The Sun Will Come Out
I’m venting, so I apologize ahead of time.
Today I really needed my run to be my version of finding Zen. I needed the endorphins like a crack addict needs…. well crack. But, no such thing was in order for today. Let’s face it some days you’re the windshield and some days your the bug.
Open Letter to Type A Runners in Central Park
Dear NYC Type A Runner,
This letter comes to you from a type AB runner. The A is because I’m a little type A when it comes to working out and the B comes from the fact that running is not a competition for me. You however cannot let go of that A. You insist on rearing your type A head at all times. Your persistent need to be the best at all times is annoying to my type AB personality.
When I see you in Central Park running along at your slow pace, I have no thoughts towards you. I am in my own world. When I approach you and begin to catch up to you, why do you insist upon speeding up? Why do you then turn your head towards me as if to say “game on” and speed up huffing and puffing to run ahead of me? Seriously, sometimes a girl runs faster than a boy and sometimes a girl is faster than another girl.
I DON’T CARE ABOUT YOUR PACE!! I don’t care if you are faster than me. I don’t care if you run further than me. All I care about is zoning out and having some “me” time.
Is it too much to ask that you leave me and my run alone? Must you insist upon racing me? If you speed up only to prevent me from passing, don’t you realize that you will eventually slow down? When you slow down and I pass you again, why do you then insist upon racing one more time? Seriously, I don’t get it.
Seriously, you must stop this madness. It’s winter. It’s cold. I just want to run. I just want you to ignore me when I run ahead of you.
For goodness sake its the holiday season, can you let it go just for the month of December? If you need some help finding a little competition perhaps you should try one of the 40 or so NYRR races.
Please, please I beg you stop attempting to race me in the park, I’m not that fast and really can’t be bothered. Believe it or not all I want from my run is a little peace of mind.
Thank you for understanding and for stopping the madness.
May you win your next unofficial race against someone else,
Type AB Runner
Ohmigosh – you know I’m not a runner, but I bet this is INSANELY annoying.
omg that is ridiculous! Like I said before, just throw twigs at them lol =)
Mari – I love your thinking!
I don’t run, but when I do, I stroll and enjoy. I have not an ounce of running competition in me. I go to the gym and run next to someone who I “feel is trying to race me” and then my competative spirit comes out! So, I have it in me, you have it in you.
You need to write a running etiquette book w/ Suzanne (therunningmama.com)!
I am TOTALLY a type AB… I can’t stand when people need to race you! I usually try and be pretty neutral though and just let them pass. I’m not a very fast runner anyway.
Joanna, that’s a great idea!
Janna, its not that I’m fast trust me.
I do let them go, but they eventually slow down, therefore I catch up to them and it happens all over again.
you need to Dr Phil that out!
Morgan – You’re right on. My husband read it and told me I needed a hug. =)
Ha!!! People need to get a grip for realz! I would love to know what is going through their heads…so dumb!
Courtney
adventures in tri-ing
That is so true. I run a lot and I am like you, I do it for me time, not trying to win a race. It even happens at the gym, each time I increase the speed the next person does it. Crazy.
just pretend u have a twitch…and say “mind ya buisness” fresh prince of bel air style
haha, I love this post. Sometime ppl will pass me too, it’s not a race or a game. I just want to run and be left alone.
Hahahah, I run in central park too and this is the truest thing I have ever read! I love running there but between those crazy type A runners, the type A bikers that ride in groups of 50 and the tourists that randomly stop to take a picture in the middle of the lane (though not at 5am, thank god) it can be a bit much.
Good thing there is the reliable old man half shuffling along every morning like clockwork and the views of the city over the resevoir in the sunrise to make it worthwhile!
And I’ve written before about how running, for me, is a time not only to run, but also to connect with myself. And I don’t need other people to make that happen. So I’m with you on this! If you want a race, find a competition!!
This post made me smile, I love it! And, I totally feel you!
I would just start slowing down and once they pass, yell out “You win!” or “The finish line is over there!”
I feel your pain! I’ve actually asked people to “please leave me alone” with a smile. Otherwise I’ll just slow down until they pass me.
Hope you get the run you need tomorrow!
This is classic, I feel the same way running in in CP or along the west side park….must be a New Yorker thing.