What To Say To That Friend Who Thinks Running Is Boring
It is understandable to feel a bit insulted when someone is talking ill of your favorite activity.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Etiquette expert Lizzie Post, great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, knows a thing or two about the rules of the road—and the descendant of the famous decorum diva is a runner too!
Q: I hate it when people harp on the fact that running is “boring.” What’s a good way to channel my frustration and even explain that running is enjoyable for me?
Oh, I hate that too! Sometimes it’s best to just ignore comments like this or even step away from the conversation. Depending on your mood, you can change the subject and move on—or you may want to engage and offer your perspective:
RELATED: Say Goodbye To Boring Treadmill Tempos
“Actually I find running gives me time to think and clear my head.” Or maybe: “I pretend I’m in an action flick while I run. It keeps things fresh!”
Saying something funny or amusing—as long as you don’t throw an insult back at the person who made the comment—is an appropriate response and likely to be well received or will at least neutralize the conversation.
RELATED: 5 Fun Songs To Sing To Yourself As You Run
TRUE STORY: To get me out the door or to pump things up a bit, I actually do pretend I’m, well, in an action movie. Sometimes it’s fun to take your run somewhere else in your head. I don’t do it often, but it can give me an extra burst of energy or challenge me! Who doesn’t feel badass while wearing awesome gear and bounding off the occasional rock in the rain?
Have a question for Lizzie? Email editorial@womensrunning.com or tweet @womensrunning with the hashtag #ProperForm.