Dorky and Old Is OK If You’re a Runner
Dorky Old Runner
Runner’s World received an e-mail from a 28-year-old guy who wanted to know how to avoid the “dorkey old man runners look” (sic) before he reached the ancient age of 38.
The comments contains various speculations about the aforementioned look, and though I fit into the dorky and old demographic, I think we all know from first-hand experience not to judge a runner on looks alone. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one to have been smoked in a race by someone who looked like Grim Death, or Popeye, or Oliver Hardy, or Olivia Newton-John in the “Let’s Get Physical” video.
I don’t worry overmuch about how I look while running. I run so that I’ll look good when I’m not running. Anyone who ties ‘em up and toes the line is worthy of respect in my book. Besides, that dorky old runner might be Ed Whitlock.
I’m with you – if you can get your butt out there, who cares what you look like. Now with that said, I do try to keep it real with the kids by checking out SOME of the latest fashions. However, I refuse to ever clean my running shoes. Those are well deserved battle scars/medals. Anyway, we’ve all seen an older runner smoke more than a few of the younger ones. Maybe that will be me one day (uh, the smoker and not the smokee).
I’ve been smoked by biddies in nylon jogging suits, teased up hair and full make-up. The outfits seem to trap air, expanding with every step so they look like blueberries or grapes at the end of the race but they can bring it so I’m pretty sure they don’t care what somebody half their ages think of how they look. I think I’m more ticked they have a more secure retirement plan than me. I’d mug ‘em if I could catch up with ‘em.