Thursday, January 24, 2013

United We Are Strong

First, I just want to say how happy I am to know all of you who have been kind enough to take time out of your busy lives to read my rants. I love interacting with other runners, and though I don't have time to post as much as I would like, this is an outlet for me. To be honest, most of my friends are not runners, and that is fine, but I found that I needed people to talk shop with because those non-runners were getting annoyed with me. This is where my previous post's question, "What kinds of issues do you come across with non-runners? Do you have a lot of non-runners in your life and how do they take your habit?" came from. Don't get me wrong, the people in my life are supportive, but they aren't understanding; you can't understand how amazing it feels to run past 10 miles unless you have done it. This blog is where I can share my feelings and experiences without boring people. Hopefully, I don't bore you all!

As for the question, thank you for your responses! I will get to many of the questions with time, but why waste so many blog topics at once! Plus, eventually I have other things to talk about! For now though, let's delve into those around us who do not run. My new friend Melanie, over at 4Kottez Runs For Itt, said it well when describing her situation: "Luckily I have a great support system with my 'habit'. They cheer me on and are proud of my accomplishments." Non-runners make the best cheerleaders for us, and we couldn't do this without them. If everyone around us ran, how would we have any perspective on our accomplishments? Non-runners may not know our deep connection to running, but they do understand how hard it is. Whenever a loved one looks at you like you are crazy, or gives you a hard time, just remember that they are doing it because what we do isn't easy: embrace that.

Nadiya, over at Milk And Honey On The Run, also had a great perspective on this ordeal: "Being around non-runners is hard and especially those don't eat healthy or exercise. Before I used to live with a few friends who lived the typical student lifestyle- pizza, pepsi, cake, no exercise, watch TV. I kind of felt into that trap too although to a small extent. I felt like I was always judged when I cooked or went for morning runs." This reflects how I feel sometimes, although in a less college-like way. The idea of judgement is something I feel whenever I try to order something healthy off a menu, and I often get comments like, "What, are you trying to make us feel fat?" I get frustrated, but I have to remind myself that I was there too. I think the key is to just do you, and eventually everyone will just let you go by your rules. (Definitely check out Nadiya's blog because she is one smart cookie!)

Finally, another brilliant runner, Mallory, over at Sit For Your Job, Run For Your Life, had another view of the question: "I get frustrated sometimes when people talk about becoming fit or losing weight but yet don't do anything to change it. Then I remind myself to stop being a jerk and just be supportive and encouraging because that's what they need. Everyone in my life is supportive and encouraging." We are role models my friends, whether we like it or not. I would say, for the most part, most people would love to have the motivation that we do, or to have the ability to go out and run 13 miles on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in April. Perhaps, through our actions and support, we can get some people to become more healthy or even a future running buddy. I know I have encouraged a few people to get out there, and that is amazing to me. People may give us a hard time, but just remember how powerful an image you create on every run. Mallory is a great example of a runner and a person, so make sure you check out what she has to say!


Is It Acceptable To Wear Toe Shoes To The Gym?
As the picture illustrates, I have been wearing my Fivefingers to the gym in order to get some barefoot training runs in on the freezing cold days. I am curious as to whether you all think this is acceptable or whether you would just look at me like I had lost my mind? I think it is a bit odd, and I feel weird, but it is just too cold without normal shoes. I really want to do a good portion of my training runs barefoot in order to work on my form and strengthen my calves. I doubt I will change my ways, but I open this up to make fun of me ;)

So far, I have put in 8 barefoot miles this week, but unfortunately, both days were on the evil treadmill. I really need things to warm up around here, but at least I got a 2-hour delay from work on Tuesday! I've also put in some weight lifting for cross-training, and I am loving having whole workouts to devote to this. I love how much arms are looking, and I am making huge gains in my chest. I will give more detail to my workouts this weekend when I finish up week 2 of training.

How is your week going? Anyone running one of the many marathons on May 5? I know of at least 3, including where I will be.

Anyone else in a winter funk? I am having a hard time getting through it because I love running in the spring and fall so much.

Feel free to answer my last posts questions. You can find them here.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

22 comments:

  1. Yes, it is completely acceptable!! :D

    I just caught up on your last post - great stuff!

    No one in my life(that I speak to on a regular/friendly basis) is a runner. That is completely coooool with me. I think that's one of the main reasons I love to blog because everyone who reads understands how exciting it is to go faster, run further, etc.
    Since I only started running 1.5 years ago, it's pretty easy for me to remember the other side of things, the part that is NOT a runner of ANY type(heck, I didn't even own flat shoes).

    I wouldn't say I've ever had issues with non-runners, nothing negative anyway!

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    1. Ha, you do seem like a heels type ;) yeah, sometimes you just need to talk to like-minded individuals because running is such a passion-driven endeavor. I do wish I had a regular running partner for when it gets warm, but I do think I will hit up some meet-ups in a few months and over the summer.

