Oh no she didn't!!!!

[Honeibee]

Recently, I had the "pleasure" of meeting someone Charlie works with and this guys wife. :snooty: The husband had done some races so the conversion turned to racing and Charlie going Goofy next year. My wonderful husband proudly said that I had done the Half and will be doing it again. Then this happened....

:snooty: "YOU did a Half marathon?" This being said with the accompanying LOOK up and down and the insinuation that anyone as heavy as I am could not have possibly actually have DONE such a thing.

:upsidedow Saying "Well, yes I did."

:upsidedow Thinking "&@(!(%!@# right I did and I'm doing it again and perhaps you'd like to bring your skinny little @%#$ to the start line and I'll kick it for the entire thirteen point one miles!!"

But I just meekly smile. :blush:

Then....THEN......my own MIL!!!! :headache: After our "Four on the Fourth" Charlie tell her how we (he, myself and my 14yo stepdaughter) did the race. She turns to me and says "YOU did it too? Did you win?" and she laughs. She laughs! Like it was a joke that I did it. :sad2:

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! :mad:

Ohh people make me so mad sometimes!! :mad: Why do they have to be so mean? I know why. They are jealous or insecure or really just plain mean. :sad1:

Yes I did do a Half Marathon. Twice. And I have the medals to prove it.

Yes I did do a four mile race. The same distance as everyone else did.

Yes I've done plenty of other races and no I have no won a single race but I've had the time of my life.

I'm DAMN PROUD of what I've done and NO ONE is going to take that away from me.

:woohoo:

[princessrunner]

And sweet Queen Judy, you have your loyal WISH following to posse up and hunt this woman down and show her exactly what half-marathon, marathon, ultra, and on and on finishers really look like. We are not all Kenyan but we are all beautiful!!!!!!!!:flower3:

[bunnyfoo]

You go Judy!

My mom says stuff like that to me sometimes. She's asked me a couple of times why I'm running in the races if I'm not going to "win" (come in first). I told her I don't think I'd ever come in first but everyone who finishes is a winner. I think she looks at running marathon/races as more of a competition than something that's a hobby or goal.

Don't get me started on my DF's mom ... ;)

[Honeibee]

Lisa! Vicky! You dolls! :hug: Thank you for understanding. I'm not even going to bother talking racing or training with these sort of people anymore. They are "anti-WISH". :mad:

One good thing did come out of all this aggrivation. I've finally come up with a response for when someone says "Do you run or walk?" From now on the answer is "I race." :thumbsup2

P.S. Lisa, I have hay envy. I just got only a hundred bales. I WISH I had a thousand!

[princessrunner]

Good for you Judy. You certainly have a strong resolve. It makes me very angry that people look down at others for whatever the reason is. I don't race to win, I race to keep myself running and/or moving. What, by the way, does this woman do for exercise? :rolleyes:

Anytime you feel hay envy, just hop in the truck and drive on up here. You can take my place haying ANYTIME your little heart desires!!

Yes, I throw hay, I throw it like a girl but I can keep up with anyone on the crew....even if it kills me. So, yes you walk or run, you do it like a girl and you can kiss my cheek as I go by......:rolleyes1

[wtpclc]

:grouphug: I know you know better than to let stupid people hurt you, but I know it doesn't feel good. Remember, Scott is always surprised that you haven't taken on a full yet with all teh determination and tenacity that you have. While tehre are people in the world that may not have the confidence in you, know that your friends know you can do more than even you think capable!

[Hockeychic]

Judy you go girlfriend!!!:hug:

Yes be d*** proud of what you did. Regardless of if you walked, ran, crawled, sprinted 13.1M is an amazing distance. Most people I tell that I did a 1/2 marathon as "how far is that" then when I tell them they say I don't even like to drive that far..:rotfl:

I think people think that in order to be "healthy" and "in shape" you have to be skinny and that is not true. I have many friends who are "skinny" and they can't even walk around our sub-division without taking a break and that is only about 5K.

You know we are all proud of you and know what a machine you are out on the course.

