Starting Out? Read this!!!

Mr Slow

Posted on my Facebook Timeline.

Hey, Fat Girl.

Yes, you. The one feigning to not see me when we cross paths on the running track. The one not even wearing sports gear, breathing heavy. You’re slow, you breathe hard and your efforts at moving forward make you cringe.

You cling shyly to the furthest corridor, sometimes making larger loops on the gravel ring by the track just so you’re not on it. You sweat so much that your hair is all wet. You rarely stay for more than 20 minutes at a time, and you look exhausted when you leave to go back home. You never talk to anyone. I’ve got something I’d like to say to you.

You are awesome. If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice the reverence and respect I have for you. The adventure you have started is tremendous; it leads to a better health, to renewed confidence and to a brand new kind of freedom. The gifts you will receive from running will far exceed the gigantic effort it takes you to show up here, to face your fears and to bravely set yourself in motion, in front of others.

You have already begun your transformation. You no longer accept this physical state of numbness and passivity. You have taken a difficult decision, but one that holds so much promise. Every hard breath you take is actually a tad easier than the one before, and every step is ever so slightly lighter. Each push forward leaves the former person you were in your wake, creating room for an improved version, one that is stronger, healthier and forward-looking, one who knows that anything is possible.

You’re a hero to me. And, if you’d take off the blaring headphones and put your head up for more than a second or two, you would notice that the other runners you cross, the ones that probably make you feel so inadequate, stare in awe at your determination. They, of all people, know best where you are coming from. They heard the resolutions of so many others, who vowed to pick up running and improve their health, “starting next week”. Yet, it is YOU who runs alongside, who digs from deep inside to find the strength to come here, and to come back again.

You are a runner, and no one can take that away from you. You are relentlessly moving forward. You are stronger than even you think, and you are about to be amazed by what you can do. One day, very soon, maybe tomorrow, you’ll step outside and marvel at your capabilities. You will not believe your own body, you will realize that you can do this. And a new horizon will open up for you. You are a true inspiration.

I bow to you.

newbyrunner

Ugh, cringe. All I can think of is Fix You by Coldplay playing in my head...

Mr Slow

newbyrunner wrote: »

Ugh, cringe. All I can think of is Fix You by Coldplay playing in my head...

Aren't you a little ray of sunshine? :rolleyes:

RandyMann

Mr Slow wrote: »

Posted on my Facebook Timeline.

Excuse my ignorance but is someone addressing you as a fat girl and you have some secret admirer or something else? I dont really understand.

madon

Thats really nice, I often pass a woman on the beach that has gone from running with her head down a few months back to running now with it raised. The change in the way she carries herself, her body shape etc is amazing I sometimes feel like giving her a big hug and saying 'wow you must be so proud' However I'd say some day soon she'll pass me out on the beach and then I'll just hate her:p

Mr Slow

RandyMann wrote: »

Excuse my ignorance but is someone addressing you as a fat girl and you have some secret admirer or something else? I dont really understand.

Do I really have to explain?:cool:

It's one of those motivational posts that pop up every so often, most are sh1te but I thought this one was good.

Tom Joad

madon wrote: »

Thats really nice, I often pass a woman on the beach that has gone from running with her head down a few months back to running now with it raised. The change in the way she carries herself, her body shape etc is amazing I sometimes feel like giving her a big hug and saying 'wow you must be so proud' However I'd say some day soon she'll pass me out on the beach and then I'll just hate her:p

Since Christmas I have been meeting the same girl on my early morning runs at about 6.30 am three days a week - she puts her head down when i pass her as if she is embarassed to be seen (but lately i have been getting a small wave as we meet). She has transformed before my eyes - I'm estimating she has lost about 4-5 stone (seriously not exaggerating) - would love to tell her some day that she's my hero but I'd probably freak her out. Some days when I struggle to get up for my run I think of her and it inspires me to mtfu and get out and do it.

The OP made me think of her and its nice in a world of cynicism to hear a story like this..

RandyMann

Mr Slow wrote: »

Do I really have to explain?:cool:

It's one of those motivational posts that pop up every so often, most are sh1te but I thought this one was good.

Yes you do, thats why I asked and thanks. As regards a motivational post, it fails IMO

nerraw1111

Someone needs to stick to their own running rather than staring at some fat girl trying to run in peace

Kurt Godel

It's great for motivating weight loss, I puked after reading it.

Tom Joad

Is this After Hours or the Athletics forum??

Krusty_Clown

Tom Joad wrote: »

Is this After Hours or the Athletics forum??

A bit of both.

Mr Slow

RandyMann wrote: »

Mr Slow wrote: »

Do I really have to explain?:cool:

It's one of those motivational posts that pop up every so often, most are sh1te but I thought this one was good.

