For the most part, I’m not actually as mean as my reputation would suggest. I convince people to talk to me for a living, so obviously I’m perfectly nice most of the time. Usually, I start by assuming someone is OK and that there’s no reason for me to not be nice. Then, after that, I have learned to self-censor.
The exception to this is when I am tired. When I am tired it’s too hard to construct a wall between what I say and what I think. And it’s not really like I say crazy or terrible things. It’s simply that what we’re all thinking pops right out of my mouth before I even realize it had left my brain.
Today, I got killed on the track. You know how I said I keep thinking I can’t do workouts but I keep being able to do them anyway. Yeah, today I couldn’t. I mean I was really close until the last lap of the second 1.5 miles descending every half-mile, and then I just wanted to cry or shit my pants or anything that would stop me from having to run anymore. And, after that, I had 200s on the schedule. (Yay.) All of which means I was Tired, capital fucking T.
And, then this old guy starts sidling up to me in between the 200s and making small talk and asks: How fast are you running?
I shrug and mumble, I dunno. *Me giving social cues that I’d rather not be talking.*
Him: Yes, you do. You’re timing yourself.
Me: I know. I just don’t like it when people ask me that.
Which is true. And, not that mean. And, something I know we’re all thinking. And, I had no idea I was going to say it before I did. Since I didn’t know I was going to say that, I couldn’t think of anything else to say after it, so I just started my next 200.
Kelly O'Mara 
The thing about PRs is they are personal.
The shit you say is the reason I like you. We all are mean in ways, and dislike people in ways. Don’t be ashamed of this stuff. This is the good stuff. The bad stuff is actually what we think is the “good” stuff. Trust me on this.
Take care. 🙂
Yes I’m mean. My brothers called me the Mink. Spittin’ mad. Or ornery. It has mellowed with perspective and I don’t say it so much. But I still think it.
I think that was a perfectly appropriate answer!
I think it’s a perfectly HILARIOUS answer!
I get very angry inside when people try to talk to me mid (hard) workout (swim, bike or run). I’m obviously trying to do something and concentrate! That said, my filter works pretty good and I am usually able to reply politely regardless. 😉
Gotta train your filter 🙂
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