So, this happened...

So, this happened...

Yesterday I'm at the indoor track during my "lunch" hour, like most days. I go at different times day to day depending on other meetings and office coverage and such. I wrap up my 4 miles on the far side of the track, so I'm walking the last half a lap back to the entrance. Not sure if you can tell, but there are a couple of cardio machines (elliptical, bike, rower) in each corner of our indoor track.

So, I'm approaching one of the courner where a guy is doing the bike. I noticed him about 3 laps (8 laps = 1 mile on our track) while I was running. He's getting off his bike and motions to me to take my headphones off. I do and stop and...

Guy: Dude- how far do you run?

Me: Um, huh? Like today or ever? (Clearly I'm suffering from post-run mental-blackout-ness... it's a scientific disorder... totally legit)

Guy: I see you here all the time. RUNNING. How?

Me: Um... what?

Guy: You're ALWAYS RUNNING. How far do you run?

Me: Well, it varies every time... today I ran 4 miles.

Guy: HOLY CRAP. HOW?!? WHY?!?!

Me: Err... I mean- I just run. I don't know how. I'm training for a marathon, so I have to get certain mileage in.

Guy: A MARATHON??? How far is that??

Me: 26.2 miles.

Guy: OH MY GOD. You're crazy.

Me: Kinda.

Guy: I could never run that far. I can't even run a mile. I can't even do the bike for more than like 10 minutes.

Me: I used to say the same thing. You just start small and build slowly.

Guy: Whatever. You're crazy.

Me: .... <Shoulder shrug>.... Have a good day!

Now, to some people I realize this means pretty much nothing. I'll even admit that to me, now, running 4 miles isn't all that impressive. I get it. But...

to ME... it made my f-ing day! Someone was AMAZED. By ME. Say whaaaaat??? Someone (and a GUY! A fit, in shape (looking) male) was impressed with my athletic ability. Now, I have always been athletic and played sports in grade school... but, I've never been particularly GOOD at anything, let alone had someones jaw drop over one of my workouts.

So, thank you Holister-shirt-wearing-at-the-gym guy. I had a huge smile plastered all over my face for the rest of the day because of you. You made me PROUD of myself. You made me really think about just how far I've come and how it really is freaking amazing to be able to run-- any distance, let alone to be on your way to running a MARATHON.

(Source)

So, again-- thank you, guy. You really did make my day.