Yes you do, thats why I asked and thanks. As regards a motivational post, it fails IMO

Thank you for your valued contribution, i'll keep a note of it for when Christmas comes around and I'm looking for a 'Bah Humbug'.

Solobally8

Kurt Godel wrote: »

It's great for motivating weight loss, I puked after reading it.

Ha! Thanks kurt, made me laugh out loud:D





However I really like it, I suppose its because I was once that (slightly) fat girl who was ashamed to be seen huffing and puffing along.

ultraman1

i think its nice, ye shower of hard cyninical feckers...

Tipsygypsy

I think its sweet. And that was me 4 or 5 years ago. And it might be me again sometime soon if I dont get my ass of this boards and my hand out of the tayto pack. Thanks for the reminder

pconn062

If someone I know posted that I'd be going for the old "de-friend" button! :D

Younganne

you mightn't be a "fat girl" but everyone had to start their running somewhere...i think its great
(thats not aimed any anybody in particular but everyone in general)

myflipflops

As someone who was clinically obese 5 months ago and started running again, this is pretty hilarious.

I run around now and see people in the state I was in slogging along and working hard and I think 'Fair f*cks, you are doing something about it. I know it's tough".

To use phrases like 'reverence' and 'hero' is a bit of a farce though.

sara-lou

A bit cringey but i took heart from it.

Started running myself in Jan and have gone from being able to run 2 mins to running my 1st half marathon in 2 weeks, i was very intimidated myself when i would see people from the running club about and esp at running events but i think f*** it im trying my best. down 3.5 stone with another 2 to go will keep it in mind when im puffing around the half.

TRR

It's a little cheesy but nice sentiment. I meet lots of runners every day who keep the head down and never make eye contact. I guess some people do feel a little embarrassed. Everybody I meet on a run gets a big hello, be they big and slow or light and fast.

SlimCi

That was me too...down 5.5 stone now....I think the sentiment is good lol....but its a bit sickly sweet!:D

Borderline cute, borderline yuck.

Not sure about the 'hey, fat girl' opening. I mean, if the author is indeed so inspired by this person, it is unusual to still refer to her by her weight. Maybe it's meant as provocative or to draw the reader...but it jars.

sideswipe

If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice the reverence and respect I have for you.

It's the 'fit' girls that won't look me in the eye;)

Pisco Sour

I find it pretty cringeworthy. It's great to see people doing something about their weight issues and getting into running shoes, and out of McDonalds, but I think if this is what we find inspiring then our society is in a sad state of affairs.

Katie Taylor, Rob Heffernan, Annalise Murphy. These people are far more inspiring.

career_move

Pisco Sour wrote: »

I find it pretty cringeworthy. It's great to see people doing something about their weight issues and getting into running shoes, and out of McDonalds, but I think if this is what we find inspiring then our society is in a sad state of affairs.

Katie Taylor, Rob Heffernan, Annalise Murphy. These people are far more inspiring.

Our society is in a sad state of affairs when 26% of men and 21% of women are clinically obese and there are some studies to indicate that childhood obesity in Ireland has trebled in the last decade.....

RandyMann

career_move wrote: »

Our society is in a sad state of affairs when 26% of men and 21% of women are clinically obese and there are some studies to indicate that childhood obesity in Ireland has trebled in the last decade.....

Yes it is sad and what annoys is that there should be little reason why children are obese. Its the parents that are feeding them. Whatever you are doing to your own bodies is your own business but making your children obese is just criminal.

Anyway back on topic, fair play to anyone here losing weight and getting fit. I wouldnt go for the opening post myself but I find that saying how it is, is best. When I see someone down the track who has made a change, I would tell them that they are looking great and that it looks like they have lost weight etc. You can see how by just telling the truth means something. If I didnt see it, I would keep my mouth shut.

poeticseraphim

I am a skinny girl beginner where is my motivational post???

Mr Slow

poeticseraphim wrote: »

I am a skinny girl beginner where is my motivational post???

With the greatest of respect, you'll get there quicker and easier than someone who has to shed weight before they can get started.

Pisco Sour

Mr Slow wrote: »

With the greatest of respect, you'll get there quicker and easier than someone who has to shed weight before they can get started.

Get where exactly?

Cabaal

Pisco Sour wrote: »

Get where exactly?

to the end of the race

Mr Slow

Pisco Sour wrote: »

Get where exactly?

To the point that she's looking at things from the author's perspective rather than from the subject's. Where did I lose you?:P

theboyblunder

Yeah the sentiment in the OP was ok but way OTT. Like TRR said - everyone from the plodders to the speedsters gets a runners wave from me. Neither group are heros to me: were all putting up with the same level of discomfort, just at different paces. Ive even been known to acknowledge the odd cyclist when im in particularly good mood....

