Guys who run...

jchadden42

I have a co-worker who thinks it's horrible that I run faster than DH. I recently wrote an article that started with us running together for the first time, and he said, "If you keep this up, Little Girl, you'll be out running me." I laughed at him at the time. So, I included this statement, and in my closing paragraph, I said, "I started running to impress a guy, and I guess it worked since he's running this race with me. I'll be waiting for him at the finish line."

The co-worker says that it's making a jab at him because he is outrun by a little girl. I think it ties into his encouraging me to keep on running.

I'm interested in other guys' perspectives.

froeschli

Not a guy here, but once upon a time, many many years ago, well, maybe just twelve or so, my ex talked me into going for a run with him. He was a foot taller than me and had just come back from military training. Of course he outran me, and made me feel like crap for not being able to keep up. I was in shape at the time, could have beaten him at cycling or swimming, just not running. Still, I never tried again until well after we had broken up and I had moved to a different country....

I think it's not a gender thing (guys may disagree). No matter who is faster, it is very important how it is handled. If you run fast to challenge yourself, that is much different from running fast to make the other one look bad (accompanied with snide remarks and taunting). Of course there can be teasing, but that's the difference between a good relationship and a bad one...

1PatientBear

I'm competing with myself and my own PR's out there but I know that there are lots of girls (and guys) who I can outrun. I also know there are plenty of girls who are faster than me. I'm fine with it. (A) They're hot and have nice legs and butts and (B) I get to watch those nice legs and butts as they run away from me. My ego isn't fragile enough to be threatened by a woman who can outrun me.

michellemybelll

I'm competing with myself and my own PR's out there but I know that there are lots of girls (and guys) who I can outrun. I also know there are plenty of girls who are faster than me. I'm fine with it. (A) They're hot and have nice legs and butts and (B) I get to watch those nice legs and butts as they run away from me. My ego isn't fragile enough to be threatened by a woman who can outrun me.

:flowerforyou:

WildBillR

First, I'm no where near being a "runner" compared to many on these forums. I run 2-3 times a week, for a distance of 3.5-4 miles, or a 20 minute HIIT pyramid run. That said, I'm aware of a LOT of females who can run me into the ground. That's okay. Most of them are younger, and dare I say nice to watch while running away I don't really try competing with them. However, there is a co-worker with whom I've run with, who is 6-8 years younger and in pretty good shape that we competitively work out together. It's on the friendly side, but there IS a part of me (way down deep created in elementary school) that says that I shouldn't "lose" to a girl.

I know that we both have our strengths...she is tonz more flexible than I am. I can out lift her by 50-100%. We are both competitive in our nature especially with each other. Running is something that we both do, where we each keep up with the other. If we were going to run in a real race, and she made the remark that she would be waiting for me, then it would motivate me to run harder. And if/when she runs better than I do, that motivates me to do better the next time.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

Did you ask your husband how he feels about it?

jofjltncb6

Did you ask your husband how he feels about it?

C'mon.

You know this isn't the MFP way.

Any relationship problems or questions are aired in the forums and nary a word is spoken with the spouse about it.


Obligatory MFP response:
JBU...and find a suitable (read: faster) husband.

jchadden42

Yes. I actually did ask him. But, it's not a problem in the relationship. I was curious if it would be perceived as a jab. That's all.
Note that, the first time he ran with me, he noted that I would be outrunning him, and I didn't believe it.

I agree with all the people who said that they compete with themselves. That's what I do. DH has been extremely supportive, and we have a wonderful running relationship. He always encourages me to do my best and I, him.

I just wanted to know what perception would be if one were reading the article. He thought it was funny. But, since I'm writing it for a large audience, I don't want to give the impression that I am making fun of DH because that wasn't the intent.

jchadden42

First, I'm no where near being a "runner" compared to many on these forums. I run 2-3 times a week, for a distance of 3.5-4 miles, or a 20 minute HIIT pyramid run. That said, I'm aware of a LOT of females who can run me into the ground. That's okay. Most of them are younger, and dare I say nice to watch while running away I don't really try competing with them. However, there is a co-worker with whom I've run with, who is 6-8 years younger and in pretty good shape that we competitively work out together. It's on the friendly side, but there IS a part of me (way down deep created in elementary school) that says that I shouldn't "lose" to a girl.

I know that we both have our strengths...she is tonz more flexible than I am. I can out lift her by 50-100%. We are both competitive in our nature especially with each other. Running is something that we both do, where we each keep up with the other. If we were going to run in a real race, and she made the remark that she would be waiting for me, then it would motivate me to run harder. And if/when she runs better than I do, that motivates me to do better the next time.

Thank you. This is why I wanted a guy's point of view. I don't want anyone who is reading the article to think I'm making fun of him because that was not the intent.

delicious_cocktail

Never forget that in the snow, your urine penmanship is vastly inferior to his.

jchadden42

Never forget that in the snow, your urine penmanship is vastly inferior to his.

so very, very true!

EvgeniZyntx

Wait.

Why did he call you a little girl?

Isn't that the jab, right there?

I have respect for anyone runs (or bikes or swims) with a goal in mind, whether it is to get to the next block or complete the Eiger ultra. Yes, some guys feel being "chicked" is a bad thing, I don't care. It adds to the scenery and camaraderie.

Plus I'm slow, if I cared I'd be miserable.

Cranquistador

Never forget that in the snow, your urine penmanship is vastly inferior to his.

it ISN'T FAIR:sad: :sad: :sad:

GiddyupTim

I think that I am gracious enough that if the intent were explained to me I would not mind.
But, at first blush, yes! It would bug me. I'm a little competitive. I know it is not right, and that there are gobs of individuals out there who could whup me in a race -- female as well as male.
But, I am a male and I am competitive, and when someone points out that they can beat me, it galls just a little. I suspect I am not that odd where that reaction is concerned.