We’re all shapes and sizes!

[030961]

Now, I know I don’t look like a runner. Three big ops in the past five years have disfigured my belly, and ahead of abdominal reconstruction surgery in a couple of weeks time, I’ve been back and forth for testing over the past month or so. I had to laugh the other day……. I had to go to hospital to see the surgeon for a procedure ahead of the big stuff. The consultant was assisted by a very lovely senior nurse. Ahead of the procedure she asked me to remove my shirt. She’d have seen the humps and bumps in my belly at that time. After all was over, the equally nice consultant took time to tell me everything she’d done, and why. Her last question was to ask me if I had anything to ask her. I did. I asked how long I had to wait for her stitches to go off before I could run again. ‘Q’ major laughter from the nurse, ‘yeah right’ she said!!! To be honest I was in stitches myself! She wasn’t to know that I do try to trundle my way around the country lanes around here best I can, Me and my odd looking belly managed 5K this morning, I didn’t think that was too bad really…

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Congratulations to you 030961 on running that 5K this morning, not all runners have the physique of Mo Farah, they come in all shapes and sizes, I can imagine you having a laugh when you told the nurse that you loved running, so what, I am sure the nurse was a little envious of you, as the song goes, "Keep on Running"

[030961 60minGraduate in reply to AlMorr]

I did Al Morr, it was all great fun! I’ll keep on running and frightening the sheep and horses that are on my route, loving every minute of it all!

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

Well done !And just goes to show , people should not make assumptions like that even though you did both manage to laugh about it .

[030961 60minGraduate in reply to Instructor57]

I agree…. But then, I could see her point a bit!

[Instructor57 Graduate10 in reply to 030961]

😁👍

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

I think that’s flipping amazing, lots of us don’t look like runners, but we do it all the same, good luck with everything and look forward to seeing you back

[030961 60minGraduate]

Aw thank you. I’m looking forward to being back in one piece, then move over Mo Farah!!

[CBDB Graduate10]

It’s funny, isn’t it. So often it’s people who don’t run who have a set perception of what people look like who run, although it’s such a human thing.

Hope your op goes well and that your running gets you back as soon as possible.

If I am anything to go by, although I don’t look like a runner, although I “run” slower than anyone I know, I need my regular runs for that inner contentment with myself.

So all thumbs up to our trundling along various country lanes!

[030961 60minGraduate in reply to CBDB]

Hi CBDB, I fully agree. Once we’ve set off and taken that first step, it’s just us versus ourselves and provided we keep enjoying it, the rest of the world and its opinions don’t really matter. I shall have another rather long scar to share with the sheep, horses, and birds when I can return to running after the op, and though it’ll mean I’m slower, who cares…..I’ll still be out there, in the arena again, and all will for however long the run takes, be right again with the world. Happy running my friend. 030961.

[CBDB Graduate10]

😍 Exactly this! Put so very well. 🙏

[Yesletsgo Ambassador Graduate10]

It's a bit off to laugh at you! Why shouldn't you be a runner? Ah, I know why she was laughing, it's guilt. 'If this person who has recovered from all these surgeries is keen to run, why do I spend every evening on the sofa wondering how to get fit?'Well done 030961, keep on running (once you get the OK after your treatment)

[030961 60minGraduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

Thank you Yesletsgo,I’ll keep on running whatever and come what may, and to just be part of this fantastic support group will I’m sure get me through what’s around the corner for me in a couple of weeks time. Take care and happy running. 030961.

[Cmoi Graduate10]

Hmm, in my book that's pretty unprofessional, especially from a senior nurse.

Yes, I'd probably have felt obliged to be Mrs Be Polite Don't Make A Fuss People Pleaser and laugh it off. Or I'd have done some wimpy apologetic self-justifying (I know it doesn't look like it but actually I do run hihi haha so sorry for daring to disagree with you.)

But really, who the hell does she think she is? There are enough posts on the C25K forum from people - let's be honest, usually women - who are worried about going outside to run because they think they'll be laughed at for being too old, or overweight, or slow, or red-faced, or whatever. The last thing they need is for a healthcare professional to join in the stereotyping.

I'm glad it's not stopping you, and I wish you all the best for your op and your future running!

[030961 60minGraduate in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you Cmoi. I’ll keep on running come what May!

[Ann_get_it_going]

It takes a great personality to not be put out by that comment. I was stopped by someone on one of my week 9 runs by a lady who said to me that it was great to see that someone like me trying so hard! At the time I was 27 mins into the 30 min run and I didn’t want to stop so I gave her my best smile, a thank you and a thumbs up. I’m sure she meant well but it’s kinda stuck in my head. Thankfully the feeling of just doing exercise completely outweighs the extra self consciousness that she gave me.

Btw, I’m short and fat, just turned 40 and I could use a whole body sports bra if there was ever such an invention.

[030961 60minGraduate in reply to Ann_get_it_going]

Haha! I had something similar the other day, a car stopped me asking for directions, the chap said ‘you look like you could do with a rest!!’ Anyway, keep up the good work, any run is always one for us, none for them!!

[Ann_get_it_going in reply to 030961]

I’m starting again (x3) with an aim for a Christmas pudding 10k this year. Just as soon as I get over covid 😭

[Ann_get_it_going in reply to 030961]

Good luck with the operation, am sure you’ll be back at it in no time

[030961 60minGraduate in reply to Ann_get_it_going]

Fantastic, and I think that must be the earliest this year I’ve had a conversation about Christmas pud.....lovely!

Many thanks for your good wishes, it’s a bit daunting but am getting use to it a bit! Running shoes will be polished and waiting by the front door for me! Take care,

030961

[Mimirossi Graduate10]

I had the same reaction when, in my late fifties, I asked the consultant when I would be able to go trampolining again, after breaking my big toe! He gave me such a funny look!

[Yesletsgo Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Mimirossi]

My lovely late auntie took up tap dancing in her 60s and moved on to aerobics. She'd just turn up at whatever class was convenient. In her 80s she went to one where she couldn't manage the last 10 minutes or so. The instructor asked her if she was OK, and as an afterthought how old she was. When she told him he was horrified that an old lady could manage any of his advanced high impact class, let alone 45 minutes. Oh, how I miss her!

[Kirst13 Graduate10]

I'm horrified at the response you got. Bit of education needed there about both running and communication.

[030961 60minGraduate in reply to Kirst13]

I fully agree!