i am a runner because i say i am, not because i run fast or far.

Today I found an article titled "Find Out If You're a Jogger or a Runner" by John Bingham.  Here's an excerpt (well really it's the majority of the article) along with my thoughts.  I was thinking about this when i went running today.  I am just beginning my training for my second half marathon and thinking about my first full marathon, but does that make me a runner?  I run a few times a week maybe a mile or two at the moment.  Today I went almost 3 and i was super proud.  I've reached the point where I can run a half hour and it feels good...and that feels awesome.  i will never be an ultra marathoner and my knees may always ache but today, i am a runner because i run.


I AM A RUNNER because my runs have names. I do tempo runs and threshold runs andfartlek runs. I do long, slow runs and track workouts. My runs are defined, even if my abs are not. At the moment I am sticking with simple training runs...good old fashion "build up my knees and endurance runs". 

I AM A RUNNER because my shoes are training equipment, not a fashion statement. The best shoe for me is the one that makes me a better runner. I choose the shoe that goes with my running mechanics, not my running outfit.  Absolutely.  I LOVE my asics.  You only have to run in the wrong shoes once to appreciate this. 

I AM A RUNNER because I don't have running outfits. I have technical shirts and shorts and socks. I have apparel that enhances the experience of running by allowing me to run comfortably. I can say "Coolmax" and "Gore-Tex" in the same sentence and know which does what. I am a HUGE believer in gore-tex and dri-fit (however i have never heard of coolmax...i'm assuming it keeps you cool?).   But...I do believe in looking good when i run.  Today I ran in a bright purple dri-fit shirt (a little darker then this font color actually) and some little leggings and I felt good.  The only thing that really cramped my style was my two (yes, i have to wear two) knee braces and the high schooler boy who yelled "hey sweet thang" as a i was talking myself up a hill. 

I AM A RUNNER because I know what effort feels like, and I embrace it. I know when I'm pushing the limits of my comfort and why I'm doing it. I know that heavy breathing and an accelerated heart rate--things I once avoided--are necessary if I want to be a better runner. Truth. I love that feeling when you make it to the top of the hill or when you go one more lap.  I take that back, I absolutely hate it but I love the result.  I know that next time it won't be as hard and that's progress. 

I AM A RUNNER because I value and respect my body. It will whisper to me when I've done too much. And if I choose to listen to that whisper, my body won't have to scream in pain later on. This is something I have to focus on when I run.  I have always had bad knees and will always.  it's not something that will go away.  i was 16 when i was told i'd have knee replacements and 20 when i was told that i might as well just keep running until i can't anymore and then we'll fix it. and that's my plan, lets go. but i need to ensure that i take care of myself.  stretch, know my limits, and yes...wear both big bulky sweaty ugly knee braces..every time. 

I AM A RUNNER because I am willing to lay it all on the line. I know that every finish line has the potential to lift my spirits to new highs or devastate me, yet I line up anyway.  I am still a newbie at all this finish line stuff.  at my last half marathon, my goal was simply to finish.  However, this next half, my goal is to simply beat my last time.  easy peasy :) 

I AM A RUNNER because I know that despite my best efforts, I will always want more from myself. I will always want to know my limits so that I can exceed them.  i run for me.  i don't run for you or for records or to be skinny or whatever.  i run to release tension and to be a better stronger more fabulous me. 

I AM A RUNNER because I run. Not because I run fast. Not because I run far.

I AM A RUNNER because I say I am. And no one can tell me I'm not.




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So run on my friends. Run, jog, waddle, or walk.  You can do it...you just gotta start. Just start.