Tuesday, July 28, 2015

DON'T HUMOR THE HATERS

I'll get back to running in the next post...

When one encounters an obstacle...
I wanted to share with you a piece that I wrote a few years ago that explains how I operate and how I continue to do what I do in all areas of my life. 

In fact, this has everything to do with running.

I hope that you enjoy this little tidbit. Although it is mainly about my first few days at Oberlin Conservatory as a freshman voice major, I think you'll be able to tell why I decided to post it here. 

*I have changed names to protect the identity of my classmates...


THE TEST

“No one ever passes this test, you know,” said the self-assured senior voice major as I tried to rush past him in the narrow hallway of Robertson, the building that housed most of the tiny, airless practice rooms at The Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
“Thanks. I’m going to take it anyway, you know, just to see what the test is all about, because everyone’s been telling me not to. It must be really hard,” I said, annoyed and waiting for him to stop blocking my way. I needed to get to the second floor of Bibbins Hall, where I would sit for an hour and rack my brains about dead European men, whose creations I seemed to have a special affinity for.
“Well, you’re wasting your time. Why don’t you just go like, practice? C’mon you’re a freshman, and you’re a voice major. Voice majors never pass the music history exemption test. Hell, they never even take it. You need to be in the practice room,” he said, shaking his head with a sympathetic smile and walking away. Continuing to warn me, he yelled, “Only like, European violinists and pianists ever pass the test. It’s their music anyway.”
Damon Purdy* was a legend at Oberlin. Everyone listened to what he had to say, even though he could be sort of a jerk. His incredible vocal talent— his melismatic gospel seemed to lend itself flawlessly to the demands of fioriture in bel canto opera—and his equally fluid keyboard skills in both styles were astonishing in such a way that one was overwhelmed simply by being in his presence. People listened to what he said and followed his advice. Even seasoned professors and professional musicians who had no need for advice from a twenty something regarded his generous running commentary as something worth lauding.
The exemption exam tested one’s knowledge of various periods in the western classical tradition, from early-medieval and renaissance idioms to modern serialism propagated by the likes of Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern. We were to identify each piece of music by period, composer, genre, historical context, and instrumentation.  Monteverdi, Scarlatti, Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Strauss, Webern—this was the test that I had been preparing to pass for 4 years...Stockhausen. Stockhausen?  Who in the hell was Stockhausen? That part I left blank.
We can do anything and everything. Don't Humor the Haters.
This past weekend, I finished my 5th Ultra. 
Fortunately, Stockhausen’s existence and contributions to contemporary classical music did not have the disastrous effect on my exemption that I had feared. The list that was posted that same evening outside of Bibbins 206 contained my name and the names of two other freshmen, who turned out to be Hungarian and Russian pianists.
***
“No one ever gets out of the writing requirement at Oberlin,” said my good friend Frankie Adan*, an editor at the Oberlin Review. “You shouldn’t even try. I mean, your stuff is good and everything but don’t like, waste your time.”

“Okay, um, thanks,” I said, rolling my eyes and walking away with the paper topic in hand.



47 comments:

  1. OMG I NEED YOU TO BE MY FRIEND!!!!!

    (sorry, I creeped out a little.)

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    1. Mirna, I just read your story in Runner's World, and I want to say thank you. I'm a teacher and singer, too, and used to be a serious athlete, but my body has been a mess of injury and surgery recovery for a long time. You really inspired me to finally take control of it.
      Also, I think you would love this song. It's super inspiring, and right on subject (especially the last part). Hope you enjoy!
      "Two of Us on the Run", by Lucius:Trust me: Two of Us on the Run by Lucius
      https://play.google.com/music/m/Tmkpsdqzaamvku42a6prasjwcjq?t=Two_of_Us_on_the_Run_-_Lucius

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  2. I have to comment, not because of this post, but rather your article in Runner's World. You see, I am an overweight, active, woman married to a thin marathon runner. I have struggled my whole life with body image and weight so I turned myself into a closet exerciser. I have a treadmill and started the couch to 5k program 6 weeks ago. I ran my first straight 20 minutes last week and was overjoyed. I hadn't done that in years. Fast forward to today and I wasn't feeling much like running. I get depressed thinking I am too big for this. So for motivation, I grabbed my husband's magazine while he was at work (I'm a teacher too and home this week) and there it was on the cover. I opened to the article (placed at the back of the magazine) and could not stop reading. I smiled, laughed, cried, everything. I felt every emotion. Best of all, after I send this, I'm going to lace up my shoes and nail my run today. Thank you so very much for your inspiration, motivation, and dedication. I hope to someday make it outside for a run.

