How many miles can I run in a week. How close can I get to even splits. Or the coveted negative splits! I'll gladly suffer through a VO2 max test just to *know* my numbers. Oxygen consumption. Lactic threshold. Heart rate zones. Heck, I even get excited while analyzing the heart rate response versus time and workload on a sub VO2max test on complete strangers. Oh and do I just LOVE my Garmin 305 (affectionately known as "coach") and all that it can tell me on it's little screen!
Yes, I hated statistics and calculus, but when it comes to exercise science and my own training numbers, give me more.
So obviously it's no question why I love dailymile. I'm not so obsessed with the numbers that I analyze every single run compared to the last, but I still love to track my mileage and watch my progress. One of the neat things about dailymile is the feature to automatically share your workout with your facebook and twitter friends. And of course, I do.
Today, while chatting with a group of some of the most awesome running women in the universe, someone brought up the topic of sharing your workouts via social media, and the fear that she may "annoy" her facebook friends. Others chimed in and said that they've heard some (non runners) feel those who post workouts are "bragging". Another even said she read it was one of the "top ten most annoying things you can do on facebook" list.
Really? REALLY? I honestly had never heard such a thing. So I turned to trusty google, where I was informed that yes, I am indeed utterly (and obliviously) obnoxious to my facebook friends by sharing my daily workout. Who knew. On RyanSecrest.com (anyone know if that's a peer reviewed, reputable source? ha ) had the following to say:
The Five Most Annoying Types of Facebook Status Updates#2. The Gym RatWoah. Call me clueless. And quite frankly, sad and troubled by it too. Excuse me while I drag out my soapbox and climb upon it.
“Woo! Just finished my eight mile run at the gym, now heading out for two hours of yoga. Who’s up for a six mile hike later today? Hit me up!”
If you’re like most of us, a trip to the gym requires great effort, commitment and motivation. When we decide once again to forego our exercise routine and sit down on our computer instead, we’d rather not be subjected to your Facebook tales of the epic run you took that day, or the exhausting workout you completed before we even rolled out of bed. Yes, your activity level is impressive, but now the rest of us just feel like total fat slobs. Thanks.
We are a lazy, overweight society. Obesity and inactivity statistics are numbers I DO not like to look at, because they are scary and devastating. It sickens and saddens me when it's socially acceptable for a facebooker to:
- Check in" at the laundromat, the gas station, the dentist, and then happy hour all in a 30 minute time frame
- Declare yourself "Mayor of Starbucks" in four square
- Share with the world you have just earned a pig but are in need of a new plow in farmville
- Call your friends to a "job" to "off" some people as virtual mobsters
- Make sure we all know there are 6 hours until the weekend. Then 5 hours till the weekend. Then 4, then 3...then...crap, it's Monday again. Only 5 days until the weekend...
- give a running commentary of the latest episode of Jersey Shore
...but heaven forbid that new runner who is trying to make a CHANGE in his or her life posts their daily workouts to facebook, because they are clearly now "holier than thou" and rubbing it in to everyone else. Or, someone who finds peace and happiness in their life from the simple act of running shares it with her friends. Call me crazy, but if someone else's workout makes you feel like a "total fat slob", I'm not so sure they are the one to blame.
Here's what I say, as an avid runner, who also plays the occasional round of farmville and yes, has indeed "checked in" to random places such as "Indiana Jones temple of doom stunt show" and/or Taco Bell:
So when I post my workouts, I promise that I am not boasting, bragging, nor indirectly calling anyone "fat". Am I calling you out on not exercising? Sometimes, maybe. It is my career after all. But I never mean to be insulting, degrading, or smug. Am I proud of myself for my accomplishments? You betchya. Just like YOU should be proud of YOUR accomplishments, and not afraid to shout them from the rooftops for fear of being "annoying".
But most of all...I hope by sharing my workouts and incessant running rambles I am inspiring someone else to get up and move. One more life saved by exercise is worth hundreds of haters.
Be happy. Be healthy. Be YOU. ( I swear I read that on facebook somewhere...)
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70 comments:
I stopped posting to Facebook because of this. I now only post workouts on Twitter as my running friends are on Twitter where as my real life, jealous of exercise friends are on FB. I agree with you, why do I care about your partying and Starbucks when you will criticize my amazing long run. Annoying.
