Disclaimer: Mom, Dad, Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents-I love y'all very much and this post is intended to be written in a general sense!
For this week's post I was inspired by pro triathlete Jesse Thomas' much funnier post on this subject. Hope you enjoy (*runners, simply exchange the tri-speak with much simpler words, like "marathon, half-marathon, 5k, and pace;)). I learned last weekend that a few family members read this blog on occasion, so I'll do my best to not offend!
This past weekend I went to a little housewarming/Father's day get-together with my family. Every once in a while, it's nice to get out of my little bubble and mix it up a bit. As many of you know, I am the only one in my family who finds putting as many miles on my body as I do my car some weeks, sweating my behind off in the Texas heat, getting really tired, and occasionally hurting myself in the process a fulfilling pursuit. Then we read about it, often brag about it, and talk about it like 6th graders gushing about first crushes. What's so abnormal about that?!
It's no secret that running and triathlon are growing subcultures becoming more mainstream, but for those who may not be aware: we are still a rather small bunch. So...flash forward to family gatherings, and then I realize that my lifestyle is well, rather unique in the grand scheme. Here are my observations and tips for mixing with non-endurance athlete family members:
1. Realize that mileage, gear, and training talk may or may not make the other party's face light up, and that's okay. Believe it or not, a few years ago I actually had to explain what Brooks was! Understand not everyone gets giddy about Garmins or that killer set of 800s you did last week.
2. Be prepared to explain different distances multiple times; and do it nicely. "Marathon, 10k, Half-Ironman," etc.can be hard to grasp at first. Remember there was once a time many of us did not know the lingo either. Side note: it's always fun to describe the actual distances that you and your friends go after, and that there's both a marathon and an Ironman triathlon in my small slice of suburbia.
3. If your relative thinks your race times are incredible but you "could do better", simply say "thank you" even if you disagree. I think that's good to do in any situation regarding compliments on race times. Why let our arbitrary disappointment supersede somebody else's compliment? In somebody else's eyes, you may be a superstar.
4. Try and keep the training talk to a manageable level. As soon as disinterested or confused looks arise, that's often cue to change it up. Keeping some topics in your back pocket is always a good way to go-and they'll still want to hang out with you.
5. Use the principles of reinforcement when you get called "crazy", a "nut", or when you're told "I don't understand ___________" (unless you like that kind of attention). Basically, only respond to those comments you would want repeated, otherwise, simply smile and maybe nod.
6. When you say you ran/biked/swam a certain distance last week, expect a multitude of comments and responses: some will be in awe, some will look at you cockeyed. See #5.
7. Love your relatives for who they are and they will likely return the favor. Appreciate the things they're into and learn from one another. Remember, diversity of interests is always a good thing!
So there we have it, a quick study on athlete-nonathlete family relations. Anyone else share similar experiences?
Stay the course.
3 comments:
That's good stuff. I totally avoid the topic of running in my family now, unless THEY bring it up.
There's only so many "how far was THIS marathon" comments I can take. Haha.
Can't wait to see you in a MONTH! :)
These made me giggle. Good post lady.
It's great that you can talk about it as much as you do. My family has zero interest in my running, so I just don't talk about races, unless I am traveling to a new location, and then I talk about the travel aspect.
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