[Hockeychic]

My DFIL said to me when he heard I finished my first 1/2. that is great how long did it take you? I told him around 3 hours he was :"oh you just walked"......grrrrrrrrrrr

[msblrobs]

Judy - :hug: You are COMPLETELY right in your statement that others are just jealous and insecure. Don't give a second thought to those comments:headache: !! It is so easy for others to put their energies towards negative things instead of stepping up and having the guts to tackle big dreams, goals and ambitions. You KNOW you rock :banana: and all you can do is feel sorry for those who don't quite "get" it. Luckily, WISH'ers get it and live it daily:cheer2: . Happy training and "racing" to you:thumbsup2 !

[Steffwalks]

You go, Judy! I now have a better new answer to these kinds of people and it goes like this: I am looking for someone to share expenses with, why don't you train with me and we can both go and do the half marathon??" Shuts 'em right up!

[bunnyfoo]

Judy - I love it! I'm going to borrow your line if that's okay - I race!

Kim - :rolleyes: I would have just said "Soooo??" But I'm sure someone has a snappier comeback!

[twoWDWfools]

Judy - you are so right and they are SO wrong! I've run into that too many times from family and others. My brother started harrassing me about it being "just walking" one day and I told him "That's it, let's go. Get your shoes on and get outside. I'll walk, you run - 3 miles - and we'll see who gets back here first." For some reason he wouldn't step outside. Also hasn't made any of those comments since. ;)

[Calcio]

Judy

This is me talking, understand? There is a term for people like that, you know it, morons.

You've earned my respect.

Craig

[Kristi1357]

There is a term for people like that, you know it, morons. As my dear friend Melissa says "Moron, party of one!" :rotfl:
(or in this case, the party size is larger :rolleyes: )

I know people think these things about me doing half marathons too.
Little do they know the fun we have. :thumbsup2
I don't want to let them in on it - then we'd have even more people to dodge on the course! :rotfl:

MORONS!

[Honeibee]

Oh you guys are all so sweet! :hug: :hug: :hug: Thank you so much! This is exactly why I NEED my WISH Team and the heck with all the morons(Thank you, Craig!!) who don't respect my efforts.

[jeanneg]

Hugs to you, Judy! :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
I'm alot bigger than you are and I get that all the time! I did a full and am darn proud of it, but when people learn that I walked the entire distance, they all do the same thing.......they kinda make a little snort sound as if walking explains how a humungus person like me could possibly achieve such a feat. It's only like walking to the fridge and back several thousand times and gosh, we get plenty of practice doing that. Trust me, I feel your angst! Can I punch her for you, please, please?

[Hockeychic]

Vicky, I am horrible with comebacks, DH came to my defense and told him I walked alot faster then some where running and that he has to jog to keep up with me. It made me feel better but DFIL still brought me down a few notches.

Keep your chin up Judy!!!!!!!

[suzannews]

You go Judy!! When I signed up for the Minnie, I got lots of crazy looks from family and friends but I was determined to do it and finish and I DID!! When I said to others, hey why don't you sign up with me, you would have thought I asked them to cut off their leg. Anyways, after the race everyone was very proud except my Dad who wanted to know what place I finished in and why it took me so long. I said I didn't know but it didn't matter because I did finish. He wanted numbers. Whatever. :confused3

[curiouser]

Judy I am sorry that people are so dumb!! You are an inspiration to ME and to so many WISHers here, I WISH people could over what they think a marathoner or half-marathoner is supposed to look like! My boss always gives me a weird look when I mention that I run.. I want to knock him on the head and go "Yes, McFly.. my tubby butt gets out there an does it, now get over yourself". :rotfl:

[jeanneg]

Judy I am sorry that people are so dumb!! You are an inspiration to ME and to so many WISHers here, I WISH people could over what they think a marathoner or half-marathoner is supposed to look like! My boss always gives me a weird look when I mention that I run.. I want to knock him on the head and go "Yes, McFly.. my tubby butt gets out there an does it, now get over yourself". :rotfl:


ha,ha, Morgan.....that's the spirit.....you go, girl!

[windwalker]

Judy you know how proud I am of you, Erica and all the beautiful princesses of the WISH.:love:

Some of my favorite memories from this years Goofy are; The look of determination in your eyes. The pure joy of Jeanne toeing the starting line at the marathon. The courage of Erica finding something left in her heat ravaged body. I could go on and on with my memories of courage and tough as iron heart.

So many of you ladies inspire me and get me over the tough spots. You are all heroes to me.

