Wednesday 20 August 2014

Runstreak Day #263 - the angry run

Day 263... otherwise known as 'the angry run'.

Where I left the house in a terrible mood and ran until I felt better.  I didn't stop on any of the hills.  I didn't want to stop at any road crossings.  I hadn't planned a route... I just wanted to run and run and run.

It came off the back of a rotten day... and then hearing that people had been talking about me behind my back saying that I was 'too thin' and that I was taking it too far with my running pushed me right over the edge.  I absolutely hate the way that women are judged.  You're too fat.  You're too thin.  You're too lazy.  You do too much.  You don't do this.  You should do that.

You know, I get that people don't understand why I love running.  I wouldn't have understood it at first either.  I worked at it long enough that I moved beyond the hook that is the surprise that you can run at all... and started to find that it brought me more than just the reward of movement.  I find it soothing.  I've made friends through my running.  I'm inspired by other runners.  I love the space and freedom.  I love how strong and capable it makes me feel.  I love the feeling that I've achieved something just for me every day.  I love the rhythm of my breathing and the pattering of my feet.  It makes me love my body for what it can do, not what it looks like.

And I get that this isn't something other people know.  I imagine they think I run to 'stay thin' or for some other superficial reason.  Personally, I couldn't give a sh*t about what my body looks like any more.  I have strong, powerful legs that can carry me for miles.  I have lungs that no longer get chest infections.  I have a mind that is freed from stress and migraines.

And they just don't get it.

I ran over 10k this evening.  I could happily have run more.

Oh, and if any of the 'too thin / taking it too far' brigade are reading this... it might interest you to know that since starting my runstreak I haven't gained or lost a single pound.  Not one.  I look after my body, I look after my diet... and I can run a damn sight further and faster than you.  And I don't collapse in a heap afterwards.  So there.

Now... tea.  I NEED tea.  :o)

Geeky stats stuff

Distance:6.39 mi
Time:56:08
Avg Pace:8:47 min/mi
Elevation Gain:252 ft

3 comments:

  1. Well said! As I've said before, I am convinced that most criticism is born of jealousy. Anyway, anything that has a side effect of getting rid of migraines, stress and chest infections has got to be good.

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  2. Go Sarah! You be happy living your life as they are obviously unhappy living theirs!! I think what you are doing is awesome. x

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  3. Good for you! I will have been running for 10 years next january, and have been struggling to motivate to get out lately, and I'm finding your experience quite inspiring. Thanks!

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