I would be the first person to say that there is no such thing as a stupid running question. That is if a runner is asking it. However, as many runners already know, there seems to be no end to the stupid running questions that we get asked by non-runners.
Stupid Running Questions
Honestly, I guess I should be happy that non-runners are interested enough in our sport to ask questions even if they are stupid ones. Here are a few of my (no so) favorites.
How long is that marathon?
This one has a few variations, like “what marathon are you running this weekend?” when the race is actually a 5k, but the gist is that some non-runners just don’t get that the modern-day marathon is 26.2 miles, no more, no less.
Did you win?
I guess we should be happy that our friends have such faith in us, but one stupid question I hear a lot is “did you win?” like that is the only reason a person would actually go out and run a race. No, chances are I didn’t win, though I actually did, once, long ago, in a very small race.
Will they cancel the race if it rains?
I’ve had race volunteers ask me this stupid running question. Yes, I was the volunteer coordinator and I had several calls the morning of the race asking if they should bother to show “because it was raining.” Read the small print, rain or shine!
Do you really need more shoes?
Okay, so this question usually gets asked by our non-running spouses, but in any case, the answer is yes.
How was your jog?
My jog? Well, I don’t know. My run was great though.
Isn’t it too hot to run?
In all honesty, I almost took this one off the stupid running question list because frankly, some days it has been too hot to run. Almost. I still did it.
Why?
There are so many answers to the question as to why I run I wouldn’t even know where to start. Some non-runners just don’t get why we do something as hard as running when we’re not getting paid for it (and we’re not winning, duh). I guess my best answer is, “because I can.” (I have more answers because, of course, I’ve written a blog post about it.)
Are you fast?
The best answer for that non-runners stupid running question? I’m faster than you are!
Stupid Running Comments
I’m not sure what’s worse, the stupid running questions or the comments. A question implies a desire to learn or to know something. Many statements from non-runners sound more like indictments.
You’re going to ruin your knees
This is probably the granddaddy of all the stupid running comments. Why is it that non-runners, even those that love us, are sure that we’re going to ruin our knees? What gives them that special knowledge? We runners know that, not only is it not true, there is actual research that is starting to prove the opposite.
I can’t even drive that far!
I think this is said in homage to how far we can run but it just comes out sounding snarky, so stop it.
I used to be a runner
This kind of makes me sad. I’m sure there are real reasons out there (not just “my knees hurt,”) but I always feel that most people could have made some adaptations and kept running in their life at least in a small way. This comment goes along with the always encouraging “you’re still running?” said in a voice of amazement, probably surprised that now that we’re older we haven’t blown out our knees.
You’re crazy
Some people just skip right to the point. I usually hear this when I mention I ran 10 miles before work or that I need to run 20 miles on Saturday.
Running is boring
When a non-runner makes this stupid running comment I just turn and walk away because obviously we have nothing in common and there is no way I’m going to convince them that running is anything but boring.
Cardio is so overrated
Current fitness thinking is that people put too much emphasis on cardio when they should concentrate more on strength training. I’ll say this one time, loudly, for those in the back. RUNNING IS NOT CARDIO! Running is a lifestyle, a life, that which gives us energy, peace, calm, and wisdom (yes, I threw that one in to see if you’re paying attention). I promise. I will not hop on the elliptical in the hopes of burning more calories. But, you will not deter me from my beloved running.
If you’re a non-runner, please don’t take offense. This is all meant in good fun, a little tease because runners tend to hear the same questions over and over. I promise you, if you decide you want to join us on the road we will never laugh at your questions again.
Do you have a “favorite” stupid running question or comment that you hear a lot? Do you have a good reply?
And Now It’s Time for the Runners’ Roundup!
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Inspire Me Monday with Janet
Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
The Runners’ Roundup with Deborah, Lisa, Jenn, Laura, and Me!
The Weekly Run Down with Deborah and Kim
Fit Five Friday with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida
Ultimate Coffee Date with Deborah and Coco
Haha, great ones, Debbie!
I am hearing that more and more: we should avoid “chronic cardio” and instead, focus on HIIT and strength.
But as you say: running is a lifestyle! It’s my therapy, I need that time outside, running in the forest. And who knows, maybe it does make us wise? 🙂
I’m glad to know you read all my words! 🙂 I never think of running as being cardio, though it does have the advantage of making our hearts healthy.
I used to have kids at the school where I worked ask me all the time if I won my race. I always felt like I was letting them down a little by telling them no! I really don’t understand how people don’t get the whole “marathon” thing- that it’s a set distance of 26.2 miles.
It’s different when it comes from a kid. They really think that you might have won the race!
Ha ha. These are great.
I think you hit them all.
So many things that we hear all the time!
I love all these, so spot on! I always get asked if I’m still running followed by a look of amazement when I say yes.
I honestly think that every person that I see who I haven’t seen for a while says that. My husband too!
Yeah, I’ve had people ask me how far is the Air Force Marathon (for which I’m currently training for)…it’s 26.2 miles, Honey, just like all the other marathons I’ve run LOL When I ran my first marathon, about 1/4-mile into the race there was a group of local cheerleaders who were chanting “Let’s go, joggers! Let’s go, joggers!” I’m guess none of them were runners.
Lol, I guess the redeeming factor is that all of these people mean well.
I have heard all of these, some more than others!!! And as an injured runner, I agree wholeheartedly with your statement that running is a lifestyle. Man, do I miss running!!!
Oh, I know you do. Even with all the things you’ve been trying to keep active with it’s just not the same.
These are all so common. The jogging/running thing does not bother me though. I think unless you are really into running, it is hard to grasp what drives us.
I have gotten so slow in recent years I’ve even described my own movement as jogging from time. 🙂
I absolutely love the point about running not being “cardio.” Yes, I’m not running to lose weight or burn calories. I guess if I traded running for serious weight lifting I could have a “better” body (firmer triceps or whatever) but who cares? I run for the joy it gives me. I guess the same people who say I’m doing too much cardio are the ones who think running is boring!
It also makes me sad when someone says they “used to” run. I immediately try to delve into their issues and come up with solutions for them so they can run again (on a side note, many people find me annoying.)
Great post Debbie!
Lol, I hear the “used to run” a lot because I work at a fitness center at a country club so there are a lot of older people. I
I think you’ve done a good job of rounding them up, Debbie. My husband still asks “you know it’s raining, right?” “you know it’s really cold, right?” “you know it’s supposed to be really hot, right?”.
I think maybe some people stop running because of their pride. They don’t want to be slower, so they refuse to run slower, and get injured. Not everyone, of course, but I think it probably happens a lot.
I also think that we need a balance of cardio & ST (and mobility, of course!). Strong is great, but that heart is the biggest muscle. 🙂
I know, I don’t quite get the people that say that cardio isn’t important. I like a combination of it all (and I’m happy that I’m a runner and don’t have to get my cardio in on an elliptical or stationary bike!)
omg, the cardio is overrated from the beach body cult, I mean downline!
I appreciated the “Did you win?” once – from my then five year old nephew. He got my medal and still wears it almost two years later.
Yes, it’s different when kids ask. They mean it in an innocent way and really think you have a chance to do it!