Inspired Panda:hippie:

[skfulkers]

You ROCK, Judy! :thumbsup2

By the way, you should know that I spit water all over my keyboard when I read what you were "thinking as opposed to saying." :rotfl2:

Steve

[FatElvis]

Bah, it's a scientifically proven fact that skinny people are just unhappy. I think it's a lack of carbs in their diet. Seriously, look it up. ;)

Judy, I'm new here, but you're awesome! Anyone who can cross the finish line of a half marathon is an ATHLETE, regardless of how long it takes them to finish. Keep up the fantastic work and don't let the idiots get you down.

Kayci

[MouseDogMom]

Judy - You, and every one of us on the WISH team, are ATHLETES! We're out there putting in the steps, whether walking or running, and the MORONS who're saying these things aren't. You have nothing to be ashamed of - you have come so far, and you are such an inspiration to so many people on the WISH team. And remember... DLF > DNF >> DNS.

Jackie

[Theta]

Judy, I will come up there and open up my can of whoop-a@@ if you like??

Seriously, you should be very proud of your accomplishents, not to mention the dedication it takes to train for the half marathon.:thumbsup2 :hug:

[GirTheGecko]

My dad said the best thing to me when I told him I was taking on half marathons. "I'm incredibly proud of you for trying." Then he gave me pointers on training and other tips. He didn't care if I came in first or last, just that I finished in one piece.

I hope you encounter more people like the people here and my Dad. Don't let those others pull you down with their jealousy and stuff. Always remember the pride and joy you feel when you do cross that finish line and look at your collection of medals.

[deekaypee]

Judy, my Queen, :worship:

People like that aren't worth wasting your breath on, let alone the keystrokes.
(But, then again, I'm typing to YOU and you're so worth it!)

I agree with Jackie. You are (we all are) ATHLETES! And more than that, WISHers are kind, generous, supportive athletes and all-around great human beings.

Come to think of it, I also agree with Craig. Morons.

[smileyk8]

Judy- you are totally right about others being jealous and i'm so proud of you for just smiling when all that stuff could quite understandably have exploded out of your mouth! I can only look up to you for completing a 1/2 and I believe finishing such a tremendous event demands LOTS of respect.

BUT.... I have to say my own experiences have been the same. After finishing my first 5 mile run my own dad said 'i'm sure i could just run that now, you didn't have to train' and i regularly get 'that's a slow pace- you may as well walk' even tho i've worked so hard to get to around a 9min/mile!

Next time someone discredits a race you've taken part in, challenge them to train for it. Lots of WISH love and respect from me to you tho!!! :woohoo:

[jbucci]

I'm with you 100%... people can be really obnoxious at times. I've been pretty lucky myself. I just started running this year and am really slow, not to mention I need to lose about 40lbs. I work with 2 guys who are pretty good marathon runners and was afraid to tell them I had started to run for fear of being mocked over my times. I finally fessed up prior to the Minnie Marathon weekend and was shocked at how supportive they are. I was amazed that a guy who can run a 3 hour marathon would be so supportive and tell me not to worry about my time (even though I'm hoping to finish the marathon in 6 hours). He is now one of my biggest cheerleaders :cheer2:

It takes a lot of guts and courage to start and even more to continue. WISH has shown me it's not about what you look like on the outside, it's about the strength of your spirit and will. We can choose to surround ourselves with postivie people and listen to only the supportive statements. The other morons can think what they like-- we know the truth.:grouphug:

[chimera]

:snooty: "YOU did a Half marathon?" This being said with the accompanying LOOK up and down and the insinuation that anyone as heavy as I am could not have possibly actually have DONE such a thing.

I find honesty is the best policy in these situations.

"Why yes, as a matter of fact, I've completed two half marathons, a 15K and several assorted other distance races. What races have you finished? :cool2: "

Seriously, Judy, you win every time you cross the finish line. I've never seen anyone so happy just to be out there. Your enthusiasm is infectious! Don't let the freaks take it away from you.

[Goofyin08forErica]

Oh, Queen Judi you are one of my heros!!

