What does a runner look like?: To some people... - Bridge to 10K

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What does a runner look like?

TheTaffSnail profile image
TheTaffSnailGraduate10
20 Replies

To some people I don't look like a runner. I'm 53 and size 20. I started C25K last year and it's the best thing I've done. I can go for a 10k run before work no problem, I ran a half marathon distance in January. However on Sunday I fell over whilst running and I've broken my arm in two places 😭 When it was being x rayed I was asked how I'd done it. I replied it was when I was running. She asked why I was running and I didn't really know what to say so she then said "what were you running from?" It was only afterwards I was thinking that she really couldn't imagine me running for fun!

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TheTaffSnail profile image
TheTaffSnail
Graduate10
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20 Replies
Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate10

Shame on her. You are a very special runner. Look at the distances you've covered and the enjoyment you get from it. I an socsorry to hear about your broken arm. I hope now it's been treated that it causes you little pain and you can manage some semblance of independence. Have an extra big granny hug 🤗🏃‍♀️

Maz1234 profile image
Maz1234

Sorry about the broken arm I hope it heals as fast as possible so you can get back to running. Runners come in all shapes , sizes and speeds. I think most non-runners can’t imagine anyone wanting to run for fun. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

MartinKH profile image
MartinKHGraduate10

Sounds like you were treated by a non runner.

Wow, you have achieved a lot in a year, very well done.

Wish you a speedy recovery.

limberlou profile image
limberlouGraduate10

I remember 25 years ago when I did my first Fun Run of 13 miles from one towns Park to the next towns Park. And my sister who had always been way more sporty than me at school said “ I always thought the words Fun and Run were mutually incompatible”. I ran the next 3 years Fun Runs too then work and life got in the way until 2 years ago when I retired. ( she still thinks I’m mad!!) 🤣🤣

TheTaffSnail profile image
TheTaffSnailGraduate10

Thanks for your replies l knew you would understand! I've got a very steep hill up to a castle which I can walk to from home. I'm going to walk there each day to keep my fitness up. I am a changed person. My friend from school thinks an alien has taken over my body 👽

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate10

Well that's a stupid question ' why were you running' . I'm sorry you've broken your arm , I hope I've got plenty pain relief.

So the answer to your question, what does a runner look like . Oh I don't know , a runner looks like you, me and everyone else on here . Get better soon 🤗🤗

damienair profile image
damienairAdministrator

Of course your a runner. Only a non-runner would ask that question. That’s why I adore parkrun , all shapes and sizes, all abilities and disabilities, all speeds, all walkers, runners, joggers and run/walkers. I wish you a very speedy and pain free recovery.

Damien

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10

A runner looks like you .even with a broken arm...she just could not see you properly....probably concentrating on the arm...

Heal well and when you go back to have the cast off..tell her...you run...because you can..and because that's what runners do xxxx

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10

I am so sorry to hear about your broken arm. The X-ray tech was obviously a non runner. Some people just don't understand how great running is and how absolutely anyone can do it. Take care of yourself. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Enjoy your walks, in the meantime.

Gwenllian1 profile image
Gwenllian1Graduate10

You are so right. I’m not a fast runner. I’m sixty five. I was always the non sporty one at school lounging by the tennis courts instead of playing. But I run. Slowly. But I run. I was amused when a guy in my welsh class who is a distance runner noticed my garmin watch and said “why have you got a Garmin? It’s usually a running watch.” Er, yes. To be fair to him he was a bit embarrassed when I told him I ran. Clearly runners don’t look like me! Hope you recover well. I aspire to getting as far as you do!

TheTaffSnail profile image
TheTaffSnailGraduate10 in reply toGwenllian1

Love this story. We all make assumptions about others don't we

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate10

Can’t believe she said that to you TTS. 😡 So very judgemental. 👎👎

I’m sorry you fell over and really sorry to hear about your arm. I hope you make a quick recovery and are able to resume what you love - being a runner. 😍

Mands50 profile image
Mands50

Sorry about your arm. Very small-minded attitude by the person who x-rayed you. I’d love to have your level fitness and stamina. Ignore the haters and keep running when your arm is better x

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate10

How funny! Maybe she won’t ask silly questions in future 🍦I’m very impressed with your achievements in such a short time. That commitment will see you through this setback. Keep safe

Fionamags profile image
FionamagsGraduate10

What a shame you broke your arm - running is my solace at the moment - a reason to get out of the house during lockdown. I love your positivity though in planning hill walks to maintain fitness! I hope you're not in too much pain. Take care x

TheTaffSnail profile image
TheTaffSnailGraduate10

I think running means so much to people and even more so at the moment. It's a major way of coping.

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate10

Only shows a very limited mind TheTaffSnail!! 🤗 A runner looks like someone outdoors moving, carefree and loving every minute of it.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and lots of fun back out on a celebratory recovery run!! ❤️

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate10

You have some great achievements under your belt, and anyone with any sense knows that us runners come in all shapes and sizes. I am so sorry you have broken your arm, and I hope you can get out running again soon. And what a wierd response from the radiographer... obviously not someone who likes running!!!!

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate10

Oh poor you TTS, and even worse, no running for a while...boo!

Lol, cheeky thing...mind you people who don't run, don't get it at all! I know as many times I posted a meme on Facebook that said "I don't run, if you see me running, you should run too as something is chasing me!".

Then like you, I found C25K, and the rest is history for the both of us...May you recover quickly, enjoy your walking in the meantime and look forward to your next run 🏃‍♀️😘

johnm12 profile image
johnm12Graduate10

What does a runner look like? Just like someone who gets up and goes running! So sorry to hear of your injury. When things settle down a bit I'd definitely recommend doing sensible stuff to keep your fitness up whilst your arm rebuilds itself.. I was injured and out of running action for a couple of months and didn't do enough in the meantime to stay fit, so please do that if you can. Wishing you a speedy return!

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