Ignorant People!!

[kaybee]

RM, first of all, I'd like to say that you have my utmost respect. I've been running for years, and, even though I love it, I KNOW that I could never run a marathon, much less to an Ironman. All I can say is "What a Woman!" I deal with people like that woman all the time. My office mates do not understand what is "fun" about running 6 miles at 5:30 a.m., when it's "cold" (maybe 30) and dark. Now that I'm also riding a bike, they REALLY think I'm a nut. My husband says they're secretly jealous because they can't (or won't) do it. Don't let ignorant people get to you, and when they do, just pop in here and we'll be happy to remind you how awesome you are!

KB

[Grog]

The comment was indeed rude. However, not to defend the lady but I think many people have a very limiting notion of "health" (and "fun" or "challenge"), think only weight loss and can't imagine exercising for any other reason. That's sad, but it's how it is... Hence the rude comment. (Did I say it was rude???!!!)

[Deanna]

I have to agree that it was rude. Fortunately my rudeness is kept in check by my inability to come up with a quick response to comments like that -- I come up with them about a block or two later.

[Nanci]

I think there is a large portion of the gen pop that only views running as a means of weight loss- not as a competitive, or fun, or leisure activity. It was most likely a compliment meant as a way to start a conversation.

Nanci

[Pedal Wench]

Yeah, I see it like if you're holding up a pill bottle in the drug store, and someone walks up and asks if it works. Or, if you're buying a cleaning product and someone asks if it works for you. They're not implying that you're filthy, they just see you doing something they don't anything about, and they're curious, or just trying to say 'something' nice. If she was smiling, I really can't imagine that she intentionally said something rude!

[maillotpois]

I'd like to think it wasn't meant to be rude - but some people are so clueless and just stupid!!! I like to think an obvious dog person would have more tact and consideration, though! It doesn't sound like she did, though.

Good for you for having the persistence to do Tri's. That's a level of multi tasking that just baffles me and I am so impressed by friends who do them. It does sound like you like the running, and I am sure that helps. (It never really caught on for me. Did 3 marathons and hated every mile!)

[Fuji Girl]

I hear ya!!!!!

People ask me ALL the time if I'm pregnant! Strangers, people at work, neighbors. I AM SO SICK OF IT. In fact, it's offensive. I was always really skinny, then I had cancer and gained a ton of weight. Lost some of it, went on steroids, gained it back. For a girl who could always eat whatever she wanted, the extra 50 pounds was quite a shock. And it's not made any easier by people making comments about my weight, no matter what their intentions are. I don't care if they didn't mean anything by it, it's almost worse that they would hurt me so deeply and "not mean anything by it." It's so cruel. One woman at work ran up to me and patted by belly, saying "do we have something in here?" in front of everyone. I was mortified. All I could croak out was "Yeah, it's called fat" and walked away.

Now when it happens, I call them on it. It's happened so often, I have a pat answer for them, "What makes you think it's appropriate to ask such a question? Do you realize how that hurts my feelings? Do I come up to you and ask you about your thinning hair/fat ***/obnoxious laugh? No, I don't. And for future reference, I would appreciate it if you would keep your hurtful assessments of my appearance to yourself."

That usually shuts them up. But not always.

[Trekhawk]

The comment was indeed rude. However, not to defend the lady but I think many people have a very limiting notion of "health" (and "fun" or "challenge"), think only weight loss and can't imagine exercising for any other reason. That's sad, but it's how it is... Hence the rude comment. (Did I say it was rude???!!!)

I agree with Grog, a lot of people just cant imagine you would be out doing anything physical for fun or the challenge. They think all is exercise is inspired by a need to lose weight. Hey lets not tell them it can be fun though or we may have to fight our way through the crouds for a decent ride.