Have you ever seen those memes that depict what others think of the things you do?
It’s funny, kind of truthful, but got me thinking a bit. Do others really understand the truth about running? The answer is most likely no. It’s not a bad thing; before I started running I had no idea all that went into it or what it took to get to your goals.
I looked back at all the things I used to say when I began watching my husband run. It makes me laugh, because I can finally see just how wrong I was.
In honor of Friday, let’s have a little fun! Here are five misconceptions I had about running before I began lacing up my shoes every day.
It’s Easy for Them
I just smile and laugh a little at this one. In fact, I’ve still had people tell me this. Easy?
I have great days, don’t get me wrong. Days where running feels absolutely effortless; however I’d say those days are less than 10% of my runs and that is being generous.
The rest of my runs range from “that was okay” to a mental battle. It’s not always easy, in fact it rarely is, but pushing through when it is not easy is exactly what makes you stronger.
They Do It for Weight Loss
I won’t lie; there was a time in my life where I thought the more miles I ran the thinner I’d be. However, that quickly changed for several reasons.
- My unhealthy habits caught up with me.
- Performance became way more important than being “skinny” ever will.
- Performance drops dramatically when you don’t fuel properly
- Running a ton of miles just to lose weight isn’t fun (at least not to me)
- I found my joy in the actual process of running
- Running makes you eat. A lot. OK, maybe not a lot but if you don’t think your hunger is going to go up when you are marathon training then you are in for a rude awakening.
There probably are people that get on the treadmill for hours simply to lose weight, but for me I’m out there sweating and sometimes looking like I’m dying to get stronger, healthier, and faster.
They Must Have a Lot of Time on Their Hands
I promise you this, if I had a lot of time on my hands there is no way I would get up at all at 4:00 AM. It is not something I do because I love it, it is something I do because that is the best and one of the few times throughout the day I can fit it in.
I don’t enjoy running after work because usually I’m low on energy. I also only have about 3-4 hours when I get home to get my other work done and spend time with my husband. So, the only option is early morning hours.
Running is a time commitment, but you make time for the things that are important to you. I’m very careful though that it doesn’t take me away from other parts of life.
They Must Have a Lot of Talent
I wish you could see how much I laugh at this one. There are some people who have undeniable talent, a good example of that is my husband. However, that is not something I was blessed with.
I was never an athlete. I participated in some recreational sports growing up and was active, but far from any kind of athlete. I would consider myself pretty average when it comes to sports and athletic events.
However, I am an average runner who will work really hard. I am a firm believer that no matter how much talent you have, if you don’t put in the work it won’t happen. Hard work pays off, no matter how “talented” of a runner you are.
All Runners Have the Same Body Type
Wrong. I used to think this and worked like crazy to achieve this “ideal body type” but finally realized I was so wrong.
Everyone is built different, and for some no matter how hard they run they will never have the stereotypical body type. It doesn’t mean you can’t still be successful!
Hard work, dedication, and persistence pay off no matter what type of body shape you have.
Don’t think because you don’t have a “runner’s body” that you can’t start running. Runners come in every shape and size! Just get out there and have FUN!
No matter how hard we try, there are always going to be misconceptions. I just try to smile, and kindly remind myself that I thought the same things once up on a time.
What’s the funniest misconception you’ve heard?
What is something you thought about runners before you began running?