All you need is a good pair of running shoes?
I’m pretty black and white on topics. I have strong opinions and I have no problem making them known.
But when it comes to this over-used running saying I’m pretty gray.
“Running is so wonderful because anyone can do it. All you need is a good pair of running shoes.”
Hmmm… is that really all you need?
I’ll admit, I’ve used this saying trying to convince sedentary folks to start walking or running. Most people have athletic shoes so running is an accessible sport. You don’t need a pricey gym membership, equipment, or even skills.
Perhaps the saying holds some merit with beginners who have no desire to race or see how far or fast they run. Though I’d still argue the leisurely weekend runner needs a little more than some shoes. Like:
- Safety tips. Run against traffic and yield to cars. They hurt when they hit you.
- Expert advice. Don’t run every day. Use your arms. Hydrate.
- Good support bra. If you’re blessed in that area.
- Sunscreen. Skin cancer strikes year-round.
With the more experienced runner, this saying couldn’t be further from the truth. Because you need to replace that good $100 pair of shoes every 3 months. Then there’s Gu, Garmins, gatorade, and gear… oh my. And if you plan to race? Well there’s a reason my husband and I didn’t go on a real vacation this year. A two week Mediterranean cruise in place of race entry and travel fees would have been nice…
While we’re discussing over-used sayings, here’s my most hated one: “Nothing tastes as good as thin feels.”
BS. If you believe this, clearly you have tried enough foods. I promise Jen’s eggnog cheesecake bars, Diana’s cookie dough ball tower, or anything at my favorite restaurant in the world are worth it.
Yum. After all, a moment on the lips is not forever on the hips... if you have a good pair of running shoes ;)
What sayings do you loathe?
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December 19th, 2010 - 10:55
I hate the the saying “practice makes perfect” or furthermore “perfect practice makes perfect.” I was always told this when I played basketball. No one can be perfect at something and we can always learn from our past performances. This phrase just annoys me!
December 19th, 2010 - 11:44
So true! There are SO many foods that taste so much better than feeling skinny!
And you’re right about running not being as cheap as ‘just a pair of running shoes’! Entry fees aren’t cheap!!!
I hate the saying my mum always used to lecture me with if I copied someone’s actions: “If (person x) threw themsleves off a cliff, would you follow them?” NOT THE SAME THING!
December 19th, 2010 - 12:00
To get out and move you just need a pair of shoes…to really run and race you need to so much more!
And I’d rather taste amazing food than be super thin…that is the reason I run!
Depending upon the person the phrase “thats what she said” can drive me crazy!
December 19th, 2010 - 13:50
Anything with the word FINE in it. Or “you look tired.”
Saw the party pics on Caitlins blog- your party looked like a blast and I’m totally jealous of all your charlotte blog friends : )
Oh, and PS- I signed up for the half!
December 19th, 2010 - 14:01
One or my pet peeves is when people say “I’m OCD.” Clearly, when they say this, they have NO idea what OCD is. That, or when they call ADHD…ADD.
December 19th, 2010 - 14:52
I have a tough time with this saying too!! I mean, I love to throw it out there, but really?? If we’re honest with ourselves we know we’re sort of lying all along. But…like you said…for someone who just wants to get started, all they REALLY need is a pair of shoes.
I can’t think of any actual sayings that bother me at the moment but my old coworker used to say things like “a couple few” (well, which one is it, a couple or a few???) and “not for nothin’ but” whenever she was going to say something negative or complain about someone.
December 19th, 2010 - 19:03
I HATE that nothing tastes as good as thin feels kate moss stupid saying. As a lover of sweets and Mexican food, I whole heartedly disagree! I would rather carry an extra couple pounds and EAT!
I hate whenever I am struggling to do something and someone says “oh come on, its easy!” well, maybe for you!!
December 19th, 2010 - 19:07
Ugh the Kate Moss quote is gross / eating-disorder promoting. And I think you’re onto something with the running shoe phrase…it only goes so far! Other things you might need besides sneakers are good joints and motivation. A lot of people seem to tell me, “I feel like I should run just because it’s so easy and doesn’t cost money” – not totally true, b/c as you mentioned race fees, clothes/gear, $300+ worth in sneakers per year…it adds up!
December 19th, 2010 - 21:20
OMG. I -HATE- “Nothing tastes as good as thin feels.”
Hate it.
Life shouldn’t be about fat or thin. It should be about health and living to the fullest. You don’t have to be thin….you just have to whatever it is that will make you happy.
December 19th, 2010 - 22:17
I hate, hate, HATE the “Nothing tastes as good as thin feels” saying, mostly because the first time I saw that quote it was on a pro-anorexia website when I was in high school. It just conjures up feelings of starvation and eating disorders for me. Bleh.
December 19th, 2010 - 23:59
i HATE during a race if people say “you’re almost there!” no matter when it happens. beginning, middle, end. doesn’t matter how many miles there are, even if there is only 50 ft. left i never want to hear those words.
December 20th, 2010 - 11:30
Running was cheap when I was a beginner (and that is why I started bc gyms are so expensive here), but not anymore!
I also hate the nothing tastes as good… saying. Most un-empowering statement ever.
December 20th, 2010 - 12:17
I hate the saying “beggars can’t be choosers” because I do not beg. And I can be choosy if I want to be.
I also really really hate the saying (but not the action or intent) “pay it forward”. I don’t know why, but it makes me want to cover my ears.
December 20th, 2010 - 13:35
It’s not necessarily a “saying”, but I hate when people say (in reference to my running), “I just don’t have the time…” We make time for what is important to us!