We dedicated runners have probably all heard it before:
You’re crazy.
Often, though, the comments don’t stop at crazy:
Can’t you just skip a day? You don’t need to run; you’re not fat. Didn’t you already work out today? You’re ob-SESSED!
In response, I often find myself struggling to justify my behavior. “I am on a marathon plan and my schedule says to run X miles today,” or, “I like to eat.” Or I might reply, “Yes, but I did weights. Now I am going for a run.”
I’m talking about run-shaming, which is not the same as expressing concern for those who genuinely suffer from an eating disorder or an unhealthy exercise addiction that interferes with their life. I am talking about shaming people for choosing to be healthy, dedicated runners. Despite how others apparently think it’s just fine, it’s not.