Oh no she didn't!!!!

[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.
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.

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!!!! ), 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 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!

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

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 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 , 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!!! 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

 

[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!

 

[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]

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!!!!

 

[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 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.

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.

 

[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.

 

[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 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!

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 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!

 

[escape]

Debra - you go girl! I love those comments! 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."

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

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?

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.

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

Debra I knew you'd have some great lines

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!!! Wooohoo bug spray and powerade!!!! Go hit those paths/roads/trails team!!!!