I have taken to doing my own *******ized form of HIIT several evenings per week at a local park. There is a quarter mile track with a playground in the center, so my seven and four year old boys can play while I work out. After warming up I run half a lap all out, and then walk a full lap. I do this eight times. Well, in the middle of this session yesterday evening, several teenage boys came to park to hang out and smoke cigarettes. I noticed that they were staring at me as I ran. It made me very uncomfortable. Then they started making remarks, which I couldn't hear, but just had a feeling were "off color" and about me. My intuitions were confirmed without a doubt when one of the boys made a gesture which was unmistakably referring to my breasts bouncing as I ran. I was so uncomfortable that I almost quit. I could have popped these boys heads right off their necks!!! But I didn't quit. I figured out that if I simply turned around and went in the other direction at certain points of the workout, I could make it so that the running portion was done while they had their backs turned to me. Strange, they have the audacity to make rude remarks and gestures that I could obviously see, but did not have the audacity to actually turn around to watch me. Thank goodness! I finished my workout, and feel thankful that I was able to think my way out of the uncomfortable situation rather than quitting. I could still strangle each and every one of those boys. I hope my boys never become that rude.
I give you props for not hurting one of them little boys or making a remark towards them. Hate to say it, but boys will be boys and they were prolly trying to impress their friends.
Good for you for not letting those little twerps affect your workout! I would have wanted to smack them, too! Remember, teenaged boys are not finished developing yet- they are more larva than human at that age. I'll bet that if they even remember that they were discussing, you, that they will all forget about it by the following day. Minds like gnats, you know. If we could only put teenaged boys into cold stoarge from ages 12-24, the world would be a much less annoying place!
I would have said something to them. My son is a complete jock - high school football star - the whole bit. During his senior year he was all full of himself and made a very hurtful and rude comment about a fat girl at school. I was so furious with him that I went ballistic at him and the friends he was with. I told him in no uncertain terms that his mom may be the "hot mom" now - but when I was a junior in high school, I was the girl who weighed almost 200 pounds and didn't get invited to any dances, etc. - I was the one the jocks made fun of. Oh boy, oh boy - when I was finished, those three boys walked out of my house with their tails between their legs and said "yes ma'am, thank you for the arse whooping, may I have another" as they left.
It may be "what boys do" at that age - it does mean its acceptable or should be tolerated.
Whoo boy -I'm sorry! Can you tell that's a sore subject for me?!? As I said - it's something I had to deal with as a kid - and not something I tolerate from my own. More parents need to "spank" their kids, even if it's verbally - in my very vocal opinion.
Early on when I was doing the "Couch to 5K" running program, I was walking along when I came up on some young boys, and in my iPod, I suddenly heard the direction to run. I thought for sure, these boys would say something or laugh at me. Sure enough, they were looking at me with smirks and grins, so I just said, "never seen anyone jog before?" and kept going. They didn't bother me, and they could have been mocking me behind my back, but I didn't bother to turn around to look.
Good for you for not letting them ruin your workout. I know that must have been hard, but you were strong!
As the proud mother (most days) of a teenage son, I find this type of behavior horrible. If mine did this he wouldn't sit for a good week. But then maybe thats why he keeps his mouth in check (most days) his butt is familiar with my hand.
If more parents taught their children what is acceptable things would be much nicer.
I'm so proud of you for finishing your work, and leaving them in one piece.
I know that all of you who replied here would never put up with that sort of behavior from your children. I think these kids have absolutely ZERO input from home however. I was thrilled yesterday when I went to the park and this same group of boys was leaving just as I arrived.
I know my son see's MORBIDLY obese women, but does NOT make a comment! He actually feels bad for them. Told me I should do up south beach flyers, and I commented, that would be so hurtful! But you know, he does strick up friendships with people of all race, gender, sexuality, and weight! One of his best friends that just moved away, Rachel, must of weighed around oh, 300 easy! He's been known to hit his friends for making fun of big people.
Though he wishes he could talk with them that it's unhealthy, he'd NEVER make fun of them for trying to get fit!
I too am glad you stood your ground, your a better person than I am!
Rant: Teenage Boys!!
I could still strangle each and every one of those boys. I hope my boys never become that rude.
