the run-demic is over!
running marathons, pathological liars, and keeping promises
I’m not a public health expert, nor do I know the first thing about medicine. The last time I did anything science-related was in my GCSEs, and anytime I mix my drinks at the Nando’s refill station. From my non-expert, but professional, opinion, I’m glad to say that we are no longer in a run-demic.
I have surveyed the socio-economic state of the United Kingdom and I can conclusively state that as a country, as a population, we have been able to avoid the jaws of death (and Strava).
I’m proud of us all. It’s been a tumultuous time. Last year, I did a post mocking all of you for signing up for the London Marathon. Most without any running training, but simply spurred on by the lure of seeing TikTok's of the perks that come with that LM medal.
Before I go any further, I want to congratulate everyone who took part in the London Marathon a few weeks ago. Even as I’m writing this, the Hackney Half Marathon is going on. What an amazing achievement! I hope you all are truly proud of yourselves and what you have been able to accomplish. Now to address you degenerates…
During the Run-demic of 2024 that swept through the nation, everyone and their auntie seemed to be infected. The stock in running shoes went through the roof while the intake of signups for run clubs skyrocketed. If you didn’t spend your Saturday mornings asking strangers if they have any spare electrolytes or debating which new gluten-free artisan bakery to frequent after the run, did you really live? Was it a life worth living?
But recently, there have been fewer symptoms displayed amongst members of the public:
- Fewer Instagram stories with Nike Run App screenshots.
- Running shoes are being discounted in stores.
- More bearable friends, not babbling on about ACLs and PBs
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We’ve been cured. Thank God!
But for real, where is everyone who said they would run the London Marathon? What happened? Shin splints? You did Couch to 5K, but preferred the couch? I’m just curious.
I’m aware that running clubs still exist and using your two feet to go at a faster speed than walking didn’t disappear at the turn of the new year. I just want to know how everyone moved on so quickly.
You said you would be able to run a half-marathon easily by November. You brought the new shoes. Signed up to the run club. You went to the sessions. But it never materialised.
Around here we don’t do shame, we do perspective. I don’t say all of this to make anyone feel bad, but as a point of reflection – what led to this downfall?
We all make promises. We don’t call it or see it as that but that’s what they are. Resolutions, goals, targets, vision boards, challenges etc. All promises.
Definition: a declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen.
The most important person you should keep a promise to is yourself.
If you made a vow to someone else and you broke it, you would feel bad, no? Well, some of you are terrible human beings and may not feel anything, but the majority of us would regret it.
But daily, we break oaths. Unchecked to-do lists. Unresolved New Year's Resolutions. Mood boards look like disappointment boards.
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I know the feeling. This year, I tried “Goal Bingo” and would cross targets off when completed. Ask me how much of it I’ve been able to cross off. But that’s life. And life does happen. I’m sure when many of us proclaimed to take running more seriously, it made sense. But the weighty avalanches of life, the pressures, burdens, emergencies, and responsibilities, tell our promises to take a hike. I get that, but picture this.
Your body sees you as a liar. Now, when you make promises with yourself, you don’t even try anymore. You already know what the outcome will be.
When someone keeps disappointing you, they lose your trust. They lose your confidence. You are no longer willing to accept anything they say. Many of us have put our bodies in those uncomfortable situations. Shutting down at the very thought of commitment because it knows that you will resort to the same old, same old. You are a pathological liar.
“It’s just one marathon. It’s just one hobby.”
“I’ll be better next time. I’ll take the next one more seriously.”
No, it’s compound interest. Compound disappointment. As they accumulate, the minute you set a goal, you already know you’re not going to stick to it.
I’m glad we all survived the run-demic, because those were truly dark times as a nation. But I’m more concerned that we’re now all a nation of liars.
As I Grow Older, I want to be better at keeping the promises I make to myself.
I want to be a man of my word. My own word.
Love, Peace & Blessings,
Abs
Came too close to the throat sir! Thank God I don’t like running 😭😹
Too close to home 😅🙆🏾♂️