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    1. I really hope to see you running, outside! The act of running itself is so liberating, but I promise you when you get yourself outside, whenever you are compelled, you will be liberated in other ways too. Much luck to you and thank you for your words!

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  3. This post encapsulates perfectly why, after reading the article about you in RW, I felt compelled to leave a comment on your blog and follow you here and on Facebook. I love your determination and your refusal to let people's negativity affect how you live your life and prevent you from doing anything you set your mind to. Your anecdote immediately made me think of this poem, which my mom would always read and recite to me and my siblings when we were children:

    It Couldn’t Be Done


    Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
    But he with a chuckle replied
    That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
    Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.

    So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
    On his face. If he worried he hid it.
    He started to sing as he tackled the thing
    That couldn't be done, and he did it.

    Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
    At least no one ever has done it;"
    But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
    And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.

    With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
    Without any doubting or quiddit,
    He started to sing as he tackled the thing
    That couldn't be done, and he did it.

    There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
    There are thousands to prophesy failure;
    There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
    The dangers that wait to assail you.

    But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
    Just take off your coat and go to it;
    Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
    That "cannot be done," and you'll do it.



    I feel like this is *so* you :)

    (and now I am wondering if I knew the voice major in question, as I had a lot of friends who were Con students, among them several voice majors!)

    (oh and by the way, this is Elke who also went Oberlin, I signed in with my Google account this time)

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    1. This is so perfect. I love it and I'm using it. Thanks! When were you at Oberlin?

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    2. Glad you enjoyed the poem! I personally have always liked the sentiment it expresses. By the way, I forgot to mention it, but the author is Edgar A. Guest.

      I was at Oberlin from 1988 - 1992, majored in French.

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    3. And I took some Spanish classes, too, so maybe we had some of the same professors?

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    4. I was there starting in 93 so I'm sure some of our buddies overlap!

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    5. I bet they do! It would be fun to talk to you about your time there and see if we know some of the same people :) I have thought about the voice major you mentioned and have an idea of who it might be--at least, I wouldn't be surprised if the person I am thinking of is the one in your story!

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  4. Smile at the naysayers and just keep on running!

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  5. I'm reading your blog (great post today) because of the Runner's World profile of you. Your story is inspiring and encouraging and energizing and I could go on and on. I'm not heavy but I am slower than most and take walking breaks too. I feel a little like a poser when I say I went for a run. Your story reminds me again (really, when will I quit listening to the naysayer in my head?) that runners come in many varieties including 57 year old slow grandma that can run faster than all the 57 year old grandmas sitting on the couch. I'm glad I met you.

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  6. Congratulations on your ultra finish! Can't wait to read about it.

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  7. Hi Mirna I'm also here because of the RW article. Congratulations on your indomitable spirit. We were curious what healthy foods you eat because we have friends who exercised and exercised and couldn't lose weight, but then tried a gluten-free paleo type diet and started having immediate results. Don't get me wrong - we support you 100%, but the article didn't mention your diet specifics and we would feel remiss not to share our experience. Best luck!

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    1. weltanschuuang, I'm not sure how you intended your comment to come across, but I received it as judgment of another person's weight and an implication that her weight is "not okay." I am fairly confident that that was not your intention, but requesting a person's diet specifics in the context of a friend's weight loss implies that said person is not eating "correctly." I've been on the receiving end of such comments that were lovingly intended and couched as helpful advice, but still felt like a slap or condemnation. Offering diet advice when it is not specifically requested is usually perceived as judgment or subtle fat-shaming, and is not really a nice thing to do. If you want to know what she eats because you truly want to know what an athlete eats to fuel her runs, just ask. Otherwise, support your friend in her newfound health and leave it be.

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  8. This may post twice so my apologies if it does. I also came here from the Runners World article. I feel like we are sisters! Sisters at heart at the very list. Thank you for not letting people discourage you. I am very active, eat well, and am considered obese. I love being active and getting a good sweat on. I ran a triathlon in 2013 and plan to do a half Iron next year. You are an inspiration to keep going, despite my current knee injury that has sidelined my running. I am doing all my other activities. I refuse to give up and refuse to listen to those discourages. Keep running!!

