I'm totally guilty of what they dude did...oops!

while helping with a long idstance foot race, which involved laps around a lake- walkers with headphones got in the way of serious competitive runners. The walkers did not realize runners were overtaking them because of the headphones. this occurred near the finish line so runners were miffed.

YES! It seems like many runners have this superior, greater-than-thou attitude about their chosen form of exercise (and yes, a passion, stress reliever, etc., for them, as well).
You know, we weren't all made to be runners. This doesn't make us "weak" or mean we're lacking discipline or are even not in good shape.
I'm in hella good shape and guess what, I don't run. My body does better with other types of exercise (including WALKING!) and isn't that what matters? That I'm doing what works for me and makes me the happiest and healthiest?! Crazy idea, I know...

That's really unfortunate. I used to say that a "superiority complex" (like the one expressed by that runner) is really an "inferiority complex" in disguise.

Thats just ignorant, because they really don't know anything about the walker. Like yesterday, I power-walked rather than ran because I wanted to keep active but give my knees a break from the pounding.

I'm usually just happy to see people out doing something, whatever it is they can do!

For the second summer in a row, I'm helping to train people to complete a half marathon. About half (maybe more) of this group is unable to run for various reasons. But besides me, all of the other trainers are Ironmen/triathletes. (I've completed four half marathons - as a walker.) Not only do these endurance athletes rarely take into account the various fitness levels of the group, they basically ignore me, because I don't run. It's very frustrating! I obey the rules, I stay to the right, I don't get in their way. But I have every right to be out there on the course with them, and earn my medals through just as much hard work and dedication. Their superior attitude is not only annoying to me, but frustrating to the other walkers in our group. Get over yourselves!

I have a back problem that keeps me from running -- but I'm a fantastic walker. It's frustrating sometimes to see people around me jogging or running, but I have to remember not to compare myself to them... I have to do what's best for MY body.

i was having dinner with some new friends and their social circle last year when we started talking about the mini marathon taking place that weekend. one woman imparted that her mom had signed her up and put her in a pen all the way in the back "with the walkers." I asked what pen and if being farther back just meant her start time would be later and would it be a big deal? She said she wouldn't be able to focus around walkers and wasn't interested in being back there with people who don't take the "run" seriously. I then told her I was in the same pen.

The interaction bothered me so much I never spoke to the new friends again.

poppie - thanks for being honest! it's easier to say "oh no, i'd never say that" on our mostly anonymous forums.

I am going to be honest here.

Yeah, I'm guilty of this too. But, it's more of my super competitiveness than disdain for walking. We live in the fattest nation in the history of the earth - I'm all for people doing what they can to stay healthy.

There are some things that annoy me about walkers, though. I really get upset when people take the best, heavy duty treadmills at the gym to fraking walk on. When I have to do a run on a cheap Precor 956, it really hurts and I pay the price later. I wish they'd be more conscious of the resource they are using.

I am also annoyed by girls who will walk a mile leisurely and delude themselves into thinking they've worked out. It's just ignorance about what you have to get your heart rate up to to benefit cardiovascular activity. It's often the overweight people who need to be working out the hardest.

I'm not guilty of it because I'm a walker, not a runner. I haven't head anyone make fun of me for not running but I sure as heck get made fun of for being fat AND exercising.

You mean like tip 8 below:

http://www.fitsugar.com/2987073

I'm a runner, but not guilty of this. Walking is a form of exercise too! Though, I don't think I ever walked as a form of exercise. (I go spinning/jog on lazy days)

Yeah, Niami, that's just uncalled for. But - feeling out of place at the gym at first is a rite of passage on the way to getting in shape. I had to go through it too.

I'm a runner and I just applaud anyone for doing any kind of activity. But when I'm running, I just think about my own body and what's best for me. I nod and smile at anyone else on the road/park/ track but mainly worry about me and staying out of others' way (mainly cars haha). What's best for one body isn't necessarily best for another. Exercise in any form is great, period.

im a runner and whenever im walking back home at the end of my run as a cool down, i always have this paranoid fear that people driving by will judge me because im not running. its so stupid but i cant help it!

i have a friend who is just like that. She runs marathons and when i told her that i am starting to train for a 5K she made fun of me and said that people like me ruin the integrity of the sport. She then said that anything shorter than a half marathon is a joke and that true runners wouldn't run those kind of distances. Needless to say, she drives me nuts.

