run, rest, eat, bitch, buy things, cross-train, blog, repeat.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Response to Chad Stafko

Ok, You're a Runner. Get Over It.

I'm sure you've read this and if not, read it. It will take 3 minutes.

I didn't want to get defensive about it, because honestly, it's a terribly written opinion piece. But, I've been stewing over it, so here's a response.


Yup, I have a 26.2 sticker on my car. Is it to brag to other people that I've ran a marathon? Maybe. But, I also have a South Carolina Gamecocks sticker and license plate holder on my car, too. And I can assure you, I am certainly not bragging about that. It's more of a... "yeah, I'm a Carolina fan, feel sorry for me." The thing I enjoy most about the 26.2 sticker is that typically, only other runners know what the hell it means. If I really wanted to brag I'd have a sticker that says: I RAN A MARATHON. SUCK IT, MERE MORTAL.

You know what? I also run outside. Not because I want people to see me running, but because in a world where I spend 8-9 hours everyday at a desk in an office building it feels fucking fantastic to be out in nature. What a novel idea! I actually enjoy breathing in the fresh air and seeing the changing seasons. And yeah, some of my clothes have reflective strips on it. Uh. not because I want you see me OMGrunning, but because I don't want you to hit me with your fucking car.

And sure, there may be people who only run to show off, but at least they are doing something HEALTHY.

I guess the op-ed was supposed to be funny? And as a runner, of course I am biased, but I just don't see how runners....just running, wearing race shirts, and having a number sticker on their car are so offensive to non-runners?

Has this guy ever heard of Crossfit, Hot Yoga, Flywheel, etc...? They are merchandise cash cows. I make fun of crossfit ALL the time, but at the end of the day, I think it's great that people are going to their boxes and lifting tractor tires or whatever and strengthening their bodies. I really do. They are as passionate about their sport as I am about mine. I respect that.

I am proud to be a runner. I am proud that I choose day after day to lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement. Not because it makes me a better person than a non-runner, but because it makes me a better person, period. I am a happier and healthier person because I run.What a wonderful world we would live in if everyone had a hobby that made them happy, healthy, motivated and gave them a sense of pride and accomplishment in their life.

Yeah, those are all TERRIBLE things.

And in a world where a sedentary lifestyle has become the norm, I don't think criticism of any HEALTHY endeavor is funny or responsible. It just makes you sound like a whiny, insecure douche.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Perfect response. Love it. You need to sell YOUR version of the marathon sticker for the car, I'd buy it. LOL!

Carina said...

When he went down the path of shopping at running stores, I was waiting for him to say, "and dear god, don't ever ask one of them about a recent race, they'll go on and on and on for hours..." It struck me as being written by someone who is unhappy and almost jealous.

Coach Bitch said...

You know what's totes lolz? Some douche whining about how other people need attention in a PUBLISHED article in the Wall Street Journal.

Irony much?

Amy said...

Wesa: I am starting to feel a little like... oops. I fell for a lame marketing ploy. But, I couldn't help it. That article was a dumb waste of space (perfect for the interwebz)!.

Carina: Yeah, I think you nailed it.

Amy said...

Coach Bitch: You win.

Bill said...

I just released a new iPhone app this week, FitSnap, that I think Stafko would really, really hate.

FitSnap is a free app that adds your workout information on top of your photos to create inspirational pictures that can be shared with friends on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter.

Just thought you might want to check it out. You could create pictures to use on your site with it.

This is a free app for the iPhone and can be downloaded from the app store here:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fitsnap/id736826299

More information about the application, including images and how it works is found on our website here: http://fitsnapapp.com/