Fitting Remarks: Think Happy on Your Run

By Jess in Minneapolis

This morning, I met Abby and Kelly for a hot and humid 10k. We were having a great time, catching up and enjoying the pretty Lake of the Isles scenery. But then, as we jogged back on the greenway (a paved bike/walking path) Abby made a move to pass another runner on the gravel. She said something like "on your right, thanks!" and who knows what that guy thought she said, but he retorted with an angry remark  filled with expletives about how we needed to share the path. We were all taken aback by his anger. I think one of us might have replied with a snarky remark about how we were sharing the path. That set this guy off, and he called us every dirty word in the book. He wouldn't stop....Apparently, we were now sluts, b*tches, etc...All because we weren't sharing the path?!?

We were actually a little frightened.  Think of it as road rage, but you don't have the safety of your car to get away! At least there were three of us running together, but let me tell you, our last mile was definitely the fastest, as we sprinted off, worried that this crazy person might see where we turned off and figure out where we were coming from.

I was shocked that someone would have so much anger on a run. What about those endorphins? Why all the rage? True, it was hot and humid; maybe he was having a really bad run? We've all been there (though we definitely don't react the way this guy did). Unfortunately, this guy did ruin our morning run with his poor attitude.

But it may not necessarily be an angry runner that brings you down and makes the run a bummer. There are a lot of ways to lose your motivation or take the fun out of the run. Sometimes for me, I just focus too much on the uncomfortable things- the sweat, the dehydration, the hot, hot sun...I forget to appreciate all the wonderful things about running. Clearly, this guy this morning had more issues than the ones that usually ruin my run, but I think we can all benefit from remembering to focus on the things you LOVE about running, especially when you're feeling a bit negative.

Just take it from the geniuses at Runner's World, when they remind us to think happy  on our runs.

Think Happy!!!