This morning, I walked in on a conversation between two co-workers. One of them is actually on my team and I have seen at Memorial running. They were talking about Houston Fit and other training programs. I think my teammate was asking the other co-worker if she knew about any training programs.
I shouldn't have but I got a little excited and told them that Houston Fit had already started but Katy Fit was starting up in July. I told them that many Houston Fit participants are training for earlier thons like MC and Chicago. I think Katy Fit targets Houston.
Anyway, maybe I'm too sensitive but both co-workers snubbed me. They refused to let me participate in the conversation. Don't get me wrong. They weren't rude. They just acted like I could not possibly know anything about what they are talking about.
Now, my thoughts on this whole exchange...They were justified in snubbing me. I mean, look at me. I think right now, I'm just pretending to be a runner, an athlete. It's stupid to think that a couple of co-workers would turn to the office lard-ass me for information on marathon training.
I think I'm torn between a couple of things. One, I know a lot of runners. I've read about a dozen books on running. I've been around the sport a little and have shared in many experiences of others. And I love to talk about it. I love to help people who are wondering (like me), "Could I possibly run a marathon? How do I go about doing it? Where do I start?" I actually know the answers to some of these questions. But, on the other hand, I've never done it myself. I've not yet accomplished any of the goals that I've set for myself. Is that bad? No. God knows I'm trying. I'm just not there yet. But I WILL BE!!!
So, after this rant, what am I going to do? What am I going to change? Well, I think it's just best to be silent. Until I accomplish a few of the things I want to accomplish, there's no sense talking about them like I've already done them. I don't need to tell anyone how far I ran today. No one needs to know that I recently took up swimming. No one needs to know that I'm eating better. I need to quit pretending that I'm a runner and just work at being a runner. You know, before long it will just show. And then, when people ask, "Are you losing weight?" I can answer. They may ask, "How'd you do that?" I can tell them that I'm running. I changed my diet. Then, I'll be better able to be the encourager that I want to be.
7 comments:
Vic,
Doesn't sound like your work colleagues would enjoy the Houston Striders.
Steve
The Striders rock!!!
Vic,
People could use me as a case for somebody who hasn't made improvement in the last two years with my weight (although I've taken my half marathon time down from 2:32 to 2:09-2:12); however, it doesn't make me any less informed or knowledgeable. Which is something that you have taken the time to do.
Do what you know is right and makes you feel the way that you need to!
Jon
Hey Vic,
Hang in there and it'll happen. I'm sure one thing that remains constant in all the books is whether you're talking about running, or losing weight, or going back to college, etc. the answer doesn't come from having the willpower to do it, because that's going to waver every day.
It's the conscious decision, making an agreement to yourself that you are going to do it. Part of the reason (a big part) that I like to keep a blog is it keeps me accountable - to myself really, but the idea that others generally read it every day or two is motivation for me to make a plan and stick to it.
Each person is different so maybe the idea of writing down at the beginning of the week what you plan to do each day toward your goal won't provide the same incentive for you that it does for me.
I think by breaking it down into small chunks of a day and a week instead of saying I want to run a (in my case - half) marathon makes it so much more achievable in my mind.
So....blow 'em off! You know what? You happen to know a lot about Striders. And more importantly, you know a lot more about treading others with kindness than your co-workers do.
ditto B
"And more importantly, you know a lot more about treading others with kindness than your co-workers do."
tiggs
Thanks Cassie
Some people are just mean. Don't let them bring you down. Just chalk it up to ignorance. You are so inspiring and motivating.
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