Have to agree with you. I will post my workouts and run obsessions and healthy recipes until the cows come home. And if you can't handle it. You can suck it. And unfriend me.
I share all of my workouts (the good, the bad and the ugly) on my blog and FB. I was previously overweight and a little lazy and if my posts encourage just one person to get off their ass, then great. If you don't like that I workout and talk about it, then I don't want to be your friend anyways. Personally, I like to read other posts about peoples' workouts because it inspires me on the days when I want to be lazy!
If people find the workout posts sooo annoying, they have the option to hide your posts. And besides, does it really take that long to scroll past the workout post?
As always Heather you inspire me. Not an hour ago I finished my Shakeology lunch and so wanted to post it on Facebook but decided against it because I was afraid of annoying my "friends" and this is not the first time I've done this. I have posted one or two workouts on Facebook but have stopped altogether out of the fear that you described above. Which when I think about it is ridiculous as I am back in school (EKKK) and working to obtain my PhD in nutrition and physical wellness..I should be able to post the things I care about and as someone who is going into the world of health and wellness I have a responsibility to do so. Thank you for inspiring me once again.
thats why i am only friends with people who train. ha ha ha
applauding tonia's cheeky response
Well I've said it before & I'll say it again, I am oblivious bc I never even considered for a second that all my runs & workouts would ever be annoying. Let's see, my dad had diabetes & died at 62 for a heart attack, my mom is 65, has had a triple bypass & a stent, oh and is diabetic... hmmm yeah I will work out and be proud of myself bc it's not about rubbing anyone's nose into anything, it's about me being healthy & happy doing so. It's a part of who I am. Hell even my SIM wears workout gear, seriously. As the way I am in RL - I stay true on FB...if you don't like it, don't bother being friends with me... if/when you get diagnosed with a chronic illness and are now looking for someone who is ACSM Certified to help you regain control of your health and well being, PM me...lol
VERY VERY well said!
I definitely think you are motivating.... from another workout poster! I've heard more people say to me that they like my posts bc it does motivate them... but maybe the HATeRS just aren't saying anything.... I agree w/ you 1 million percent!
It's true, everyone hates this. I also found out that everyone hates when you talk about running at all too. I've tried really hard to get a few friends into it with me, but it didn't work out. Now I don't even mention it in passing anymore, because I've realized that nobody wants to hear it.
Other than my friend that runs with me, I don't even mention the subject unless I'm asked how it's going. Even then if I don't keep my answers brief, I'll get the look that says "Are you done yet?" It's not even jealousy, I don't think. I just think they really honestly don't care, and even if they're asking it's out of politeness.
Sometimes I wonder if my own mother wants to listen to my running exploits...
My dad got on my case about my daily mile posts. Now, f/b kind of lumps all the DM posts together from a given time period, so you can open them or not. If it is a crappy workout, I might turn off the "share" feature, but for the most part, I share most of them. I always do a status update on my races. Seriously, if I didn't, I wouldn't have anything to post about, because that is pretty much all I do these days. Oh, and rescue children from toilets :)
I have actually joined a f/b group of local people called Fitness Accountability Network, FAN. We are supposed to post all of our workouts and diet goals there. It goes on the ticker, but not on the news feed unless you are in the group. Maybe you could get hooked up with one of those? I wish I could get my DM to go there, because I end up duplicated my posts unless I use the "share" function.
I had ZERO motivation to run yesterday. But so many of the "Running Moms" were posting their awesome weekend runs on Facebook. It DID make me feel lazy. And totally left out. So I drove to a trail that I've only run a few times, did 13 miles and felt AMAZING! I may have checked into a burger joint on the way home ;) I THANK you all for posting your running plans and experiences.
What an awesome post! I truly never thought about my posts potentially being annoying. I have lost 125 pounds in the last year and facebook has been part of my accountability along the journey. Because of that I don't plan to stop anytime soon.
