You know you're a runner when....

A while back I had run across an article discussing how you know you're a runner. It got me to thinking, so I started looking at various other articles and blogs to get others opinions on when you know you're a runner. It varied from finishing a 5k to "human beings by nature are runners". Growing up I never considered myself a runner. I had the firm belief that my body was not made for running. I'm short, 5'1", I was never really overweight, but could have probably stood to lose 20 or so pounds at various points in my teenage years and early adulthood. But I was never a runner. My body wasn't made for that.

I did workout videos (hello Jillian Michaels), lifted weights, and used my elliptical (because it's low impact, remember, "I'm not a runner"). I did this for years, 5 to 6 days a week. And I was fine with it. I enjoyed it. but after nearly 3 years of not seeing any difference in my body composition (I had lost 50 pounds prior to that and have kept it off :) ), I thought something needed to change. Enter, my boyfriend. I thought, hmmm what could we do together that would help keep us both physically active, and since he didn't mind running, it inspired me to give it a try. Never mind the fact that he's about 8 inches taller than me with longer legs, I was going to make this work. He inspires me and while, since I've started running we've only gone on one short run together, I feel more and more confident every day. I felt bad for him though, trying to keep his pace slow enough so I could keep up. The more I work at it my pace will naturally increase overtime, and in the meantime it's a nice easy run for him. Hopefully soon we'll get a chance to go out together again.

So this morning the thought passed through my mind, when do you know you're a runner. I may not look like a stereotypical runner, and I may still be fairly new at running on a regular basis, but you know what? I'm a runner. Because I do. And if I, the self proclaimed "not a runner" can enjoy going out for a run, nay look FORWARD to it, then anyone can be a runner.

Until next time!

Pin It