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  9. I loved your Runner's World story and now enjoy your blog.
    As a fellow runner and teacher I am inspired by your journey and your accomplishments. Your students are lucky to have your voice and experience as a guide to their future; they have won the education lottery. The world needs more people like you, with your tenacity, gift of observation, and sense of humor.
    Keep spreading the joy!

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  10. Reading your story in Runner's world made me teary for all sorts of reasons. Thank you for sharing.

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  11. Loved your article in RW. You are an inspiration to all. I am a registered dietitian and your article has changed my thought process about how I should approach my clients. Living healthy isn't all about numbers. Of all people, I should know this since I have type 2 diabetes even though I have a BMI of 21. We can't run away from our genes. I get very upset when I read articles about medical professionals and the general public who say that people with type 2 DM "eat their way to becoming DM". No one wants to have a chronic condition! However, I also run for the endorphins. I run a marathon every year and I have qualified for the Boston three times. I hope to share my story some day to hopefully break the stigma that people with Type 2 DM are lazy and that "they brought on the disease themselves". You're an inspiration! I love your message...from Canada

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  12. Fantastic post. Fantastic RW article.

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  13. I haven't finished reading your article in RW but I'm so inspired by you. As a black woman and as a woman who likes to run...still falling in love with running, your determination and willingness to share your journey to health and wellness and changing the stereotype of what it means to be athletic. Good luck on your journey! Are you on Twitter too?

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    1. Thanks for your comment. I'm on Twitter and Instagram as @themirnavator. Looking forward to connecting!

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  14. I am sitting here, weeping for joy at your article in RW!!! Thank God for you. I look forward to following your blog posts!!

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  15. Hello! I run a nonprofit organization, Health Noir, that is committed to eliminating minority health disparities in chronic disease. You are AMAZING and we would LOVE to feature you. May I have your email address to send you more information?

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    1. Hello Kilan--sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. If you contact me at my about.me page, it'll connect you directly to me via email. https://about.me/themirnavator

      Looking forward to hearing from you!

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  16. Mirna,
    I cannot tell you how inspired I was by reading your article in Runner's World and how much I have enjoyed reading your blog. It feels like too much of a happy coincidence that my family has been planning a trip to Black Rock Mountain State Park for the past few months. At the risk of sounding creepy, I would be so honored if you would allow me to join you on one of your park runs this weekend (should you be going on one). After all, one can never have too many running friends! My personal email is websterkatherine@aol.com and I will be happy to give you my phone number as well. Hope to hear from you.
    Best, Katie Webster

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  17. Just reading your article in runners world. It should have been YOU on the cover. You are one beautiful inspiring happy athlete-- you own your love to run.You are a true runner girl :)
    I run every day, and you are amazing to be an ulta marathoner. I absolutely love your enthusiasm and selfies. My running group is a fan of the selfies! Keep on rockin those miles. so pumped to read your blog! Sincerest, Helen

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  18. Just read your Runners world articl. It should have been YOU on the cover. Your passion for the sport, being an ultra marathoner, you kick butt! Totally love the selfies, my running group does sweaty selfies all the time. Running is fun, it's about the miles and you inspire me as a fellow runner girl! Keep kicking butt and taking on the miles! Sincerest, Helen

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  19. It thrills my heart to see all these people who also read the article about you in Runners' World. You inspired me as well! The day after I read that article I signed up for my first marathon. I think about you often during those weekly long runs because I'm not sure I would be doing it without having heard your story. I also wanted to tell you my thought process because I would hate for anyone to think that I was of the mindset that says, "If she can do it, I can do it." Instead, I thought, this is the type of woman who won't let anything stop her from accomplishing her goals. I want to be that kind of person. Then I wondered why I had never signed up for a marathon and the answer was simple: fear. Well, friend, here I am, conquering my fear because of you! Thank you so much for sharing your story and your beautiful heart. Even if that boy didn't meet you for a run, I'm out here running because of you! I wish you all the best and hope that some day, our running paths will cross and I can give you a hug. Watch for me at the Nebo Marathon in Utah September 6th! Mary Choate

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  20. What an amazing article in Runner's World! You are so inspiring Mirna. Congratulations on your success and keep running!