Perfect timing on this post, Heather. I was recently thinking about how I wanted to thank you for being such an inspiration. A while back, I 'hid' your status updates because how they reminded me of what I was not accomplishing(sorry)...I must admit I did this after a 'happy hour' that probably turned into several hours. After downloading a recent mobile FB update, you were back in my news feed! I enjoy hearing about your successes, and how you handle your struggles with a grace and an amazing attitude. Not long after you came back into my fb life, it just clicked for me that I needed to make a change to become healthier and happier (Im sure you had a part of this). Its been almost 2 months and I'm down 18 lbs and a regular at the gym. And Im happy! And NOT going to happy hours. Thanks, Heather.
Hear! Hear!
Hallelujah! Heck, 80% of my friends on Facebook are currently training more than me, and reading their updates inspires me to get out the door!
BRAVO! Although on occasion, I must admit to disliking the "workout status" of some of my friends. Upon further reflection I do realize that it is just my feelings of guilt for not working out like I should. Most of the time I love to read the healthy things my facebook friends are up to!
Awesome post! I don't post mine, but I do enjoy reading other and I do find it motivating. If so-n-so in ME can run in below zero temps, then I can move my happy butt in 55 deg weather (I am a So Cal weenie) but you get my drift.
You can please everyone!
I'm with you here. I was using Nike+ and would post automatically to Twitter and Facebook. I did this partly because yes, I was proud of myself whenever I actually got out there (I was never the athletic one), and because I want someone to call me out when it's been awhile. Also, I hope that someone will see that if even I can do this, they can too! And some days, I too skip the workout in favor of the couch. That's okay sometimes, just not all the time. And okay, maybe I'm bragging a little bit sometimes. But I am not trying to make anyone feel not good enough or down on themselves.
One of the reasons it is SO important to remove the negative from your life... Although I wont take your Jersey Shore and/or Twilight remarks to heart - hit nail on head sweetie!
Excellent post! I have been told by a few people that my workout posts are annoying, because they don't workout and they feel lazy. Get over it. I love seeing what my friends are doing, it inspires me to get out there, too. Don't like it? Unfriend me or hide my posts, it's okay with me!
I assume there are "friends" on FB who hide my posts because they find them annoying. However ... I have more people tell me how inspirational it is to see what I do and that it motivates them to want to run or walk a 5k. Or even pick up that exercise DVD again.
I'll keep posting. It's either that or talk people's ear off about running. :-D
Well said!!! I post mine, and I've been told that I have inspired some to get back into working out and if I can inspire one person, that I am extremely happy. Everyone else can suck it!! LOL
Agree. I am one of those obnoxious people who post when I work out....not always, but often. I mean, how can that be more annoying than someone who posts an update every time they go to the bathroom??
Great post Heather. I dont post my workouts to Facebook, but I dont post much on Facebook. I do post and stay very active following, encouraging friends on Daily mile. I am numbers guy as well. I love, but have not named my 305 yet.
I recently wrote a rant about negative exercise haters on FB..and while I haven't ever had one of those people comment on my DM/running/exercise related posts, rest assured, if someone ever did, they'd be unfriended so fast they wouldn't know what hit them.
Usually the haters I see comment on other friend's workouts, and since they are friends of friends, I do not feel it my place to rip them a new one, although I certainly want to.
I don't post all my stuff to fb for this reason... my training log (beginnertriathlete.com) is linked to my twitter, so that's where I am the triathlete. Not on facebook. Not sure why I made that decision though.
I must admit, I get more angry at people who post "So depressed" or "I can't win right now, FML" and things like that. I block people like that.
I go on facebook to have a laugh, not to give people fake sympathy...
Wow, that's a bit heartless. Keep in mind these people are serial offenders!!
I fall into that "new runner, looking for encouragement" category. The sad part is, my FB friends rarely comment on my health related posts.
Oh, but if I should dare put a bit of drama on my fb then they go comment crazy. I think I just need more friends that are into running and being healthy.
I just read that same thing recently and felt a little embarrassed. I link all of my runs to FB via Daily Mile and had no idea that it was apparently annoying. I'm not one who posts every little thing on Facebook, but the encouragement I receive in response to my runs keeps me going. I figure that if people don't like it, they can block me!
I wish this post had a like button, could not have said it better myself!