Back in 2005, when I was training for my first half everybody but Dave told me I was crazy! Now, after 2 halfs, a marathon and the Goofy most are on my side, but there is one person who was/is so jealous that she signed up to do a marathon earlier this yr. She even said that she didn't have to train that much. Well, the marathon came and went and she made no mention of how it went. Of course, I asked her how she did. Lets say that she made this excuse and that excuse, but the bottom line is she didn't even show up for the race! Since then, she has not mentioned anything about doing marathons!
I have offered to help some of my co-workers in starting a walking program, but I think they rather whine about being overweight and out of shape than try to improve themselves!!

Erica:)

[Big Vic]

Judy, you know we're proud of you. Keep doing what you're doing. Don't let morons like that get you down.

You want me to come up there and give them a little wall-to-wall counseling? :)

[RedDragon]

I've got one word for morons like them. You know it....slapfest!

I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished. Do NOT let them get you down. You have earned the bragging rights that come with running races and are one of my personal heros.

To hell with them! We don't need no stinkin' morons!!!

[bunnyfoo]

I have offered to help some of my co-workers in starting a walking program, but I think they rather whine about being overweight and out of shape than try to improve themselves!!

Erica:)

I have co-workers like that - My manager is so overweight, he's developed type 2 diabetes and the diabetes has gotten so bad, he's lost some feeling in his feet. He makes jokes about how he's got the same feet as Adam Sandler in the movie Mr. Deeds. Yet, I see him eating poorly for lunch and sitting at his desk for the whole day. :confused3 I have another person in my group who is pretty overweight but believes it is just genetics. No exercise or good eating there either :sad2:

[KeenHo]

I am proud to have run (and completed) at least one HALF MARATHON with you and will be your proof any time, any day, any week of any month in any year. Just let me know. You rock! Don't EVER give some "moron" the benefit of making you feel bad from one of their "BS" statements.

Love & hugs,

Howard

[ms.mightyduck]

Judy, I wish I could just kick that person in the shins (I used to be a biter, but I haven't bit anyone in a while--it's just hard to know who you're biting these days). Dumb head.

You know, when I first asked DH if he thought I could do the half, he asked if I could walk to a town that's 13 miles from here. I said no. I've been training since (okay, I haven't been training for a couple weeks, but still...).

It doesn't ever seem like something I can do, and it's all the people here--all the cool athletes who let me hang out with them--who make me feel every day like I can do it.

Even the twirly parts, right, Liz? ;)

[Tiger Lily 03]

I find honesty is the best policy in these situations.

"Why yes, as a matter of fact, I've completed two half marathons, a 15K and several assorted other distance races. What races have you finished?" :cool2:

Seriously, Judy, you win every time you cross the finish line. I've never seen anyone so happy just to be out there. Your enthusiasm is infectious! Don't let the freaks take it away from you.I am so with this statement! I am certain those who would even dare to make your accomplishments less have no clue and can't buy a vowel either.

...slap.

[mkymsehi]

Display your medals in your cubicle or on your desk. When anyone questions you, point to your bling and say to them, "show me yours." That shuts them up in an instant. :lmao:

[SamSam]

Judy, I :worship: so admire you. I haven't done a 1/2 yet, having complete the Minnie 15K as my first race, and I admit I find the half to be a little daunting to contemplate. Training for the 15K I got some of the reaction you received...many questions on how fast I run (I walk), etc. As soon as I say I walk, people honestly have a certain look they get, like if you are walking then it really doesn't count. :confused3
That's one of the many reasons that this board is so fantastic. Whether you're slender, or not; whether you're competing for the pure joy of finsihing or trying to win; the support is here for everyone.

[wfloyd]

Judy - Is the person out of the hospital yet, you never mentioned that...:lmao:

While it is highly annoying and so not true sometimes these ignorant people are good for us. I seem to recall (and at my age I won't certify that it is true or not) but someone said this to you last year. As a result, you wound up knocking time off your pace and got quite a bit faster. Hopefully this will hold true this time and you will be passing all of us slower runners.

On the other hand, I guess you could tell them that you will give them a head start before you come to show them what you really think about the comments. :rolleyes1

Bill

[hoosmi]

Hey Judy-

I was working on finally making my scrapbook this weekend and I started thinking about how many miles the bibs in the book represent. I think when I added up all the bibs from 5ks and Disney races I came up with almost 100 miles in just races in basically one year. You've been doing this a lot longer than I have-- how many miles have you racked up racing vs. the moron?! ;)

Jen in GA

[TEK224]

Judy,

Don't let them get to you. They don't have a clue. :confused3
Getting to the starting line is the hardest part. The rest is icing on the cake.
Those folks aren't smart enough or dedicated enough to carry your running shoes.

