Marathon Journey: Day 16

Run Forrest Run.

This is STILL the go-to taunt to yell at a runner.

I can’t figure it out. It’s so fucking old at this point. It references a movie that most folks under the age of 25 probably haven’t even seen, folks under 25 seeming to be the likelier to yell out of a car to let you know their opinion on your athletic endeavor.

I can’t figure it out. But I’ll try.

A) Maybe it’s because it’s vaguely insulting, but not really. I mean, they’re yelling “Run Forrest, Run,” as opposed to the traditional “Fuck off!” or “Fuck you!” or really anything starting with “fuck” and ending with…anything.

B) It may be the ONLY pop cultural thing people can reference as running goes. I’ve never been called FloJo or Pre. I’ve never been taunted by being called Pheidippides. Or Hermes. Or even the Flash. With the success of the new Flash show, maybe I’ll get a Wally West or two. Is it Wally West on that show or Barry Allen? I was always a Wally West man myself, but to each his own.

C) Let’s face it, it’s a way to call someone retarded without actually using a naughty word. But it’s totally what you’re doing. All I ask is that you have the guts to say what you really mean. And the ability to shout it out a window fast enough that I can understand what you’re saying.

I don’t know. What I do know is, if I could go back in time and change one thing, I’d make it so Forrest Gump was like really good on a pogo stick or roller skates or whatever. Anything else, really.