Does anyone else put on a brave face, pump those arms, put a spring in their step and manage a cheery Good Morning when approaching an oncoming walker or fellow runner? No matter that you feel like death warmed up.
I was horrified when the village rumour got back to me that “he looked like he was on his last legs”. So I redoubled my efforts.
However, there’s not a lot you can do when overtaken silently by a gazelle 40 years younger, running effortlessly at twice your speed. Or are they putting on a show for us? 😹
Written by
HeavyFoot
Graduate10
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I'm pretty sure we all do! It's not a conscious thing. but if I'm running with my husband I have trouble keeping up with him when we approach a group of men. Gazelles probably do the same, but I just tell myself that they're out for a speed run and I'm going for distance😂
I always look up and say 'wotcha' 'alright' or 'good morning/afternoon' to any other runner. Not always get it back but I always assume goodwill. Let's see if that runner can still be going when they reach your age. That's what I think when I'm running.
Always put on a show - all day every day in the belief it be omes a natural state of mind🤗 tried lots of cheery "enjoy your first day at school" as I passed patents taking doorstep photos, hope they understood what i was saying through the gasping breaths. Happy running 🤗
I always think other people must just think I’m shuffling because if ever I catch sight of myself in a window reflection that’s what I look like to me .. but then I think I’m getting about 3-4 hours running exercise a week and about 7-10 hours walking at least a week and about 5-7 hours Pilates so, at my age,I’m a doing lot better than some people who might sneer. And I think most other runners are just concentrating on their own run so I don’t care anymore.
It doesn't matter if it is a gazelle who passes me if I am out a run, but I think "I would call it a day" if I was running and passed by some person walking their dog.
I could not help laughing when you mentioned on your post that"he looks as if he is on his last legs" I am sure you are not on your last legs.
Haha 😂 I got overtaken by a silver runner who looked incredibly fit but also 20 years my senior. And I am already ’old’!
I have swapped my old route’s dome of doom (hill) with the new route’s tenements of trial, with all bedroom windows, living room windows, you-name-it windows all facing the street that functions as my warm-up, leading to a gorgeous wood run.
And yes, I’m very conscious of the eyes 👀 🏠 👀🏠👀 🏠and am only slowly learning to ignore them.
As my runner husband says, training to run is not just about training to run, it’s also learning to run in any environment... in rain ☔️ in sun ☀️ on streets, on field paths, all alone or with many people watching.
You’ve described me to a tee HF! I try and greet everyone with a cheery good morning but don’t think I’m fooling anyone! And yes, of course those young things are putting on a show. Aren’t they? Please?
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