There will always be people who get annoyed. As much as I'd like to please everyone and be liked by everyone, I know that's not possible. I created a "group" in my FB for runners. That way, whenever I post a FB status about my running, I restrict it so only those people see it. Non-runners don't care. However, if I run an awesome race, I will post most result for everyone, even non-runners, to see. If someone is really annoyed by your posts, they can choose to not look at them or officially "block" them, but still be your friend. I am sure I am blocked by people but I don't care. I block other people!!! :-)
Amen to this post - thanks for taking a stand!!!
I 'knew' that my posts probably bugged some people but I somehow find it difficult to care. I also Share a ton of workouts I find. At first for me so I could print them off later as I was on my cell, but eventually people started to comment. I believe I did have someone 'unfriend' me but I haven't seen her in 30 years and, frankly, don't care. I have a lot of 'fit' friends that I found using the app Nexercise and we are FB friends and they post their workouts as well. :)
What bugs me is if someone posts something like, "What a waste of a day" and when we all say "Why, what happened?" And get no response. That's a waste. Lol...
I completely agree!!! I have had friends say snide things on there and I just fire back something along the lines of "Well then get off your ass and go workout!"
Right on! Great post, thoroughly enjoyed myself. I would love to know that I help/ed motivate someone on my friend list to get active.
Yes, yes and yes! People have too much time on their hands! be encouraging or shut up. We can't all be the same but we can reach out to share the joys in our lives. Something always has the potential to inspire someone else.
love this post!! please keep motivating and inspiring me!!!!
You know who inspired me to become an active mom? Someone who always posted about their workouts on FB. Do you know how I signed up for my first triathlon? Because someone on FB posted, I replied, and they convinced me. Keep posting because you never know who you are inspiring!
I don't post a lot on FB because of this. I do love Daily Mile and Twitter at least people know what they're getting into. On FB I always post about races and such and figure people can deal with that. Awesome post.
I agree with you completely. I have had so many people tell me to keep posting my work outs and accomplishments because its inspiring to them and motivates them. I have yet to have a single person say that they are annoyed by my posts or don't want to hear/read them. For those people who say they are helpful, I will keep posting them. If it annoys people then I don't really care because I'm helping others and that has always been my goal in life.
New post: http://rebeccaeliseoarras.blogspot.com/
Love this post and all the awesome comments! I used to post all my runs on FB but totally stopped because I could tell people were annoyed. I still post my long runs on there every saturday but send the rest to twitter where people won't think I'm being braggy. I think you hit some great points in this post though and inspired me to keep posting because if it helps one person, then it's worth annoying all the others : )
I mentioned to a friend once that I was thinking about deleting my FB account and he responded extremely sarcastically "then how will we know how far you have run" After unfriending him in FB I started following the same path as Robin B. I now only post my workouts on Daily Mile and Twitter where all my running friends are and keep FB for the family updates and pictures of my kids.
I like getting people off of the couch too. people tell me they are astounded by my lunch runs, and a few call bullshit on me. they are real numbers. I was in ironman training.
Very well said, and my non-running wife actually posted this to facebook and agrees with what you've said here.
I know that I annoy my friends with my Dailymile updates, but I don't care!! That's who I am, take me or leave me!! If they don't like it they can unfriend me, simple as that!! They must not have been much of a friend in the first place!! I have had many people tell me that I inspire them so I will continue to post my workouts. :)
RAWR!!! I've been accused of oversharing through my Daily Mile posts and I'm so over it. I used to weigh 226 lbs (not even close to be associated with a pregnancy of any degree!) and at 140 lbs now with two half marathons under my belt, you better believe I'm going to share my experiences with the world. Running, dieting, clean(ish) eating - the whole 9 yards. I dare anyone to give me grief and then turn the tables on them by asking, "why were you never concerned or annoyed when I tipped the scales at 200+ lbs??"
Isn't it funny? Social media works for us and against us. The network you build to support you tears you down. Maybe it's time to re-evaluate the network. I've stopped posting much of anything to F/B because even my own family called me out on it. So Guess What...My Fitness, My Son, My Blog will go else where. I heard you loud and clear.
Twitter is where the cool kids are anyway. :)
Totally agree. If my running habit makes someone feel lazy, well ... maybe they are lazy and should do something about that. Also, I've recently started becoming Facebook friends with more local runners (to hopefully have more in real life running friends) and I can always count on them to like/comment on my running-related posts and therefore dissuade the haters from commenting.