We've got your back. Anytime you want us to come up in our lime green and kick some booty, let us know!

You're one of the most dedicated athlete's I know. :thumbsup2

Terri

[getnthinr]

Oooooooo... I get to do my Cary Grant impression:

Judy, Judy, Judy!

What with the whoop-up-ing and wall-to-wall counseling and slapfest (I love you guys -- I am saving all of these things for later use!!!! :lmao: ), you probably don't need any more cheering up, but... Honestly, there are always folks all too ready to downplay and discourage -- and, sadly, it really doesn't matter whether you're old or young or thin or fat or walking or running -- some folks just feel compelled to try to make you feel miserable and point out some "flaw". What a waste of your time, and theirs!

You did the right thing to seek out the "cure" -- positive folks with encouraging comments. None of us get far without support, the trick is knowing where to look for it. Glad you knew where to come!

Walk tall, be proud, remember that you've earned the right to call yourself an athlete -- and I'll see you on the road!

[ultramickeymouse]

Judy,

Ignore idiots. That's my way.

I use to get that when I said I walked races. I would tell them I walked 50 miles and they would say walk'd? I would tell them I did it in 10:30(12 min pace) and they would just look the other way. I would finish ahead of 20% of the runners in the 50 mile runs.

Doing it is important. You aren't the last and taking 2 days to finish. You finish with the races requirements. That's whats important.

Nike's saying fits "Just do it!" And you have:thumbsup2 The skeptics can't even walk from there car to the store. They have to drive around for 10 minutes wasting gas and time to save 20 feet walking.

[escape]

Judy, as with others, I get that a lot too! :rolleyes:

My comeback is "Well, at least I'm doing it." Then I just kind of look at the other person and smile. :teeth:

Which reminds me of something that happened in the WDW full this past January. Karen East and I were walking mostly by the time we hit Hollywood Studios (MGM). We saw the Evil Queen character from Snow White. She gave us the evil eye and told us that we were supposed to be running. I told her that at least we were out there (jokingly, of course :)). I heard a few chuckles from other walkers around us.

What did make me :headache: is when someone from my local running club told me that the club was more for serious runners after I asked him if there was anyone I could train with that usually ran at about a 13.5 minute pace.

Although I am very overweight and older than a lot of runners, I have managed to inspire a few others to get out there as I'm sure you have as well. This by far negates any of those snide remarks I hear from morons. I've had a few people tell me that they would like to try something like this. One of those that "if you can do it, maybe I can as well." Not sure if it's a compliment :laughing: , but it does get others thinking about it.

[DVCBELLE]

My in-laws seem to show no interest that my DH and I have started running/walking. They never asked to see our medals from the half this year or even how it went. My MIL called the afternoon after the race and said what time do you start the Half Marathon tomorrow - she just never listened to what we were doing b/c it doesn't seem like that big of a deal to her

After we finished our first 10K I talked to her on the phone and she said "How was your walk this morning?" Like I had just taken a stroll around the block - I have learned that some people will just never get it.

Now when people seem shocked that I did it, I say "YES and it was such an empowering experience, and now I know I can do anything! Have you ever done a marathon?" The inevitable answer is No and I tell them that they really should! No one ever seems to want to!

[kristykay]

I am glad I am not the only one with this problem. Today I ran in a 5K. This was only my second race. The first being the 15K Minnie Marathon. I really loved the race at Disney because people are so nice and encouraging. Today I was treated horrible. I am a bigger girl so I guess I do not fit the typical runner type. First I went to the registration tent and went to the runners line. The woman said "oh the walkers line is over there". I could not believe how rude she was. Then we asked this group of people why their numbers were black and our are red. This little peppy girl in a sports bra and brand new running shoes said to me "because we are runners". Come to find out they just ran out of the actual numbers for the race and they had to use difffernt ones. It left me a little discouraged at the start, but it also fueled me to beat the little blonde girl. I finished a full 3 min. ahead of her. My cousin raced her back and forth the whole race and finished 5 seconds before her. I never thought I was a competitor, but that was rude. People need to learn not to judge a book by its cover.

