A Little Taste of Fame

It’s a well-known fact that first impressions are important. While I do agree with this, being honest – transparent – without being rude or offensive is equally important. So yesterday, when our school secretaries warned me “No running tomorrow”, I argued.

Our new principal started at our school today and, of course, teachers were dressing better than usual – to make a good first impression. The thought of my wearing my running gear on his first morning, followed by my casual after-running attire for the rest of the afternoon, was unimaginable to many.

Yesterday, after being gently reminded, I commented, “I usually run on Tuesday’s and I need to run tomorrow at lunch because that’s the only time I can.” Then I added, “I’m not worried. This is who I am.”

Admittedly, I was a bit nervous about how he would react. Even this morning, as I was getting dressed, I almost chickened out and pulled on my real work clothes.

But before 9:00, my fears were gone. I went to introduce myself, in my sub-zero running skirt, and was shocked that he knew my name before I barely had a chance to say anything.

“Hello, Cynthia, it is so good to meet you.”

“Okay,” I thought, “he’s studied our staff photos. He’s good.”

But as our conversation continued, he told me that he had asked my counterparts at his previous school if they knew me. “Marla, do you know her, she’s a runner? Well, she recognized your name when I asked if she knew you. She tells me that your a runner – a very good runner. I think that’s great.”

Suddenly, I felt famous. And I proceeded to tell him about my “school runs”. He asked about my race plans for the spring and repeated, “That’s fantastic!”

Fantastic: definitely, the word of the day.