Pisco Sour

Mr Slow wrote: »

To the point that she's looking at things from the author's perspective rather than from the subject's. Where did I lose you?:P

Running/ Athletics is a sport, just like tennis and rugby. Too many people see it as merely a weight loss tool as opposed to a sport, and the original post here just reconfirms that. IMO such a thread would have been better suited to the exercise forum or whatever.

RandyMann

Pisco Sour wrote: »

Running/ Athletics is a sport, just like tennis and rugby. Too many people see it as merely a weight loss tool as opposed to a sport, and the original post here just reconfirms that. IMO such a thread would have been better suited to the exercise forum or whatever.

On the money.

Mr Slow

Pisco Sour wrote: »

Running/ Athletics is a sport, just like tennis and rugby. Too many people see it as merely a weight loss tool as opposed to a sport, and the original post here just reconfirms that. IMO such a thread would have been better suited to the exercise forum or whatever.

Fair enough, I just posted here because there are a lot of people in this forum who are starting out in our sport and may have a preconcieved notion that runners are elitist, the above post supports that view IMO. Why does it matter how or why people enter the sport? I started running to deal with a medical condition, I now love it. The Vaggabond started running when he was 20 stone, he's now targetting sub 3:30 in Berlin. Should we be confined to the exercise forum until we are fit enough to join the Athletics Forum?

ultraman1

its a sport for some ,for others its a pastime....

Pisco Sour

Mr Slow wrote: »

There's an exercise forum? :eek:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?forumid=252

You can backslap over there til your heart's content.

theboyblunder

Pisco Sour wrote: »

Mr Slow wrote: »

To the point that she's looking at things from the author's perspective rather than from the subject's. Where did I lose you?:P

Running/ Athletics is a sport, just like tennis and rugby. Too many people see it as merely a weight loss tool as opposed to a sport, and the original post here just reconfirms that. IMO such a thread would have been better suited to the exercise forum or whatever.

Ha that made me lol. Those with long memories will remember the log `the long long road to rotterdam'.

Youve changed more than the username it seems :-). Running\athletics can be whatever you want and as fast or as slow as you want. As long as you participate in races you participate in the sport. If it wasnt for the thousands running for a sense of achievement and weight loss where would world marathoning be?

You like sprinting, you know a lot about the current athletes. Great. Good for you. It doesnt mean that the average joe in the frank duffy 10 running to lose weight isnt participating. Percentage wise many of them prob get as close to the elite times as you do.

Pisco Sour

ultraman1 wrote: »

its a sport for some ,for others its a pastime....

Either way you dont see people on the tennis forum being inspired by a fat girl picking up a racket. We're selling our sport short here!

Pisco Sour

theboyblunder wrote: »

Ha that made me lol. Those with long memories will remember the log `the long long road to rotterdam'.

Youve changed more than the username it seems :-). Running\athletics can be whatever you want and as fast or as slow as you want. As long as you participate in races you participate in the sport. If it wasnt for the thousands running for a sense of achievement and weight loss where would world marathoning be?

You like sprinting, you know a lot about the current athletes. Great. Good for you. It doesnt mean that the average joe in the frank duffy 10 running to lose weight isnt participating. Percentage wise many of them prob get as close to the elite times as you do.

There's absolutely nothing inspiring about a 4:07 in Rotterdam. Nothing. Happy to say that.

By the way, this is nothing to do with how fast or how slow one goes. It's about the attitude to running. For some people just run to lose weight, rather than improve their times. Nothing wrong with that, but that's exercise, not sport IMHO.

Pisco Sour

Mr Slow wrote: »

Fair enough, I just posted here because there are a lot of people in this forum who are starting out in our sport and may have a preconcieved notion that runners are elitist, the above post supports that view IMO. Why does it matter how or why people enter the sport? I started running to deal with a medical condition, I now love it. The Vaggabond started running when he was 20 stone, he's now targetting sub 3:30 in Berlin. Should we be confined to the exercise forum until we are fit enough to join the Athletics Forum?

Haha, of course not. Just keep the cheesy inspirational posts to a minimum

RayCun

Pisco Sour wrote: »

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?forumid=252

You can backslap over there til your heart's content.

http://www.letsrun.com/forum/forum.php

You can bitch about joggers there.

This forum is Athletics/Running. There are no time qualifications required to post here, no requirement to race, or to watch professional athletics.

Pisco Sour

RayCun wrote: »

http://www.letsrun.com/forum/forum.php

You can bitch about joggers there.

This forum is Athletics/Running. There are no time qualifications required to post here, no requirement to race, or to watch professional athletics.

Good man. Go twist my words. Not bitching about joggers at all.

But calling obese people trying to lose weight "heroes" is something worth bitching about methinks.

theboyblunder

Pisco Sour wrote: »

There's absolutely nothing inspiring about a 4:07 in Rotterdam. Nothing. Happy to say that.