[DianeL]

JUDY!!! :hug: I think everyone covered things but wanted to add my voice to Mel's statement about how much your enjoyment in the races radiates from you.

Susan had a similar experience this past week so when she told me on today's walk about this thread. Grrr to those people.

Keep the course! Looking forward to the next post-race smiling photos of Judy and her medal :hug:

[bunnyfoo]

I am glad I am not the only one with this problem. Today I ran in a 5K. This was only my second race. The first being the 15K Minnie Marathon. I really loved the race at Disney because people are so nice and encouraging. Today I was treated horrible. I am a bigger girl so I guess I do not fit the typical runner type. First I went to the registration tent and went to the runners line. The woman said "oh the walkers line is over there". I could not believe how rude she was. Then we asked this group of people why their numbers were black and our are red. This little peppy girl in a sports bra and brand new running shoes said to me "because we are runners". Come to find out they just ran out of the actual numbers for the race and they had to use difffernt ones. It left me a little discouraged at the start, but it also fueled me to beat the little blonde girl. I finished a full 3 min. ahead of her. My cousin raced her back and forth the whole race and finished 5 seconds before her. I never thought I was a competitor, but that was rude. People need to learn not to judge a book by its cover.


Sorry to hear about the snooty runners but I think you showed them! Congrats on your race kristykay! :cheer2:

[gatorphipps]

Yes I've done plenty of other races and no I have no won a single race but I've had the time of my life.

I'm DAMN PROUD of what I've done and NO ONE is going to take that away from me.[/B]

:woohoo:

GIRL! Every time you get out there you win!

I have the same things happen to me too so I know how you feel.....sorry that people are so stupid!

Don't let them steal your joy.

[DianeL]

Kristykay what a bummer of an experience to start but what a STRONG finish you had! Way to go on turning it around. I hope the next race is a great experience from start to finish!!!

Here's to hoping that this new week brings more positive reinforcements and excellent training weather!!!! :flower3:

[keenercam]

Judy -- I know I am late to this party, but I also know that you don't need me to remind you of how proud I am of you. I remember a time when you thought you wouldn't be able to get yourself to the start much less the finish. Look how far you have come, sweetie! And it is a hell of a lot further than the thousand + miles you have trained over the past couple of years!

By the way, while everyone here is being so wonderfully thoughtful in helping to think of comebacks to these asinine remarks, can someone help with this? Someone in my office who knows I work out 6-7x/week said a couple of weeks ago "With all the working out you do, I'm surprised you aren't thin. I admire that you still get yourself to the gym every day. If I was working that hard and not getting thin, I don't think I'd bother." Okay, I am sure there is a compliment in there somewhere, but the only thing I could think of to say was "Well, I am getting stronger and I can run a 5k now, so the working out is worth it even if I'm not losing weight." I WISH I could have thought of something really profound to say before I went to the ladies room and cried. I should just remember to come here for validation and not listen to the idiots I encounter and act as if their opinions count. But it is a struggle.

Judy, I am so sorry to pirate: your thread, sweetie!

ETA: kristykay -- you GO, girl! I am soooo outrageously proud of all the WISHers here who LIVE the WISH motto and encourage us all to just keep moving forward. We are each stronger for it!

[mkymsehi]

I am glad I am not the only one with this problem. Today I ran in a 5K. This was only my second race. The first being the 15K Minnie Marathon. I really loved the race at Disney because people are so nice and encouraging. Today I was treated horrible. I am a bigger girl so I guess I do not fit the typical runner type. First I went to the registration tent and went to the runners line. The woman said "oh the walkers line is over there". I could not believe how rude she was. Then we asked this group of people why their numbers were black and our are red. This little peppy girl in a sports bra and brand new running shoes said to me "because we are runners". Come to find out they just ran out of the actual numbers for the race and they had to use difffernt ones. It left me a little discouraged at the start, but it also fueled me to beat the little blonde girl. I finished a full 3 min. ahead of her. My cousin raced her back and forth the whole race and finished 5 seconds before her. I never thought I was a competitor, but that was rude. People need to learn not to judge a book by its cover.
-----------------------------------------------------------
By the way, while everyone here is being so wonderfully thoughtful in helping to think of comebacks to these asinine remarks, can someone help with this? Someone in my office who knows I work out 6-7x/week said a couple of weeks ago "With all the working out you do, I'm surprised you aren't thin. I admire that you still get yourself to the gym every day. If I was working that hard and not getting thin, I don't think I'd bother." Okay, I am sure there is a compliment in there somewhere, but the only thing I could think of to say was "Well, I am getting stronger and I can run a 5k now, so the working out is worth it even if I'm not losing weight." I WISH I could have thought of something really profound to say before I went to the ladies room and cried. I should just remember to come here for validation and not listen to the idiots I encounter and act as if their opinions count. But it is a struggle.


