Brash: Ok or not OK?

~ Chocolaterunsjudy

 bbrash

Brash: heedless of the consequences

Brash. Running. How do these two things come together? I think all too often they do — and sometimes it works, sometimes you get lucky, and sometimes you need to heed a few consequences.

You’re obviously conscious of being brash or big-headed but I always knew I was going to be a footballer when I was seven or eight. I didn’t just think I was going to be one, I knew I was going to be one. Nothing ever surprised me really.— Michael J. Owen

When brash is okay
If I’m being truthful, I believe that it’s never a good idea to ignore the consequences. It gets you into a lot of trouble. Other definitions for brash include hasty, rash, but also energetic or highly spirited.

I think we can all agree that being hasty and rash isn’t a good thing, and I’ll cover that more next. But energetic? High spirited? That can absolutely be a good thing.

Running can be hard and sometimes it sucks the soul out of you. But it can also be great — and one way to make it great is to be high spirited — to find the fun in running.

Sometimes being brash means:

  • Taking that jump shot.
  • Trying something new, despite your fears.
  • Meeting up with a group of runners where you know no one.
  • Confidently stating a race goal — something that may be a big stretch for you.
  • Wearing what makes you feel good, no matter what anyone else may think.
  • Ignoring the nay sayers and doing it anyway.
  • Making silly faces for the photographers.
  • Just smiling when you don’t feel like it.

Some might argue that these aren’t really brash things, but sometimes, they can be. Sometimes the simplest things can energize you and get you out of a funk — they can feel high spirited to you.

Sometimes you have to brash in your choices. Like above — ignore the nay sayers (even if it’s yourself) and do the thing that scares you anyway. Sometimes you’ll fail, but as the poem says, what if you fly? (learn more about that quote — which I’ve slightly altered — and its author in this post here).

The trouble with most comedians who try to do satire is that they are essentially brash, noisy, and indelicate people who have to use a sledge hammer to smash a butterfly.— Imogene Coca

When brash is not okay
I think there is a growing trend, no doubt fueled by social media and FOMO — and race directors too — to race too much and too often. People are lured in by bling and bragging rights. Some runners can handle multiday races; some think they can handle it, can seem to handle it . . . until their body rebels.

I know personally there are times I can race a lot and times when I need more rest and recovery. As we age as runners, it’s tempting to ignore the little aches and pains and fatigue because we don’t want to admit our bodies can’t do what they once did. In this case ignorance is not bliss —  push too hard and you may push yourself right out of the race.

It’s not just us adult onset runners, either. Being brash can help you push through your fears and it can also get you in a whole heap of trouble.

Don’t be afraid to be brash, but don’t be brash because your friends are. Do it because it motivates you. And never ignore that little voice inside of you that is telling you that being brash in this instance would be a bad idea.

Deb Runs

I am linking up with Debruns and her Wednesday Word

I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.

Tor-box

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

Tell me in the comments:

When do you think brash is okay?

When do you believe brash is too rash?

Has being brash ever gotten you into trouble?

29 thoughts on “Brash: Ok or not OK?”

  1. This winter you need to be bash or you will be stuck on your treadmill. Usually once you get outside the cold and snow is not as bad as you think.

    I have not had any over use injuries from running so I don’t think I’ve been too bash.

    But yes you can have too lofty goals and that can get you in trouble both mentally and physically.

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    1. My problem isn’t so much starting (although you’d never know that from the procrastination that goes on) — it’s much more being so chilled afterwards.

      The majority of my runs are outside, but I never regret a treadmill run, either.

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  5. I don’t think I’ve actually ever heard that term, but I didn’t know what FOMO was until you posted about it. I think if there are negative consequences, one shouldn’t be brash, but if it doesn’t hurt you or anyone else, then who cares, be brash. (Did I use it right?)

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  7. I remember when I lived in a new city and I didn’t know many people. This one girl I knew said she was meeting a running group and that I should come along. Shortly before the run she texted me and said she wasn’t coming. I could have threw in the towel as well since I didn’t know anyone but I decided to go. I am glad that I did because I met one of my best running friends there, and until this day we remain very close and discuss our runs and races all the time.

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    1. Good for you for going! I’ve gone to running groups by myself many times — it’s kind of hit or miss though.

      I met someone through one once kind of like you, and although we’re friendly, we never got really close. But you gotta keep trying!

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    1. Sarcasm can be tough — and especially via the Internet! Some of us live with very sarcastic people, too. 🙂

      I think there can be a difference between being up for a challenge and making rash decisions (rash is the root of brash, after all!). Another one of those fine lines.

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      1. Right!! I think sometimes the Hubs wants to find a corner and cry!! I will say that I was up for the challenges when we started, but I don’t think I consulted the calendar as to how close the dates were to one another!!

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  9. Brash is a tough word. My interpretation is “loud and out-spoken”…and that’s sort of the way I describe myself when I’m frustrated with my treadmill LOL (at least that’s the angle I took for my post today) 😉

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  10. When I think of “brash” I think of being really bold and not caring what others think – it can definitely have its consequences when people take it the wrong way. I just don’t like when people are brash in a way that’s obnoxious and showing off!

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    1. You know, I don’t think anyone would ever accuse me of being brash. But I do tend to march to the beat of my own drummer — not necessarily a group player.

      I’m too quiet to be obnoxious. I hope!

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  12. Harsh, loud, and maybe a little rude, no I am not brash, unless I am feeling sorry for myself & want to give up. I agree I am guilty ignoring the little aches and pains and fatigue because I don’t want to feel l am giving up to easily.

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