogs some. That, people understand. Serious competitive running doesn't translate.

Yep. Just like serious competitive bowling, darts, and slo-pitch softball.