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  21. Hello, Mirna! I am another of many who was inspired by the Runner's World article about you -- and it really came at the perfect time for me. I'm your weight, I love running, and for six years now I've been wanting to run the Marine Corps Marathon. In 2008, I got up to 20 miles in my training but was worried about the time limit and decided not to run it. Last October, I decided to recommit myself to the training and have worked really hard. But I'm slow. And I'm starting to really, really worry about Beating the Bridge. The 10-milers I did in April were 16:30-minute-miles, and I'm afraid that's me on a good day right now. There are less than 75 days till the race, and I don't want to give up but I just don't know how to make this happen. I was questioning if it was even possible for someone my weight to finish the MCM in the time limit -- and then I saw your article. You are so inspiring. Do you have any advice? I'd be so thankful for any words of wisdom you could give me. Thank you so much -- you're just amazing. -- Diana

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  22. I love your relentlessly positive attitude! Keep on pushing those limits and proving the haters wrong.

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  23. Mirna...

    I too came across your RW article. Lets just say that by the end of it I was in tears. I too am a 250lbs runner...granted I have never ran a marathon, but I have ran a Ragnar, a 1/2 marathon, and a number of 10k's and 5k's. I have battled my weight since I was an early teen, have had a weight loss surgery(LapBand) which I had removed over 4 years ago, and have tried numerous diets. I started running about 6 years ago. I have been moo'd at while people drove by, I have over heard other women at starting lines make comments like 'does she really think shes gonna run this' and 'you've gotta be kidding me right?', I have had people ask me if I'm a closet eater, and the list goes on. When I first started running I would run until I heard a car coming and then walk until they had passed and I would try to stay off main roads. Now, 6 years later, I have learned to not care. I run with pride!! Running has become my therapy(I am a mom of 12 and trust me I need the therapy:). I still face the every day battle of accepting myself for who I am...and examples like yours make that a little easier. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for sharing your inspiring story!! You truly are AMAZING!!

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  24. I read the RW article when it came out, and was thrilled to hear you on the Another Mother Runner podcast today. You are a BAMR in every sense of the word. Congratulations on your latest ultra!

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  25. I LOVED hearing your story in RW and on the AMR podcast! I'm a trail runner on the bigger and slower end of the spectrum and it was so great to hear you talk about trail running. I'm training for my first ultra in three weeks and it is just comforting to hear stories of other people doing the same. I've also grown as a person through running and gained confidence- I'm lucky to have found a great running community after I moved to Philadelphia. (And we have GREAT trails here if you ever are in the area!) Cheers and keep up the good work!

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  26. Mina, I was so thrilled to see your article in RW! I've read it several times for inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story! I was wondering if you or your readers could advise how to find a slower running group! I'm not fast but I want a running community. I feel uncomfortable running with a fast group. are there any groups out there that are accepting of a slower runner? I'm in the South Jersey/Philly area. Thanks for any advice or help!

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  27. Hi Mirna! You inspired me to give myself permission to run at my own pace--not a stranger's or a friend's or the pace my running app tells me will break my personal speed record--and I've started loving running again after a long period of dreading and hating it. I'm running longer and farther because I'm running a little slower. And I feel so much happier. Thank you for setting an awesome example. I admire you very much.

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  28. Just saw you on NBC news. I am a southern white boy who is proud to share this great land with such a beautiful talented, driven super women. I wish I lived near you so that I could get to know you and some of that incredible spirit could rub off on me. You motivate me to be a better person, thank you. Wow ! you go girl !


    just saw you on NBC news.

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  29. You are an incredible super women that inspires me to be a better person. Your fantastic inspiration makes this country a better place as well. Thank you for sharing your story, and you go girl !

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  30. I saw your piece on the new tonight 09/18/2015. Just wanted you to know how much you inspired me. I wish had a friend like you here local that I could run with. Thank you so much for being such an inspiration!!!!!!!

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  31. i have to tell you- how awesome that was tonight...after having weigned 365 then 175 9 done healthy) then 290, yjen 190...well you get the picture...but your seize the moment and accept yourself message was truly stunningly wonderful- and a very big THNAK YOU

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  32. I am very proud of you young lady as you truly are an inspiration to every young one of if females young and old whom tend to give up after trying you have really brought out the meaning of if at first you dot succeed try try again
    I walk at. night but nothing in comparison to what you do I have arthritis any advise

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  33. You are inspirational! Stay beautiful and keep running!

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