By the way, this is nothing to do with how fast or how slow one goes. It's about the attitude to running. For some people just run to lose weight, rather than improve their times. Nothing wrong with that, but that's exercise, not sport IMHO.

Thats not my point. 4:07 marathon was the best you could run at the fitness level you had at the time. Time is irrelevant. My point was that IIRC your training for that race wasnt exactly consistent with the 'athletics is a sport' stuff your espousing now :-)

Many people start to lose weight and then get the bug. We all start somewhere

Pisco Sour

theboyblunder wrote: »

Thats not my point. 4:07 marathon was the best you could run at the fitness level you had at the time. Time is irrelevant. My point was that IIRC your training for that race wasnt exactly consistent with the 'athletics is a sport' stuff your espousing now :-)

Many people start to lose weight and then get the bug. We all start somewhere

Fair point that. I had my modest goal (finishing, while running the entire way) and I trained with that in mind. At the same time I was interested in my splits, my ranking overall, my ranking after each split etc etc (bit of a stats geek though) so I looked at it as a sport, even if I didn't compete particularly well

Just seems a bit mad that people could be inspired by an obese person trying to lose weight. That's what you call making up for years of bad life decisions. It's not worthy of adulation.

RandyMann

Pisco Sour wrote: »

Either way you dont see people on the tennis forum being inspired by a fat girl picking up a racket. We're selling our sport short here!

Classic!

Mr Slow

Pisco Sour wrote: »

Just seems a bit mad that people could be inspired by an obese person trying to lose weight. That's what you call making up for years of bad life decisions. It's not worthy of adulation.

Gary Kirwan from Limerick is doing it, 3,100 friends on Facebook who look at him having lost 14 stone and reckon 'If he can...'

You can say he has all the help in the world but he's still got to do the work and eat a very strict diet, he is inspiring people to get off their arses and exercise and that's worthy of recognition at least.

Tom Joad

Pisco Sour wrote: »

Just seems a bit mad that people could be inspired by an obese person trying to lose weight. That's what you call making up for years of bad life decisions. It's not worthy of adulation.

Why not - ok you can argue that she shouldn't have got into that state in the first place but hey none of us are perfect and you don't know what is going on in people's lives. But at least some are doing something about it and willing to endure the ridicule of some in an effort to improve themselves healthwise and I for one will applaud someone like that everyday of the week...

As for the elitest attitude - i think you will find threads on the GAA forum about old fat blokes getting back to playing the game - even the soccer forum has threads about old fat blokes playing 5 a side!! The accessibility of running is what makes it popular and surely the more people taking it up the better for the sport..

Pisco Sour

Tom Joad wrote: »

Why not - ok you can argue that she shouldn't have got into that state in the first place but hey none of us are perfect and you don't know what is going on in people's lives. But at least some are doing something about it and willing to endure the ridicule of some in an effort to improve themselves healthwise and I for one will applaud someone like that everyday of the week...


As for the elitest attitude - i think you will find threads on the GAA forum about old fat blokes getting back to playing the game - even the soccer forum has threads about old fat blokes playing 5 a side!! The accessibility of running is what makes it popular and surely the more people taking it up the better for the sport..

Well done to you as well. Twisting my words. Seems a common trait here.

I've actually been one who has been harping on for awhile about how I'd love T&F to be more accessible to all standards and all ages in Ireland, like it is here in Melbourne. Nothing elitist at all. I'm not an elite. In fact very few on this forum are.

My point is that athletics/running should be treated as a sport. It doesn't matter the standard that people are participating, but that those who take part should see it as a sport. As I've said anybody, regardless of standard, who plays tennis, rugby, cricket etc sees what they are doing as a sport, yet running is seen to so many as just an exercise tool, a weight loss tool. Fine if that's what somebody is using it for, but that is exercise, not sport, and then for us to go and call people who use the sport as such "heroes" is madness. You'd see this sort of backslapping on no other sports forum here. Even by A/R's backslapping standards, the OP here is off the wall.

rovers_runner

Mr Slow wrote: »

Gary Kirwan from Limerick is doing it, 3,100 friends on Facebook who look at him having lost 14 stone and reckon 'If he can...'

The same Gary Kirwan who thinks he is doing MdS next year and who is currently 26 stone and had to drop to a half marathon at the weekend because his body probably cannot deal with what he is trying to do?

There are ways of going about everything, the majority of people are responsible for themselves and don't pig out and get to 41 stone to start with.

People overcome real problems every day in the real world, paralympics & special olympics illustrate this and they should be applauded.

People who make themselves obese to the point of nearly killing themselves, and then want a TV show/sponsor/press clippings to tell them how great they are for getting themselves back to where they should have been all along are not an inspiration.