Letter to Robert (bully)

We all know that runners like to talk about running. May be too much. They like to feel that they are influencing those around them, because they are convinced that it is positive for everyone. Often runners have the annoying the habit of telling, of attracting the attention of others, by their exploits, their funny or surprising anecdotes.

But what is the general perception of people in relation to running?

How do they see it?

The only time I cheated at school was during an on-duty running exercise in high school. I hated jogging. I did not want to do the distance of 4 km at home and I noted an unthinkable time (14 minutes, I remember) by getting rid of the challenge and above all, by thinking that the physical educator would not see it. nothing abnormal. This man was scary. His big voice and his way of denigrating a few students quickly made us understand the definition of condescension. Robert (the educator's name) asked me in front of the whole class if I had indeed run a 4 km this weekend in 14 minutes. I timidly replied "Yes, Mr. Robert". He applauded me and told me that I was going to represent the school at the next Quebec Games in Abitibi. I had to confess everything so as not to lose face any more. I loved I hated running, as much as Grandma's blood sausage or hot rice milk. To punish me, Mr. Robert made me run 3 km every time I started physical education for the rest of the school year. I hated running. It was, in my opinion, associated with penance until the end of my life.

About XNUMX years later, I was running my first marathon.
I never got in touch with Robert again.
Without forgetting what was said and done, I forgave him his moments of intimidation.

Lately I chatted about this experience with young adolescents and I found it interesting to take my survey a little further by taking notes. #voxpop. Here is a result of what spontaneously came out of the mouths of future adults.

What is running for you ?:
(fictitious names)

Martin, 16 years old
I do not like it. I don't have a clear goal. I have no purpose in being out of breath. I find it a little cave to run a little in the void.

Ludovic, 17 years old
You can't win in the race. It's pocket. When I play sports, I want to win or at least try.

Magalie, 16 years old
I only do it to be healthy and in good shape. Otherwise, I wouldn't. It was a nurse from the school who told me it was good for my health.

Tommy, 17
It is cold in winter. I don't understand all runners.

Éloïc, 18 years old
Often runners have to eat well and that doesn't interest me. I just have one life to live.

Alexis, 16 years old
It is Dull when you just train the lower body. I like to do weights or crossfit better.

Eric, 15 years old
It's boring, it's long and unnecessary. We do this at school and I see no goal.

Jordan, 17
It's a way to relax. I like it because I think of nothing.

Olivier, 15 years old
They annoy me because they run in the street. No more report. They don't settle down. I like gangs and team sports.

Judith, 16
The runners seem dedicated. I admire them. But it's for old people.

Félix, 17 years old
I like it because it makes me better at hockey. I have more cardio. This is tough but afterwards I feel good.

Elliot, 15
I wish I had the motivation, but I don't have it. They're motivated, but sorry it's a lonely people sport.

Marguerite, 17 years old
It is a way of detaching yourself from life. It takes away the stress and my anxiety.

Dominique, 16 years old
I like it to feel good and to be better at all sports. I feel really good after the race, I feel a certain pride and that gives me a good mood. It is difficult to explain. I'm also proud to say that I jog my chums.

Donavan
I run to eliminate the calories I eat at McDonald's. Ah ah. I eat often junk. I don't want to get fat.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since XNUMX and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from XNUMX-XNUMX. In XNUMX–XNUMX she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

#voxpop finished 

Here are about fifteen young people who were very happy to answer this simple question. I immediately realized that we should be interested in others more often. We should listen and discuss, between generations. I hope Robert (physical educator) will read this letter. It is for him. Taking an interest in young people would have enabled him to make them much more receptive and open.

This noted and this written, I invite you to ask yourself the same question.
What is running for you?

Good reflection!