Kristykay & Cam:

Remember this motto when racing:

Trample the weak, hurdle the dead, and smack the morons upside the head. :lmao:

Don't ever let anyone put you down. Next time, challenge them to a race, and loser buys lunch, dinner, or ice cream. That'll shut them up.

Keep on truck'n. :cheer2: :banana: :woohoo: :worship:

[jeanneg]

Oh Cam, I'm so sorry you had to listen to somethig like that. Trust me, I feel your pain. Some of us just weren't blessed with a great metabolism like those skinny minnies that eat all day, never work out and always look good. I know sometimes it just isn't fair, but please know that when people put you down it's usually because they feel inadequate themselves. I would bet anything that your moron friend is actually jealous of you, your numerous accomplishments, and the wonderful people involved inyour life. She will never be a fraction of the fabulous person you are. :thumbsup2

[jessily]

By the way, while everyone here is being so wonderfully thoughtful in helping to think of comebacks to these asinine remarks, can someone help with this? Someone in my office who knows I work out 6-7x/week said a couple of weeks ago "With all the working out you do, I'm surprised you aren't thin. I admire that you still get yourself to the gym every day. If I was working that hard and not getting thin, I don't think I'd bother." Okay, I am sure there is a compliment in there somewhere, but the only thing I could think of to say was "Well, I am getting stronger and I can run a 5k now, so the working out is worth it even if I'm not losing weight." I WISH I could have thought of something really profound to say before I went to the ladies room and cried. I should just remember to come here for validation and not listen to the idiots I encounter and act as if their opinions count. But it is a struggle.



WOW. I can't believe someone would actually have the nerve to say that! You're absolutely right though Cam. You are getting stronger, and can run a 5k. I would guess that the person who said that to you admires how much dedication you have to working out, and was just trying to make herself feel better... making excuses for why she's not in the gym 6-7x a week. Keep up the great work and try not to let (clueless) others get you down. Though I know it's hard!

[deekaypee]

Judy -- I know I am late to this party, but I also know that you don't need me to remind you of how proud I am of you. I remember a time when you thought you wouldn't be able to get yourself to the start much less the finish. Look how far you have come, sweetie! And it is a hell of a lot further than the thousand + miles you have trained over the past couple of years!

By the way, while everyone here is being so wonderfully thoughtful in helping to think of comebacks to these asinine remarks, can someone help with this? Someone in my office who knows I work out 6-7x/week said a couple of weeks ago "With all the working out you do, I'm surprised you aren't thin. I admire that you still get yourself to the gym every day. If I was working that hard and not getting thin, I don't think I'd bother." Okay, I am sure there is a compliment in there somewhere, but the only thing I could think of to say was "Well, I am getting stronger and I can run a 5k now, so the working out is worth it even if I'm not losing weight." I WISH I could have thought of something really profound to say before I went to the ladies room and cried. I should just remember to come here for validation and not listen to the idiots I encounter and act as if their opinions count. But it is a struggle.

Judy, I am so sorry to pirate: your thread, sweetie!

Cam, I'll give it a try because I'm nothing if not naturally snarky. And there's nothing like hearing people I admire being subjected to mean-spirited commentary that brings out my inner snark. They may not be profound, but I do love a comeback.

I think you're on to something with the idea of a compliment. You might be direct: "I'm sure there was a compliment somewhere in that comment, because if there wasn't that would make you the biggest jerk (pick your term, and this isn't the first one I thought of using) I've met in a long time."

Of course, you might not want to be so direct as you work with this person. How about:

"So THAT's why." This one has the benefit of being able to be said in many ways, depending on your situation. You could ask it as a disbelieving, amazed tone, as in "So THAT's why" you don't work out??? Or you could nod sagely, "So THAT's why" you don't work out. Or even half-to-yourself, as if you've figured out something about her: "So THAT's why."

