The etiquette of running

I love to have company when running. I met wonderful women as part of my running group and boot camp group. I love the conversations, particularly when the endorphins are going and dilute a bit the censorship or shyness of some (including me). Although I always struggle with not being viewed as a therapist, I am self-conscious about being one (because I oh so want a break from coming up with insights, giving advice or having any kind of expertise or responsibility), I find a way to put that side of me away and just run and be.

So where does the etiquette of running comes into play for me? During races. I am competitive and proud of that. I am competitive with myself and others. I want to run my best race. I want to go out there and test my mind and my body. I strive on that. But I have not figured out what to do when I run with friends, particularly with those who are or say they are not competitive or say they do not care (I know some do!) about their times. I feel guilty to run away. I feel guilty when I finish before them. I work super hard to compliment their running and racing. How silly is this. Chris thinks that something like this would never happen with guys. Maybe this is only my issue. I don't know. I really don't think that I am a fast runner. I just try my best and have a tough mind. I just want to do better. Why race otherwise? I am always happy to hear about other runner's awesome times and I am always encouraging. I am so proud when I hear that someone I know ran an awesome marathon, or had an awesome 1/2 marathon time. I am never jealous. Eve though in a race I am running against other runner, I am really running against myself. What to do? Stop worrying about others, run your race, and be happy with it!

I also think this has something to do with being a woman. Unfortunately it is still unnatural for women to allow themselves to be competitive. Being competitive has somewhat of a negative connotation for women, whereas for men competitiveness is accepted as being male and sexual and attractice. Not for women. Women need to be nice and polite and feminine. But that can get oh so boring....I wonder what other women and men think about this...