I’d been questioning when I could call myself a “runner” for awhile. Was it after my first 5k, or perhaps my first half marathon? Hell, I’ve run 2 half marathons and am training for a full and still don’t recognize myself as a “runner”. I feel as though I need to improve my time or look more like a runner before I can call myself one. Well if that isn’t the biggest load of crap you’ve ever heard I don’t know what is, but it’s how I feel.
I came across this article on Active.com called “6 Tips to Overcoming Running Fears” (http://www.active.com/running/Articles/6-Tips-to-Overcome-Running-Fears.htm?page=2) and apparently this is a common theme; it’s the 5th tip on the list. See below:
Saying "I'm a Runner"
Even after running her first half-marathon last fall, Beth Probst of Iron River, Wisconsin, says she feels uncomfortable calling herself a runner. "I like to be good at what I do," she says. "If I'm not trying to be a runner, I don't have to justify being mediocre at it." Runners of all levels often equate the phrase with speed. But in reality the words represent a lifestyle. Probst should embrace her new identity, says Kamphoff, of The Runner's Edge in Mankato, Minnesota. Acknowledging one's effort has benefits: "You start eating better, boosting core strength, telling people about running," she says. "That's what makes you a 'real' runner."
So I guess I’m a runner. I’m not sure why this thought doesn’t sit right with me but it might be because I feel like there is some hype or expectation that is placed on you when people hear you run. I’m not going to hold my breath to see the day when I think my time is good enough to call myself a runner or when look at Shalane Flanagan (USA Olympic Marathon Runner) and think we have similar body types because let’s face it, that day will never come.
I will however sit here and tell you that like everyone else training for a race I wake up on the weekends and hit the ground running. I have more laundry to clean on a weekly basis and have a hell of time finding my running socks. I get more excited to run if I have new shoes or new apparel to wear and at the end of the run I’ve sweat just like every other “runner” out there training. If nothing else, that is what makes me a runner!
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| first 4 mile run - 2007 |
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| first half marathon - 2010 |
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| first sprint triathlon - 2010 |
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| NYC half - 2011 |
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| Jarden's corporate run - 2012 |