You could do a variation of the above: "I can see you having that reaction."

Or you could try agreeing with that person. I like the idea of nodding and saying something like, "Yeah, it can be easy to get so hung up on superficial things like that." I also like the more pointed, "Yeah, it must be difficult to understand why I do it if you get hung up on those kinds of superficial reasons."

As for profound, I don't know that I've got any profound statements in response to such barbed commentary. And I'm even more certain that this person doesn't deserve them.

But here's something for you, because you deserve it: "When I think of working out, I think of everything I've gained: fitness and strength, confidence in my growing abilities, good friends, new memories, and even a handful of medals. Focusing only on my weight would dismiss what I'm doing and would limit who am I, don't you think?" And I probably couldn't resist adding, "Plus, it'd be a pretty shallow way of looking at things. That's not me. So I'm so glad you recognize something I also admire about myself." Said with a big smile, of course! :goodvibes

Of course, it's easy to think about these retorts after the fact. I believe I'm just practicing for the next time it happens to me--and it will. There's no shortage of morons out there. (Pssst, I happen to be related to quite a few of them!)

[hoosmi]

Cam- Debra had a lot of great comebacks for you, but if you want the more direct approach, you could just "accidentally" thump her in the head with your enormous Mickey medal... Although I don't know if the colors might chip off- that would be devastating.;)

Seriously, I think that was probably a weird attempt at a compliment wrapped up in her own insecurities/jealousies. I think she just feels uncomfortable that you go out there and get it done, and she doesn't. And hey, how sad for her that she hasn't figured out that it's not all about the stupid scale! Just remember that you've done things that are so cool they are almost impossible to describe (Magic Kingdom during the marathon- hello!) and she just doesn't know what she's missing!

Jen in GA

[monte]

Judy, just wear all your medals, shirts, hats & bibs the next time you see her...she'll get the message! ha,ha:lmao: I ignore most people when it comes to my marathons because they just don't understand, or appreciate all the hard work that goes into a marathon. You keep going girlfriend!:woohoo:

[escape]

Debra - you go girl! I love those comments! :woohoo: Just a twist on Debra's artwork...

Yeah, some of us do it for the health of it and not for superficial reasons like that. But, I still like the "Yeah, it can be easy to get so hung up on superficial things like that." :thumbsup2

Cam - You just gotta feel sorry for people like that. I wonder how many medals she has? :rolleyes1 :teeth:

There is a girl who works in an office close to mine who is a little "stocky" and no one that you would suspect of being a super athlete if you didn't already know her. But let me tell you, she is superwoman! She's done an ironman, century rides, marathons, 50-milers (I can't remember what you call those offhand), you name it, she's probably done it. I'm just in awe of her - can you tell? :teeth:

Cam - you are superwoman, too! Look where you started from - look where you are now! AWESOME!!!! You are such an inspiration to so many of us on this board. You're one of the reasons that I didn't drop out after I got started in all of this 2 years ago. I wonder how many people she has inspired? ;)

[DianeL]

Remember this motto when racing:

Trample the weak, hurdle the dead, and smack the morons upside the head. :lmao:


I like the new addition to the old saying! Great idea Jeff!:thumbsup2

Debra I knew you'd have some great lines :thumbsup2

:grouphug: to all those who are having just that kind of week. But good news!!! It's the weekend!!! And tomorrow should be pretty much everyone's training day!!! :cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2: Wooohoo bug spray and powerade!!!! Go hit those paths/roads/trails team!!!!

[Steffwalks]

Okay, Cam. Here's some fun ones!

Yes, not getting skinny is a real drawback, but muscles are just so cool, don't you think???

Yes, it does take dedication to become healthy and active and happy!

I was going for thin and then realized that it just wasn't that pretty!

I understand, not all of us have that kind of dedication and determination!

Yes, it does take time to be wonderful!

Or, Excuse me, I am going to put on my big girl panties, now and pretend you aren't nearly as rude and obnoxious as that sounded! :rotfl:

I am the snarky Princess!

[keenercam]

I LOVE you guys! Mean it! I am internalizing these responses. Even if I never have the courage to say them, I can think them, and that will make me think of the people whose opinions actually matter to me, my WISH teammates and the people who love me! :grouphug: