Runner’s Greetings

Music in my ears!

I went for a run today all by myself. I do that often this time of year, mostly because I can’t commit to a time frame. I am too busy waiting for the weather to improve or my courage to build. When I run alone, I use music to keep me company. When I run with friends, they keep me company. There is too much chatting to be bothered with music.

I am a rural runner and therefore I don’t encounter too many others afoot. A few autos passing by get a nod or a wave, but for the most part it is usually a solitary run. On the occasion that I do see another individual out and about there is always a friendly exchange. At least, I think it is friendly. My music muddies the waters a little. The exchange goes something like this:

The passerby smiles, waves and moves his lips.

I reply, “Yes, it is nice to finally see some sun,” or “Thanks! I will,” or some other comment that may or may not have anything to do with what they said to me. 

I pondered this while on my run today, mostly because it happened today. When the fellow with the white beard made a comment I replied with, “Yes, it’s great to see the sun,” and then wondered if he had asked me how far I was going or if I was crazy. (The crazy question comes up a lot!) I came up with a solution to my communication problem. It’s kind of like being prepared for unexpected company – but different. Whenever I meet another walker, runner, or farmer that slows down to chat, I am going to smile, wave, and say … “Great day for a run!” How can they argue with that?

Question:  Do you have a generic comment you use when you didn't really hear or weren't really paying attention?  Share it in the comments below.


Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

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What's in a word?

I had a conversation yesterday with a non-running friend about participating in an upcoming local 5K.  This One. Her goal is to walk the route and that is always a worthy goal.  We don't all have to run, but we should all attempt to move!  I was reminded once again how runners have our own vocabulary. 
She asked, "Now, there is a five and a three?"
"No, just a 5K,"  I answered.
"So ... a 5K is how far?"
"Three miles."  (I thought everyone knew that. Yet, I didn't know that before I began running.)
She looked at me sideways, but seemed to accept that information as fact.  I didn't include that last .1 mile.
I am sure it's all very confusing.  We measure our races in kilometers and our pace time by the mile. We use terms like tempo and tapering, throwing them at non-runners the way educators throw acronyms (AYP, LEP, SAT) at parents. 
Maybe it isn't the running that scares them off.  Maybe it is the confusing lingo.  Running is hard enough without the challenge of learning a new language!  For the non-running reader out there, here is a short glossary.

K - Kilometer or 1000 Meters.   A 5K is equal to 3.1 miles.  A 10K is 6.2, and so forth.
Carbo Load - Eating lots of carbohydrates prior to a race for race day fuel.
Race Pace - How fast can you go for at least 3 miles or 5000 meters?
Tempo Run - A workout done just under Race Pace.
Tapering - Taking it easy at the end of your training plan in an attempt to have fresh legs on race day.
PR - Personal Record. Your fastest time at a given distance.(I once had a sibling thinking I had been interviewed about my race!  Public Relations???  I'm really not that fast!)
Refueling - Just what it says. Eat up!  You earned it by racing!

This is a SHORT glossary, but it might help next time you try to communicate with a runner.  We sometimes forget that not everyone is interested enough in running to try it.  Fewer still have mastered the language!