Been There. Done That. Shut Up.
Running can be healthy, running can be fun. But most of all running can be really exciting! Remember the thrill, when you stood at the starting line of your first marathon? Or when you passed the half way point of your A-race and knew this could end with a new PB? Or the feeling in your stomach when you made it to the top of that mountain and you knew that it’s going to be one hell of a downhill? Or the first time you ran into the night, not knowing if you’d even survive? Yes, that’s what I am talking about. Exactly such moments make running so worthwhile.
And while you are being thrilled and excited, along comes that older and/or more experienced or more talented ‚Been There Done That‘ person and kills your vibe. You hear them say:
„Yeah running a marathon is cool, but you know, running an ultra is so much more challenging.“
„Oh the UTMB? Nice. But that’s actually not a real trail race. Way too many roads and aid stations.“
„Congrats on your Sub-40min 10k. I did that too… when I was 14.“
„Wow, a 100k training week is not bad… for tapering.“
We’ve all met this person. And we all wanted to punch them in the face. So no matter how jaded and bitter you are as a runner: Don’t be that person.
Sure, none of us is Jim Walmsley (except for Jim Walmsley himself), and probably none of our heroic deeds will change (running) history, but we all have the right to at least FEEL like this for a moment. So who are you to destroy that magic moment? Who are you to wipe out something great and turn it into triviality? After all running should be about lifting each other up and mutual empowerment. Not about ego-trips and self-praise.
So next time someone opens up to you about their personal running adventures or achievements, remember that you’ve been that person yourself at one point and try to share some of his/her enthusiasm. It will do you good. Promise.