We got to thinking the other night about the many lessons we've learned about running. Surprisingly, many of them have come from song lyrics, television shows, and movies.
Who said TV rots your brain? Not I! And now that we've caved and bought a monthly subscription to cable, we're seeing these lessons absolutely everywhere!
We thought it'd be fun to share some of our favorites with you.
Fuel for Activity -- the right way. It's Important.
[The Office: Michael throws back a huge serving of fettuccini alfredo before the "Michael Scott-Dunder Mifflin-Scranton-Meredith Palmer-Celebrity-Rabies Awareness-Pro-Am-Fun Run-Race-For the Cure" 5K. He get cramps while running and ultimately vomits at the finish. (Image Source)]
Yikes. What
SHOULD Michael have eaten? Whole wheat toast with peanut butter. Maybe a bowl of oatmeal or cereal. Perhaps a piece of fruit. Even an energy bar would have been a better choice. All those carbs should be consumed the night before (I even read recently that they should be two nights before the big event). The dairy? Not such a good idea either!
Make Goal. It Helps!
[Run, Fatboy, Run: Dennis signs up to run the Flora London Marathon to earn back the love of his ex-wife Libby. He trains. And struggles. And ultimately ends up limping on an injured leg, but completes the race in full. (Image Source)]
Not exactly the best goal I've ever heard. BUT when Dennis had trouble with his training, his desire to impress his ex keeps him going. I recommend making your goal something
only you can control (so, not to impress others, for example), but . . . really . . . anything to help motivate you, to help you work toward your health is helpful.
Run Because You Feel Like It. Not Because You Have To.
[Forrest Gump: As Forrest runs across the country, he's interviewed by several reporters who ask: "Why are you doing this? . . . Is it for World peace? . . . For women's rights? . . . The environment? . . . Animals? . . . Nuclear arms? . . . WHY are you doing this???" Forrest replies, "I just felt like running." (Image Source)]
Of course, most of us aren't making an epic journey across America. However, many of us get a similar question --
Why on Earth do you run? -- from our sedentary friends. In the case of injury, maybe even from ourselves sometimes (Ashley raises her hand!). You should run because you love the sport. Because you love how it feels to move your legs and feel your heart pounding. You don't have to run to be healthy. So, if you don't love it, find another activity you DO enjoy.
If You Look Good -- You'll Feel Good.
[Californication: Hank and Charlie go for a steady morning jog together wearing some pretty chic threads. They aren't "serious" runners, but they are out there on the road anyway! (Image Source)]
Invest in yourself. Sometimes all you need for a successful sweat session is a new pair of shorts. You don't need to spend big bucks to have proper running apparel. Check stores like Target, which has recently stocked its athletic department with some awesome stuff (in great colors and technical fabrics!). And, though I very much enjoy Moody and Runkle's outfits, save the fedoras and Ray Bans for the celebrities. There can be TOO much of a good thing . . .
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
[The Simpsons: Homer "runs" the Springfield Marathon . . . but Marge gets confused at the wrinkly slip of a man before her and exclaims: "Hey! Grandpa's Running!" To which Lisa responds: "That's not grandpa! Dad's just dehydrated" (Image Source)]
I love how the animators made Homer look parched to his very core. (Of course, I couldn't find an image -- but I'm sure many of you have seen this episode!) They obviously know how important it is to keep a steady flow of fluids in the body while exercising. And though experts argue on exactly how much fluid you should take in, I like to follow the rule of drinking a few sips when I'm thirsty. Pretty basic!
There is No Typical "Runner" Type.
[Weeds: On the recent season finale, Nancy looks down at Guillermo's feet and sees that he's wearing Vibrams! She asks him what the HECK those are and he replies: "My toe shoes." He then explains he's running a local half marathon and that with the shoes he's "connecting with the earth and avoiding heel strike." (Image Source)]
We were beyond thrilled to see Vibrams on Weeds the other night! But what's the lesson here? Drug thugs can be runners, too! There is no "runner-type" because ANYONE can be a runner. Short, tall, skinny, fat . . . drug dealer, cartoon character, and boss of a paper company. You can't tell just by looking at someone -- so don't judge. And if you never saw yourself as a runner, try on the idea for a while. Maybe it'll stick!
Know When Enough is Enough. Rest Accordingly.
[Again . . . Forrest Gump: Forrest says, "I had run for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours." Then, he abruptly stops mid-stride. He looks around at the crowd and says, "I think I'll go home now." (Image Source)]
Sometimes the signs of burnout are hard to distinguish from usual aches and pains. And we're always fighting de-motivation for one reason or another. But if you truly feel you need a break. Or a change. Take it! Do something else. Running will always be there if you treat your body right.
Final Words of Wisdom:
Michael Scott: "Finishing that 5K was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I ate more fettuccini alfredo and drank less water than I have in my entire life. People always talk about triumphs of the human spirit. Well, today I had a triumph of the human body. That's why everybody was applauding for me at the end. My guts, my heart, and -- well -- I eventually puked my guts out. I never puked my heart out, and I am very proud of that." (Image Source)
What are YOUR favorite quotes/moments related to running/exercise on TV shows and in movies? I'm POSITIVE we didn't get 'em all. Just leave a comment or email us at
neverhomemaker [at] gmail [dot] com.
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