Baby got back!
Yeah, baby ... when it comes to females,
Cosmo ain't got nothin'
to do with my selection.
36-24-36? Ha ha, only if she's 5'3".
Sir Mix-A-Lot
Minnesota is known for its abundant women. I don't know what it is, but this area does have its share of big butts. I went for an early morning run, and there was a a man and a woman walking about a half-mile ahead of me. At first I was judgmental, looking with disgust at how much people will let themselves go. I'm not proud to admit that; I think it has to do with the way I feel about myself when I gain weight. Anyway, then they started to run and I noticed that the woman was wearing a water belt. I figured she must be training for a race, maybe the Avon 3-day walk that coming up next month. As I caught up with them, I asked her if she was training for a race and she said she's doing the LTF Triathlon this Saturday. I was stunned, but impressed. I wished her luck and went on my way.
There was a 5K race tonight, that went through downtown. I wanted to participate, but never signed up. What held me back is that the race was before a parade, and so the spectators would be there for the parade, not the runners. I was too embarrassed to run my snail's pace in front of people that aren't "runner friendly." I figured they'd be as judgmental about me as I am about others. Now I regret that I let fear keep me from doing something I'd enjoy. When will I learn?
I'm getting excited about this triathlon, and I'm not even racing. I signed up today to volunteer on Saturday. I don't know what I'll be doing and I've never watched a triathlon, much less participated in one. But it will be fun to be a part of such a prestigious event. And, of course, I have some running buddies that I can cheer for. I was reading the bios of the professional athletes; now I hope I get to be around them. I was told I could take pictures, as long as I was discrete.
7 comments:
I let fear stop me from running, biking, and swimming for a long, long time. Fear of being judged, fear of not being good enough, fear of failing, fear of other people's opinions. It is hard to break free of fear.
Enjoy volunteering and cheering on our fellow bloggers! Please scream for AmyBee as she does her first Oly!
Dori,
We have a race here that is right before our biggest parade. I have a wonderful time when I run it - the people on the sidewalk cheer and clap and whoop for everyone who goes by. Most of them are just plain impressed you are out there running in a race!
Have fun at the tri -they are fun to watch.
Never be embarrassed about your pace. One 5K I went to had a "Most Inspirational" award. A lady in a walker, who could barely walk, who also finish last, received the award. I watched her finish. It was a triumph. My husband runs about an 11:00 to 12:00 minute mile at a 5k. There's always a ton of people ahead of him, but there's always a ton of people behind him, too. I always think it's fantastic that a person doen't need to have a ripped physique to participate in these runs. I like that you see a cross section of every shape and size, and they're participating. It's cool!
Take care.
~Irene
I still get scared going to inline speed practice and often get sick to my stomach on the drive there. At the end of practice I'm usually feeling really good so I just do a zen move when the fear appears.
"clouds passing....clouds passing...what I feel now are only clouds passing"
They say what you resist persists, so I recognize I'm scared and tell myself. "so what?"
I'm always happy I went!
Running teaches us so many things, in so many unexpected ways! We all judge each other every day--probably not consciously. So you're already ahead of the pack by being conscious of it. And then for admitting it to us! And the fear of being judged: see once you know that (certain) people are definitely GOING to judge you, no matter what, then it's not so bad. The only person who's opinon REALLY counts is (you guessed it!): YOU! Thanks for this post; very thoughtful.
I know what you mean. Since I've been running I do find myself critical of those who have "let themselves go"--where before I don't think I was all that critical. hmmm...Good thought provoking post.
Have fun volunteering at the tri. It sounds fun. Let us know how it turns out.
It's hard to suspend judgment sometimes, but I think it's important to try. We don't know anything about strangers' circumstances, and I think giving people the benefit of the doubt makes the world a slightly kinder place. Having said that, I think you're right on about never letting fear call the shots on doing anything you want to do. The world is yours; hold your head up high. You deserve to be proud!
Thanks for a very thought-provoking post.
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