In case you're wondering, most people think runners tend to be neurotic, humourless and generally disagreeable. Somewhat similar to how people view vegans.
You do realise there are non-runners who are fans of the sport of running, don't you?
Yeah, but they don’t wanna hear about my marathon that was 20 minutes slower than the winter. Just like I don’t wanna hear about the flag football game.
No, I have never started a conversation with a non-runner about running. When I am asked about running by non-runners, I politely answer their questions, but I don't do anything to further the conversation. No point in it really.
Same here.
Also, I recently won a race with a time that hardly anyone on this site would be impressed by. Somehow this tidbit became known among my non-runner friends and they made a big deal about it. I really just tried to do everything I could to downplay it.
Typical questions I get are "how far do you run each day?" or "have you done marathons?" I particularly get amused when a non-runner asks me how far I ran on a particularly good workout day, e.g. 4 * 1 mile at a good clip. I just give them the basic answer "8 miles" but the mileage on that day is really not what matters, it's the speed of the miles, but they'll never know the difference so I don't explain further.
It's hard for me to keep talking when their eyes glaze over and they go into a catatonic state, usually within a minute or two of talking about running.
If you are a very charismatic person, you may be able to break down every rep of your 10 x 800 session to a captivated group of strangers. Someone else may have just won a major marathon but is so socially inept they can’t relay that information in an interesting way so no one cares.
If one must think about whether or not to discuss running with any non-runner, they have a pretty low social IQ. Every interaction is different and you should be able to pick up on both verbal and nonverbal ques as to whether or not the person you are talking with wants to be discussing a topic or not.
No, I have never started a conversation with a non-runner about running. When I am asked about running by non-runners, I politely answer their questions, but I don't do anything to further the conversation. No point in it really.
For me it is this. I figure they are just asking to be polite. Also, generally it is a boring subject to those not involved.
At my age, the question from non-runners is "Are you still running ?" I tell them "Yeah, I was out there this morning". Its a way to be courteous without going into much detail.
One of my best friends is clueless about running. I say I’m running a marathon and he says ‘how far is that marathon?’. It’s just not a part of our friendship.
I was having lunch with my dad yesterday and we were talking about discussing running with other non-runners. My dad is a die-hard distance runner and even at 73, he still get out there everyday (he calls it his old man shuffle).
He told me he doesn’t like talking about running with those who aren’t runners — not because he is snobby or looks down on those who don’t run, he just doesn’t like to do it. He doesn’t like the fan-fare involved. I was surprised because I feel and act the same way. Whenever I let it slip that I’m a runner, people always say “oh wow, I don’t even drive that far” “I don’t run unless I’m being chased haha” “how far did you run today?” “Once I ran the Disney marathon in 7 hours, blah blah blah”
I just don’t really want to have those conversations. I can talk about running and training all day with old teammates or other people I still run with. Does anyone feel the same way?
I find I have a much different perspective: running is a passion of mine (even if I'm not very good at it) so I always love chatting about it. I find that most non-running just aren't interested. For instance, even though my wife is supportive of my running and happy when I have successes, I've learned that she doesn't want to hear much about it beyond "I got a PR" or "I placed well in that race".
I will answer questions. When they make comments like "I don't drive that far" I often responded "I don't either"!
People discuss their hobbies with others or their interests as long as the person is interested. I just think (and this applies to lots of interests that people have) that all too often we share too much and it gets to the point where the other person is not interested any more.
I agree that I do not like to discuss training or running with anyone who is not a serious runner or understands and is a fan of the sport. I agree with your Dad's rational that I hate the "amazement" that others have.... "you run a mile how fast? How many miles do you run per day? That's amazing you run so far, I could never do that" - it always feels either excessive or insecere. I certainly don't look down upon anyone for not running, I just don't want to have the same watered down, basic conversation for someone who won't understand time after time... so I just try to avoid the topic.
I make offhand comments to non runners like 'only did 6 miles this morning' or 'time to cut back on carbs my bmi is almost to 22.' Sometimes I'll say 'damn I can't break 5 minutes in the mile anymore, 5:15 sucks'
I normally don't bring up running, but with these exceptions.
1. When I'm talking about health or anti-aging or people ask me about how I stay fit. It's fairly common for this to happen to me. I hope it might motivate someone to take proactive steps to stay healthier.
2. When someone is bragging about their cycling, crossfitting, or whatever, I might mention my bona fides to let them know I'm not just another 6-hour marathoner... not that there's anything wrong with being a 6-hour marathoner.
3. When I'm talking to a medical professional, I tell everyone so they know I'm NOT the typical couch potato and that I want their health care to get me back to excellent and not "average." Even with that admonition, I still get the "well, arthritis is common with age." My response is, "NO! It's not aging. My right knee is the same age and it doesn't hurt." Then, I find another doctor.
A single guy though who never has children and works to support himself and his lifestyle and doesn't fall into any of the other criteria I spelled out isn't a real man in my opinion. To be a real man requires serious responsibility, and that isn't fully realized for most people unless they are a GOOD father to 2-4 children.
A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man.
I knew of a guy that spent some time at a running store, helping runners pick shoes and listening to a lot of running talk from his customers but he wouldn’t ever mention his own running. He was a 2:08 gentleman
He told me he doesn’t like talking about running with those who aren’t runners — not because he is snobby or looks down on those who don’t run, he just doesn’t like to do it. He doesn’t like the fan-fare involved. I was surprised because I feel and act the same way. Whenever I let it slip that I’m a runner, people always say “oh wow, I don’t even drive that far” “I don’t run unless I’m being chased haha” “how far did you run today?” “Once I ran the Disney marathon in 7 hours, blah blah blah”
I completely agree. I hate telling people that I run. When I tell people I run they think I'm a crazy health nut or some world class athlete. No. I'm just a regular guy with a hobby nothing more.
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