Ever wonder what makes you a runner?
Running xx miles per week?
False
Running xx times per week?
False
Running xx minute miles?
False
Wearing xx brands shoes?
False
Do you know what actually makes you a runner?
Calling yourself a runner!
I started running about 4 or 5 years ago; running sub-11 minute miles and happy when I could run 1 mile without stopping. Or even 5 minutes without stopping. I ran for a few years without calling myself a runner. I couldn’t have been one because I ran a mile in 10:40; or because my mileage capped at 1 1/2 miles; or because I couldn’t run a 1/2 or full marathon.
That isn’t what makes someone a runner.
Being a runner is a mentality; a way of being; a state of mind; a choice.
I recently finished reading The Accidental Athlete which aside from being a funny book, proved my point. This man started running at 43 and he wasn’t fast nor could he run far and it took him awhile to figure out he was a runner. But he is one.
And so am I.
I am a runner.
I’ve been a runner for 4 or 5 years. I’ve been a runner since my miles were at 12 minutes. I’ve been a runner since before I could run more than a mile.
I was still a runner when I ran my first 5k; my first 10k, and PRed at the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. I’ll still be a runner when I run my next race or when I run my last race. I’ll still be a runner when I’m (hopefully) still running in my 50s and 60s.
I am a runner.
And today, I couldn’t be more thankful for running and being a runner.
Do you consider yourself a runner?
What do you think makes you a runner?
False. <–love it. Reminds me of The Office!
I can't wait to run again!!
Oh I've said that already? I can't wait to run again!!!
And yes, I hear people say it's called "jogging" when you're at a certain pace, but who the heck determines that pace!? So silly! Everyone is different! I'm sure you learned all about fast twitch and slow twitch fibers and some people are just born fast and others are born with endurance muscles, so how can you set a standard??
Agreed!
You have no idea how much I needed this post. THANKS.
I got yer back, girl!
I love this post 🙂
I actually started running a little over two years ago, and I definitely consider myself a runner now. I started as an absolute beginner, but I have always been fast; I think that my body was sort of conditioned to run, I just chose the wrong sports in high school (swimming and water polo). I used to get so excited by my progress that I made. Finally being able to run a sub 40 minute 10k was huge for me, and that was probably my proudest running moment last year.
However, I have definitely shifted my mentality this year. Running sort of became an unhealthy habit for me, so I had to take a break because I was abusing it for the wrong reasons. These days I run for my own mental clarity; I’m not really quite as interested in racing for now (even though I just ran a Turkey Trot…but it is Thanksgiving tradition haha).
I also believe in never timing my runs unless I do a race. I have a Garmin but hardly use it because I find that I can get too obsessed with runners. I like running for running and going out in a peaceful setting with just me and my music (sounds so hippie-ish) haha.
This comment is all over the place, but I totally agree with this post!
xoxo
Natasha
I used to struggle with this so much! Now I embrace that I’m a runner. I don’t think I’ll ever be mistaken for a yogi though. 😉
Awesome post. I definitely wavered about calling myself a runner at first. But here’s the thing, we ARE runners, we just have to admit to it!
Thanks for the uplifting post. I get into a bad habit of saying, “I used to be a runner”, because due to multiple injuries, I don’t run races anymore, and don’t run for time/distance. I just “jog” when my body lets me. But truth be told, I am a runner! I adore running, and although I’m not as competitive as I used to be, I run whenever I can! And I still run at a decent clip, for a decent amount of time. I need to quit the negative perspective and be thankful for what I do! Thank you!