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  2. Thanx for mentioning me! You're so sweet :)

    Yup, I've gotten that "you make us feel fat" so many times! My family used to think I'm crazy at first but now they've become very supportive of my running :) My grandma is always curious about how much I've run and my fam came out to my first 10k race.

    "Is It Acceptable To Wear Toe Shoes To The Gym?" I wanted to ask the exact same question... Often times I have long breaks when running some experiments and I want to hit my uni's indoor track but I don't think I'll be allowed in with my "slippers". :S

    Oh my! May 5th is like a magical date! I'm running my half that day and I know Toronto also has a marathon that day ^^ So exciting :D

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    1. The blogging world is going to be very busy that weekend! I am also excited!

      I say you get out there with your toe shoes and be proud! Most people don't understand the difficulties associated with that portion if the running community because it is relatively new. Expect some seriously weird looks though!

      I am glad your family came around to it! We gotta have our support systems!

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  3. Haha I would look at you like you're crazy with those shoes on! However, if you are rocking your workout, who cares??

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    1. I think I rock the toe shoe look ;) you have to rock a work out in those suckers because they humble you quick!

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  4. I say: Rock the toe shoes at the gym. Out here (SE Asia), toe shoes are pretty rare in day-to-day life (also super pricey), but nearly every time I go to the gym, I see a pair. My husband & I sometimes wear them to fitness classes, and are seldom the only ones.

    I suspect more people know about them than you think. Wear them with pride, realize you'll get a few stares, answer questions patiently, and after a few trips, no one will bat an eye. And who knows, maybe Vibram is looking for an ambassador to the mid-West. :)

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    1. I definitely wear them with pride! They cause me a lot of pain, so I just strut around like I own the place ;)

      Hey, Vibram, if you are listening, I will happily represent you! Haha

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  5. THANK YOU so much for mentioning me - made my day:) I don't have that many runner friends or family members - but the TWO that I do... we have this somewhat "special connection" - we just GET IT. We just mention a race coming up and we don't even have to say anymore - we are already on it. Luckily my family is intrigued by my running and will always cheer me on - regardless if they are there on the sidelines or elsewhere.

    Toe shoes... hum...? Let's see.... YES it is acceptable to wear to the gym. You should do whatever makes you feel comfortable - now when you bust out that fanny pack, then we will talk;) AND YAY for the strength training - I love how it can really tone you up - one of my FAVORITE parts of exercising. Your arms are looking stellar.

    No marathons in May - half in April and hoping for Chicago Marathon in October... Happy Friday.

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    1. Thanks Melanie! Your friend sounds super clutch! Hopefully someone will come along like that because I bet it is super motivating.

      Strength training is a blast, which is good because a lot of people see it more like a choir, or they avoid it altogether. I like knowing it gives me a bit of an edge.

      I have a half in April too, and I am treating it like a training run. I am whoa excited for running season!

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  6. I think the biggest thing is non-runners just don't understand being completely happy with going to bed early for your Saturday long run or race.

    Also, I have seen a ton of people wear those shoes to the gym! Way to rock the bright orange color.

    I don't have a running race that day in May, but a cycling ride instead! I'll be talking more about it on my blog in the future. It does seem like a BIG race weekend though!

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    1. Sounds like you need a race in May ;)

      Oh, I love the orange, but I mostly got them because they have a bit more protection than some of the others I tried on. Plus, they are kind of a hybrid between road and trail running.

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  7. I think toe shoes are totally acceptable at the gym! I love wearing them when out and about because people give you the weirdest looks, haha.

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    1. So true! I would wear them to work if I wouldn't get a thousand questions from my students!

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  8. I started my blog for a similar reason. Most of my friends like to run, but they don’t live to run. They are very supportive and understanding, but I needed people who I could talk with on my level.

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    1. I'd love to hear more about this! It is amazing how there are different kinds of runners. Some run just for weight loss, some just do it out of habit, and others do it because it is a part of them.

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  9. Thankyou so very much for dropping by my blog, and the commenting.
    I'm no runner (yet) but I certainly want to be one. Lets see how it goes!

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  10. You don't rant! Always insightful:) Great, great shares. This community is awesome.

    My bro, a non runner, wears his barefoot shoes everywhere. I, an avid runner, don't know what to do with him:)

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  11. I wouldn't find it weird at all to see someone wearing those shoes at the gym. I would find it more weird to see someone wearing them around town, not running! But that might just be the runner in me talking... :)

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    1. Apparently some people wear them to work; I am pretty sure my students would freak out, so I will avoid that!

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  12. Just getting caught up this week. Winter is the devil! and the toe shoes just know where your feet and weights are at all times and it should be fine.

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    1. No broken toes yet! Haha. Fortunately for you, I don't post as often as some, so I am easy to keep up with.

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