That's really arogant of her, pookie. Wow.

I'm not a runner, but I walk all the time. I've never been scoffed at (that I've caught), but I'd be hurt if I was - solely for the fact that at least I'm out there being active. Some people just aren't built as runners and judgment by those who think they're better because they are is unnecessary.

@Pookie: She doesn't sound like much of a friend. Keep at it, lose your excess baggage (your 'friend'), and good luck! I think it's fantastic that you're training for a 5k!

Anyway, I used to be a runner, but, at the advice of my trainer, I stopped and starting Nordic Walking (I live in the mountains). Running gave me a good workout, but walking gives me an AMAZING workout. So, runners can 'pooh pooh' walkers all they want, but at least my knees will be relatively pain free 20 years from now!

The people Fit was running with must be really insecure, since they're making fun of walkers just to feel good about themselves. So stupid. Plus, I'm training for a marathon, and several training plans I've looked at suggest walking on cross training days. So, how do you know the people walking aren't marathoners on a non-running day? Or how do you know that they haven't already spent 2 hours of their day doing some form of hardcore workout, and now they want to do something more leisurely? Plus, I feel like this mentality only worsens the country's obesity problem, since people who are overweight probably feel self conscious enough as it is when doing any form of exercise. Though I'm a runner, I'm all for people walking - even if it's not the hardest workout in the world, it beats sitting on the couch and eating chips! Pookie - good for you! I went through a period where I was very inactive, and when I decided to train for a 5k it was a much bigger challenge than what most seasoned runners could imagine. But stick with it and don't get discouraged! Also, I'd like to see your friend tell Olympic runners that their 5k and 10k races are a "joke" . . .

I'd go with what ekstor said - anyone displaying a "superiority complex/attitude" is actually hiding an "inferiority complex". You try to find situations that make you feel better of yourself, because in reality, and without "comparing" yourself to others that you deem "worse" than you, your self-esteem is low. The chip is on the shoulder of the snob-er, not the snob-ee.

I love it when Pop waxes sanctimony LOL. When I was overweight, by my standards, I walked most of the time. As was said earlier, the incessant pounding took a toll on my knees. Once I purchased a treadmill, I started running more consistently and was able to build up my stamina. I was able to do this without compromising my joints. Now I run virtually all the time!

I would never misprize somebody because they walk primarily. Tom Venuto always says to let the results dictate your approach. If your satisified with your body and fitness level, and that is predicated on walking as a form of cardio, then who am I to judge? People need to do what works best for them, and not feign a supercilious attitude.

i kind of agree with spacekatgal on getting annoyed with lesuirely walkers who talk on the phone or talk to their friends like its social hour and take up the best treadmills in the gym, specifically the ones near fans and vents. it kind of makes me irrationally angry because i do feel i could be putting those particular treadmills to better use, because cool air helps to me sustain running at a face pace. yet, beyond this particular situation where someone's choice of treadmill could have a personal affect my workout, i don't really pay attention to what anyone else does. i just try to get through my workout and do it properly, because as fitsugar said, if you're too busy worrying about what other people are doing, you're probably not working hard enough.

**i meant- cool air helps me to sustain running at a fast pace.

Actually, the only time I EVER use the treadmill at the gym is to walk. I do intense cardio on the elliptical, or I do an endurance class, and then I walk for 10 minutes on the treadmill afterward to cool down. Excuse me, but who said the treadmill is only for running, and that I am "wasting" it or "taking it up" by walking? Is there some sort of heirarchy I don't know about, in which the people who burn the most calories are the best, and the others are a waste of space and equipment?

It's unsettling to me when people like Naomi judge others for not working out the way they think they should. So what if other people are fat/unfit? Is that so bad? How on earth does it annoy YOU if someone else is overweight or poor at exercise?

