I am a runner. More stories from runners.

I am a runner.

This weeks roll call of "I am a runner" include some great stories!  As you stroll through the blogosphere today, here are a few runners to visit to hear them say "I am a runner".

• Announced by Joe after a few months he started to run and is "really loving it".
• Realized by Micki as she had to hold herself back from a run after watching a couple of runners go by.
• Decided by Ann after she ran her first race
• Shared excitedly by Celeste
• Questioned by runningkate who was feeling like a running imposter at one moment for her low miles
• Well said by BSC as she admits it to herself
• Passed on by Sandy as she thanks her mom for helping her become a runner
• Confirmed by Rosie as she hopes to come back from a running break
• And by David as he rediscovered he is a runner

As runners, we don't throw around these words randomly - they are like an coveted award.     The hesitation in granting ourselves this title isn't because of what we have achieved but more around what we believe we haven't done or should do.      

In these stories, the runners awarded this honored badge to themselves for many unique reasons.  The common thread in the stories is that they run and they have recognized a change in themselves because of running.  Somewhere along the way it changed from merely an activity to a piece of who they are now. 

If you run, you are a runner.   It remains this simple to me.  Your goals may take time to accomplish.   The changes you hope for can take even longer.   It is about the activity as much as it is a state of mind.   If you are on the journey, then you are a runner.  Welcome yourself to the club, have a seat, tell your story.   There is no secret handshake or password.  I promise to waive the membership fees and you don't have to use the podium.

So...do tell, are you a runner?   

Photo of run sign by sugar kitten

Comments

[Bob]

Thanks for stopping by! Great post, BTW. I have this argument with myself on a routine basis. On the one hand, I have dedication, commitment, desire and love to "run". On the other hand, I just don't feel yet like I deserve the tag yet.

I always tell my kids that respect must be earned, not demanded or self proclaimed. I kinda feel that way about having the "runner" tag. I would rather have it assigned to me by a "runner" because they recognize the effort. I think it would mean more to me.

So, for now, I'm just a jogger. Kind of a minor leaguer with aspirations of the big time. Who knows, maybe after the marathon (if I live through it), I will anoint myself a "runner". At least then I will think I deserve it...!

[Sandy]

Well said, Amy! A friend of mine was recently told she has a stress fracture and can't run for 6 weeks. Of course, she was upset but another runner friend, Carl, reminded her that "she is a runner and will be back at it soon enough."

As always, I really enjoyed your post. Thanks for mentioning me! :)
Sandy

[Marcy]

I think I'm a runner, just not a very fast one, and death to anyone that calls me a jogger LOL

[Gordon Harvey]

I used to think I wasn't a REAL runner for a while, but I now feel that if you strap on shoes, and rundown the road for any distance, then you are a runner. I've run 5, 5-Ks and love them for the sense of community they inspire. It is ironic, this solitary sport (for the most part) can foster such tight bonds of kinship and community among runners.

[David aka Running Hawkeye]

Thanks Amy. In my mind I tend to couple the daily activity of running with the vision I have of my future, and mile by mile I earn the title.

[Megan]

Thanks Amy. I would like ot think of myself as a runner and did for a long time until a "real" runner told me that if I am not maintaing 5.8 to 6 mph, I am just jogging. At the end of a run I certainly feel like I have given it everything I have and still come out slow. So maybe I am a slow runner?

[Nancy]

Well, I am a slow runner for sure. Although after 10 yesterday in torrential rains, not enough body glide and sore legs from high stepping through currents, I was certainly questioning what I really am!

[Retro Jordan Shoes]

I like how you worded this. I'm glad that some schools have the Cross Country programs. It is important for our kids to learn these lessons. I'm wondering about trying to get something started at my daughter's school. I'm reluctant because I never had any cross country experience of my own.