Post whatever you want! If someone stops following you or whatever because you are in good shape, poo. They're hiding from themselves.
Run on....and post on....
I think posting your workout is completely fine, and good for you!
Alpine Dermatology
I know I'm probably annoying when I do it, but I don't post every one, and people can just scroll past me in their stream. You bring up a good point about what are acceptable updates. Really good point.
I can't believe people sensor what they write on their own FB page! That's just wrong.
I don't post my every day milage, but if it's a hard run, a looong run, or a hilly run, then I might share.
I figure those who don't run won't read the post anyway, those who do and comment on it are generally people who are a) runners as well or b) know how far I've come with my own health and are pretty dang happy that I can run as well.
This is the first time I've ever read a blog post by you, and YES!! YOU SAID IT!
Great read, great point, and I'm going to reactivate my DailyMile auto-post to FaceBook RIGHT NOW!!
Awesome post! I love that I can share my passion with others via social media. I guess if it annoys someone, they can just hide my posts! (or delete me, my feelings will NOT be hurt)!
Maybe I'm clueless about how non-runners view my posts but I post away. Although I think I've weened away any "friends" that can't tolerate my running. That being said, I love Daily Mile because it, just like most of the running community, is super supportive.
Heather this is a great post! Stay on your soapbox - I'm right there with you!
I post my running workouts everyday. Not bragging but it is a form of motivation for me - keeps me honest! I can't tell you how many times I have been in the grocery store and heard from across the aisle "Did you run today?" I've also rec'd messages from people when they run so I"m motivating others too!
http://werrunners.wordpress.com/2011/09/15/jeff%e2%80%99s-post-%e2%80%93facebook-motivates-me/
Perfect timing! Just yesterday a FB friend posted how she hated all the workout status updates. I worried incessantly she was referring to moi. As someone who couldn't run a mile a year ago (and about to run my 2nd half this weekend) - I am proud of my accomplishments. It has been crazy hard work. But as you write, I don't judge others activities and how they choose to spend their time. I did ponder for about 10 minutes whether I should post my going to crossfit tonight.
I love seeing how others are working out and making themselves stronger and faster! I say keep it up!
It's your page, so post what you want to about yourself on it. I don't get the controversy at all.
Interesting comments.
love love love this. i never post that stuff because i thought it would annoy others -- but you've given me every reason in the world to be proud of my accomplishments. thank you.
for me it's not about what I post, but how often ... so for most workout related posts I keep them to Twitter or my Facebook fan page instead of my personal status
Love this!!! I agree!
GREAT POST! I post my workouts only occassionally but I know there are those that roll their eyes...but for me it is a certain accountability. I do not look like a runner and so if my running can motivate another "curvy" woman to get her butt off the couch and get in shape then it is worth it!
Oh my goodness! I can see how people find this annoying, but its silly. There are for more annoying facebook updates than someone feeling accomplished for a great workout. Now, the example they gave does sound annoying...but mainly for the bragging and over the top attitude. I think just sharing a workout or an accomplishment without going overboard is completely justifiable and people who gripe about it need to get over themselves. That's what FB is for! Sharing!
I wish there was a way to "like" comments on the stream....TMB, you're my hero!
I've never had someone tell me they were annoyed by it, a couple have told me it keeps them motivated and reminds them to go exercise. I post my dailymile on FB and twitter and won't ever apologize!
So I know I'm a little bit late commenting on this, but here goes...I LOVE THIS BLOG! Heather, you are SUCH an inspiration! And I do believe you are spot on with one. As we are all different people, we all use FB a bit differently. I applaud any and all of my friends who post anything about their exercise habits, healthy eating, etc. I have chosen to hide those people who post too much negativity. If someone doesn't want to read about my latest mountain biking conquest or how many miles I'm up to in my training, then they are free to scroll right by. If these same posts inspire one person to get up and get moving, then YAY ME!!
LOVE this article! Thanks for writing it! I'm all about the numbers too (hence my career as an accountant)
http://runningtoexplore.blogspot.com/
I'm not sure how I missed this post! I use FB mostly or running stuff like Daily Mile. It's the only way my physical therapist can keep track of me. I don't care if people don't like it. They can always delete/hide my post or un-friend me. I delete/hide stuff (mostly religious or political) all the time.
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