In general, people are so quick to judge, dismiss, and belittle others, especially fat people. To me, it is just a sign of your deep-seated insecurities. Your deepest fear is becoming fat like them, so you have to judge them and make fun of how overweight and "deluded" they are, in order to distance yourself from them. You know, I am a size 2 and I work out 5x per week, but I always smile at the overweight treadmill walkers at the gym, and when I'm paired with an overweight person in fitness class, I don't grumble when they can't do the moves. If you're an overweight person, it takes a lot of courage to go to the gym and work out amid all the perfectly sculpted bodies.

I currently have a knee injury from running and have no choice but to walk as everything else irritates my knee and I don't want to stop working out b/c of it. Anyone thumbing up their noses up @ me for walking can kiss my entire a$$!

I agree that it's a little ridiculous to be mad at people for using certain gym equipment. So because I'm not as fit as you, I don't get to use the best equipment? I pay the same monthly price I am just deserving to use the good equipment as the so called crappy ones. I really feel like that goes along with the same mentality. I'm working hard and trying to get active and now I just have one more thing to feel self conscious about in the gym. Is some hardcore runner angry at me for using this treadmill? Jeez.
Anyway, yes I've encountered those people and yes it seriously upsets me. I used to run and can't anymore due to some feet/ankle issues that no one can figure out whats wrong. So it's frustrating because I WANT to run and can't so when people make snide remarks it frustrates me even further. It's like everyone is trying to do the best they can, chill out!

This entire "superiority complex" about running is just silly, in any setting or circumstance. It's the mark of ignorant and stupid people.

There are people who walk for exercise. There are people who walk as a form of meditation, or just because it takes up time. What business it is of ANYONE else WHY someone is walking, much less belittle them for it? And if you are a serious walker, you just might be burning more calories than a runner anyway. Running can be very hard on your body, and if you don't do it right, you could get hurt. That's not an issue of being cowardly or "not having the guts", but safety precautions. We all have to protect ourselves and do what is best for our bodies. Those people Fit overheard were plain jerks, and they'll get their comeuppance. I'm sure that there are some track runners and short-distance performance runners who think that long-distance running is for "lazy people who don't want to push themselves".

And I don't think it's a rite of passage to be criticized for being fat and exercising at ANY time. We all exercise for different reasons, and we each have different levels of fitness that we are both comfortable and most efficient at. Why does anyone even CARE? There's no REASON at all to demean or be passive aggressive about somebody being overweight on a treadmill/"hogging" gym equipment just because YOU don't think they "deserve" to be there. Why don't you do something positive and HELP them instead, if you see they might be struggling or confused about how the equipment works?

Off-topic rant: What pisses me off the most is really thin/athletic people using the most popular equipment during the busiest hours for ridiculously long periods of time (2 hours? come on!) claiming they're "training". It's a public gym, just because you're fit or thin doesn't mean the same etiquette rules don't apply to you!

I think if you were a runner you'd understand. He thing the distinguishes an expensive, heavy treadmill from a cheap one is shock absorbtion. I can't imagine a reason walkers would need that. It can be very painful to run on a small one. It can also be dangerous - around 10 miles, you're going on autopilot and can be exausted - sometimes stepping off the smaller belt.

Your decision to use this equipment is, of course, up to you. But, from my perspective, it's a selfish one.

Bri

This post makes me so sad. Why would anyone want to cut down someone who is trying to better themselves physically?

Both of my parents started doing marathons when I was in my early teens (I'm in my late 20s now) and kept it up for 10 years. My mom walked marathons, later becoming a marathon walking coach, and my dad run/walked, actually doing very well in his age division. I have the utmost respect for the both of them - in 2007, I ran my first 1/2 marathon, and it is hard work. At this point, I'm at 1/2 marathon #9 (I'm trying to run one in each state) and heading into marathon #2, and I love doing run/walk intervals! For the poster who said that they got blasted for doing a 5K, GET RID OF THAT FRIEND! Everyone has to start somewhere, and not everyone is cut out for long distances! That doesn't mean people cannot build up to that, but I don't think I would have ever felt encouraged to run further if I hadn't tried the 5Ks, 4 milers, and 5 milers.

