I had no idea how many people in my tiny community see me running, as I tend to think I am invisible when I run. Then one day in the post office I realized how untrue this was. I was minding my own business when a complete stranger turned to me and said, "You are that girl who runs."
"Um, yes, I am. " But how did he recognize me...I wasn't even wearing spandex!
"Where do you live?"
Creeper! "Um, in town..." Again, I am confused as to where this conversation is going.
"Because you run by my house every day," he accused.
If I hadn't been so shocked by the whole conversation I would have explained that there are only so many roads to run, and when you run as much as I do, I cover most streets, most days. End of conversation.
I have had other, slightly less confrontational conversations with strangers about my running. One day I was walking with my kids when someone said,"Shouldn't you be running?"
"Ha ha. I have to slow down sometime"...do I know you?
Or "How far did you run today?"
Or "Saw you running this morning".
Upon reflection, I'm not quite sure what the proper response is. I mean, it is great to have fans, and in a small town it is good to know that others are looking out for me. Then I worry that they only notice me because I look disgusting or am blowing my nose in my shirt or something. If that is the case, then I should apologize. Mostly I just smile and keep going and accept that even if I don't realize it, I have a lot of the community secretly cheering for me. Or at least I pretend that's the case. So thanks for caring, friends. Some times life in a small town can be great, though I sincerely apologize for running in front of your house too many times.
No comments:
Post a Comment