ranting about running rants!

November 14, 2013 Sarah MacKay Robinson

This week Chad Stafko wrote an essay in the Wall Street Journel, "OK, You're a Runner. Get Over it." And, meh, as a runner I've been dealing with misdirected anger for years. This essay is essentially the written version of getting trash thrown at me while running in the small New England town I grew up in. Which happened 4 more times than I wish it had. I can only imagine the driver being like, "Look at that asshat doing something that I don't understand, in front of me! I'm going to throw my McDonalds leftovers at their head. They're asking for it."

What is confusing to me is how did this directionless, angry verbal dump get published as a WSJ essay? This is just some dude's angry rant about nothing. Bumperstickers? And reflective gear? A rant about how much he hates that people are running in public… because obviously they are just screaming for attention?

It's like some weird rant you'd hear from your bitter, drunk uncle at Christmas after you accidently said you started running. "I bet you're running to get more likes on Facebook… blah, blah, blah!!"

And let's be honest you could replace "runner" with anything…."painter", "rock climber", "math teacher". If you show too much flair for anything you're bound to find a Bitter Betty who hates you for it. Because some people's passion is hating other people's passion.

If you haven't read it by some Christmas miracle, save the click and just read Mark Remy's translation. It's so much better.

Me? I'm going to blow off steam running down the middle of the street in my neon reflective tutu!