I'm currently in a group where some people run intervals and others walk. It is to help promote movement, get in some sightseeing through Central Park, and overall, improve our health. I love that our team captain has created plans that challenge both walkers and runners so that we are all successful. I wish more people were like her...

I used to be sort of a running elitist, but then I got a bad case of tendonitis and had to stop for a while. I did all my cardio on the elliptical and the bike and I got a pretty halfway decent workout that way. Not quite like running, but it got the job done. I realized then that not everyone CAN run and not everyone even SHOULD run. If you have underlying knee/foot issues, running could exacerbate those problems and make it impossible for you to work out at all. It's better for people to do what they can and more importantly, what they like to do so they'll stick with it. My dad only walks, but he likes it and it helps keep him trim.

I'm a runner. Totally cool with walkers. I mean, I had to start SOMEWHERE, right?

It annoys me to read some of the comments here. So much so, that the next time I go to the gym I am going to walk on the best treadmills, talk on my phone as loud as I can, and try to socialize with everyone around me. Because I guess that is what walkers are supposed to do, right? Oh, and let me not forgot listening to my Ipod and making marathon runners dodge me left and right.

Ha ha, Emmy18. I was thinking of walking on the best treadmill too and see if I get any dirty looks.

I exercise at the gym and not outdoors, so I have no experience with this but has others have said its really stupid to judge someone because of their form of exercise. They are trying to be healthy and that's what matters. I know I tried running once and my ankle hurt so bad I vowed never to do it again, I'll stick with my pain free elliptical.

I miss running. I did it for 8 yrs before I had to stop due to knee problems and b/c of beginning stages of sports induced asthma. It is unfortunate that a lot of runners can be very judgmental. I think part of it is the competitive side. I remember eye rolls when I would have to stop because my knees would completely swell up and turn black and blue during a long run. I stopped before my knees went bad. I didn't want to be a 30 something needing a total knee replacement.

Unfortunately this kind of attitude can be found everywhere among training people, not only among runners.

BeautifulHelath, I totally agree.
BTW, I used to run and was really good at it, but my shins couldn't handle it anymore, so I decided to switch running with walking. My health comes first (and there was a time Vanity did...)

Pookie, Shalane Flanagan (5k 10k champion) might have something to say to your friend about her claim that anything less than a half marathon is a joke.

You definitely don't have to be running marathons to be a "real" runner.

This video is still one of my all time favourite finds on Fitsugar - so inspiring:
http://www.fitsugar.com/1692375

I judge people who HANG ONTO THE MACHINE as they walk at a slow pace. What is the freaking point of being in the gym to do that?

Pointless and a waste of a machine.

The walkers who crowd the start lines at races in groups 3-4 wide bother me. The guys at the gym who spend 30 minutes doing 3 sets of 5 moves on strength equipment bother me. The guys at the gym who don't wipe their machines down bother me. Pretty much, all inconsiderate people bother me. It's not a walkers vs. runners thing. I could care less what kind of a workout you're getting... unless I see you downing a Vitamin Water or two during your workout. Then I get a little irritated at society.

This is why I no longer compete in races. I have yet to meet a runner who isn't condescending to anyone who runs slower than them and who doesn't have an ego. This goes for both genders. It's extremely discouraging for those of us who want to be good runners. I hate being around judgmental people like that so I just completely swore of 5k's. (And they're getting pretty darn $$)

I don't know. I'm reading this thread and seeing a lot of anger directed at runners. It's hard for me to see it as anything but jealousy. Maybe if you have so much energy to be jealous, you should direct it towards improving your own workout?

As far as all the leg and shin complaints, it seems to me that our bodies were evolutionarily designed to get out there and run. We used to have to hunt down our food, and that was before we had anything like shoes. Studies show that the impact from running strengthens our bone structures, not the other way around. I've had injuries too, but you can train back from them.

