More and more I see people congratulating themselves for getting out and moving. Mostly this takes the form of them walking or running in the name of whatever cause is near and dear. I think this is stupid as hell. If you support a cause, support it, but don’t act like you’re super righteous because you care about something enough to walk a mile in its name.
I think of this because I’ve run a lot of weekend 5K races this year, most of which are held for the benefit of some cause or another. For the second time in as many races this weekend I had to explain to someone that while I was happy to support the cause for the race (in this instance it was brain injuries), my main motivation for running — since it’s not like I’m a threat to win — is to get the t-shirt that comes with registration. Usually I get a blank stare when I admit that I run just to run and don’t need a cause to make myself move. People are retarded.
Here is a word of advice from your dear old Uncle Cheese: Support groups that support research/activities/causes you believe in, but keep your motivations and back-patting to yourself. Actions speak much louder than words and no one is as great as he or she tries to imply by bragging on the charity he or she gives. Case in point: many people think you dear old Uncle Cheese is an asshole because of what he says, but a small minority see through the assholishness based upon his actions. In other words, your dear old Uncle Cheese’s words portray him in a way that are generally contradicted by his actions. Who’s opinion of him means more to him, those who only have his words to go by or those who have his actions?
The words/actions dichotomy is also why this weekend your dear old Uncle Cheese is going to leave his first blogger dork public appearance in almost two years with either a black eye or a room full of new friends. It should be fun.
Um, try being female and not running for charity, it’s 10 times worse. 2 weeks ago I spied a booth at a festival that was giving away free Power Bars. I can always use a free Power Bar so I made the mistake of having this conversation.
Cham: Are those Power Bars?
Booth Bunny: Would you like to participate in our 5K walk to cure cancer/alzheimers/muscular dystrophy/abused women/homelessness?
Cham: No, I don’t run for charity. Can I have a Power Bar?
Booth Bunny, looking shocked and mean: You don’t run for charity? Why not? It’s a good thing to do, people do it all the time, you should give it a try.
Cham: No, just don’t. How many Power Bars can I have?
Booth Bunny: Our run will help raise money for a good cause. Please sign up and give it a try.
Cham: Thanks for the Power Bars.
If I wanted to raise money for a cause I would simply write a check. I don’t need an appointment and 5000 friends to enjoy the great outdoors. Power Bars are yummy.
Yeah, it’s ridiculous how people act like you’re nuts when you do something for yourself and not for someone/something else. Like we all live for a cause. If that’s the case, my cause is the health and fitness of myself. Again, it’s actions vs. words.
Yesterday there was a 1-mile walk that coincided with the 5K race and most of the walkers were all decked out in t-shirts and ribbons and stupid shit that showed off their “spirit” in regard to supporting the cause. Of course, most of them looked like they could barely walk a mile and when I got up to the point where the walkers went one way and the runners another, which was about .1 mile from the 5K finish line, I actually heard some round sweaty walking thing proclaim “Thank god this is almost over.”
And I bet that chick went to work this morning bragging about how she was out strolling in the chilly winds of Ellicott City for 30 minutes yesterday morning because it was for a good cause.
You’re going to the Bloggy happy hour?
Well, then.
I might consider going myself. BUT—I will venture into Hampden ONLY because you’re attending. I *HATE* Hampden. with a passion.
No black eye, but I might engage you in debate where you will probably call me a commie or something.