Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Justification

I was at several family gatherings this weekend. A couple of people did say, "So how's your training?" They were two of the shortest conversations I had all day. Why?? If I hear about someone else's interest or new hobby or new endeavor I will ask lots of questions and really talk with them about it. At least I try. This does not seem to be the case with my life's passion. It is sport. It is "working out" to some. I do not think people realize it is an entire new way of life for me. So why won't I tell them?
Am I ashamed?
Am I worried I'll appear conceited?
I do not know!
I always give the shortest possible answer to these questions.
"It's going well. I am enjoying it a lot."
They reply, "good." That's that.
But wait!!!! I have so so much more to say! I'd love to tell them about my awesome hill repeats last week or the 2 hour ride I did that morning. I'd love to give lots of crazy details about the 100x100 workout I swam with my brother last week. I could talk about how amazing I feel at 6:20 a.m. when I've finished a 1.5 hour workout and the rest of the house is just starting the day. I could talk about how incredibly hard it is to hear the alarm beep at 4:42 a.m. and know you just Have to get up to train. I could go on and on about the amazing feeling I get when I finish a triathlon. I am proud that I am setting a good example for my boys. Not only an example of staying fit but I'm showing them how to set goals and work hard to achieve them. I could talk about that.
But I don't.
And they don't ever ask more.
I wonder why no one is interested unless they do it too.
I am interested in my cousin in-laws piano recital she put on the other day even though she's a busy pediatrician in "real life."
Is this ever going to change?
I am not sure I feel that I have to hide what I do, but I do not feel comfortable talking about it.
Why do I feel like I need to justify what I do?

6 comments:

Jamie Anderson said...

I know what ya mean. But often if you do go on to tell them they say "you're crazy" and that's the end of it. I just don't talk about it much with non-runners anymore. Sucks to be them! They're missing out on all of the fun.

Trisaratops said...

I hear ya. That's why it's nice to "meet" other like-minded chicks out here in blogland! :)

GetBackJoJo said...

As you know, I totally hear you.
I worry that:
-they will feel bad if I talk about it b/c they are fat and out of shape.
-they will not like me b/c I am in shape and they are not.
-they don't get it. They think it's about being thin. The other day my neighbor asked me if I was a "0" or a "2". I'm not lying! so annoying. That's all it is to most people.
-etc. etc. etc.
But, Ange, I WANT TO HEAR ALL ABOUT IT! TELL ME! (I know you already do.) :) I like to hear every single solitary little detail.
So, how about those time trials?? What's happening with that?
Love ya!

Ange said...

Exactly Mary-They think it's all about the vanity piece...at least that's what I think they think. I don't want to "show off" what I can do...I want to share and get others fired up to get out and move move move!! Thank goodness we have each other fellow tri/running bloggers!

mjcaron said...

Hi Ange,
Thanks for your encouragement. I appreciate that. I treid to email you but I guess I can't respond via email. See ya.. Melissa

Anonymous said...

I will be seeing a lot of my family in a few weeks at a wedding and probably won't even mention my triathlon training because of many of the same reasons you talk about. My husband and kids are the only family members that know I'm training for my first 70.3...and that's like one of the most exciting things in my life right now!

You know we want to hear all about your passion though. We share it. You're an inspiration, too, because you are an animal with your training!!