You mean like tip 8 below:

http://www.fitsugar.com/2987073

-----

jen1975 - I'm glad you brought this up. Total contradiction to what you're saying Fit!

Frankly I think that annoying, inconsiderate people are the majority no matter where you are. I had to learn to block out the irritation to save my blood pressure.

No, I actually don't mean that, HeyXu. I don't understand what you're getting from that enough to keep posting it, but what I read it as is "if you're running less than 6 mph, don't bother."

Newbie here! Anyway, I am a runner, and I honestly don't look down on walkers. I started out walking, and I understand that some people cannot or prefer not to run. With the unhealthy habits many Americans have I am just happy to see people being active, regardless of the activity. That being said, I'm going to defend some runners comments.
First of all, the treadmill issue runners have isn't one of superiority, it's one of courtesy. I agree with notinthemood on this one. As a walker, why get on the larger treadmill that is clearly better at handling heavy use when there is a smaller one that is equally suited to your needs? You may be able to walk on both a small and a large treadmill, but a runner cannot properly run on both. So from a runner's perspective this just seems selfish. I am NOT saying all walkers do this, but the few that do are really irritating.
Also, to the disgruntled walker that responded saying that they're just going to wear their ipods, take the larger treadmill, and basically be obnoxious on purpose because of some runners' comments I say quit being so dramatic. The runners making comments about the few things walkers do that irritate them were not by any means saying that ALL walkers do this. The runners were simply showing that while some runners are guilty of negativity towards walkers, it goes both ways at times. Neither group is perfect.
CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG! ...rant over.

WOW, this is getting heated - So of course I have to add my 2 cents.

I'm an avid exerciser with terrible knees. I've been missing half the cartilidge in my right knee since I was in 6th grade from sports.

Anyways, I walk a LOT at the gym - as part of my 5 or 6 day regimen, I'm on the treadmil about 3 times a week.

I'm going to start by saying that I go to the gym at 5:30 in the morning, so I'm not too concerned about which treadmill I select - there is no one there, I also know that my bad knees feel better on the better shock absorbers even with walking. Plus I'm sustaining a 145-160 heart rate minimum the entire time so I'm not exactly walking at a leisurely pace.

But I do understand spacekatgal's comment. With my bad knees I have to use the really good Precor ellipticals, I can't use the ones where the handles are attached to the pedals, I require a crossramp - so when people are just tooling around on the really good machines, I do get frustrated. Luckily, at 530am, there aren't too many people on the ellipticals either, but when I worked out in the evening, it was madness.

I too have felt the pressure to start running. I've tried in the past & even more recently, and not only do I end up with achy knees, but my heart rate is scarily high during those runs. Is it possible to be over 100% capacity, cause that's where I'm at. I don't know why, I have a friend who is a runner that's in the same boat, but I start breathing way too rapidly, and my knees hurt, so it's not worth it to me.

As long as I can get in my cardio & keep up my heart rate, I'll do whatever at the gym. I mix up walking, biking & elliptical work. I know I'm doing my heart good by being there and working hard every day.

I don't think I'm being talked about, the AM people at my gym seem to be super supportive of everyone that works out, I like that atmosphere!

Um, I've never heard of this before, but wow. People are gross. At least walkers are out enjoying themselves, getting good, solid exercise instead of sitting on the couch with a bag of Doritos.

I'm a walker. I usually walk anywhere from 4-6 miles a day. In the winter I walk on a treadmill at my gym.

SpaceKatGirl, your comment of: " Your decision to use this equipment is, of course, up to you. But, from my perspective, it's a selfish one."

Is spot on. It IS a selfish decision, in fact it's MY selfish decision. When I first started walking, I HAD to use the best, most heavy duty shock absorbing treadmill in the gym, because I weighed 363 lbs, and the smaller treadmills had a weight limit of 300. It too was dangerous for me as the belts would pull and hesitate on smaller machines. Being selfish for myself allowed me to lose 130 pounds so far. So, if you're so irritated with not getting the machine you want... tough, everyone has a right to them. Get their earlier or later. That's the great thing about a gym, there are flexible hourse and many ways to get your workout in.