Tuesday I did nada (except walk the dog and do PT stretches). In the name of injury recovery, right?
Yesterday I got in a 2.5 mile run outside. It was truly a gorgeous day, I think it hit 30 degrees! That is almost a 40 degree improvement in the last week (not that I am happy about climate change). 2.5 miles is the longest I have run since re-introducing the bod to pavement, so I am really excited to see how my body feels when I get out and moving today. Watch out 5k, I am gunning for YOU next! I have been keeping up on the good ole core work, side planks are my new obsession.
So I was reading the new Runner's World and there was an interesting question in the "Ask Miles" column. (First of all, do you think his name is actually Miles? If so, that is convenient.) Someone wrote in and asked when people should be comfortable with calling themselves RUNNERS.
This question has crossed my mind a couple of times lately and to be honest, I have not been referring to myself as a "runner" to much of anyone (myself included) recently.Why? Because I have been logging as much mileage in a week as I wish I was logging in a day. Can you get a free pass to still call yourself a runner if you WISH you were running? I think yes.
Miles' ultimate answer about when you're a runner was spot on in my opinion: you're a runner when you feel like a runner. But that raises another question for me, when do you feel like a runner??
Is it when you start thinking about how you're going to carry water or fuel on your run?
Is it when you subscribe to Runner's World?
Is it when you sign up for a race?
Finish that race?
Get fitted for the right shoes?
Start a running blog? :)
Is it when your sister tells you that your feet look like "runner feet" again?
The first time you use a foam roller?
Is it when you get injured? (please say yes to that)
When you have a physical therapist?
When you refer to all forms of non-running cardio as cross-training?
Have a training plan?
Desire to watch a marathon on TV?
Is it when you call eating after you run "refueling" instead of lunch or dinner?
When you crave that wonderful runner's high?
When your spouse/partner/boyfriend/girlfriend knows that Sunday morning = they are on support team duty for your long run?
For me, it's a little of all of these, but really it's just kind of written on my heart. That's when I'm comfortable calling myself a runner.
PS, the pictures today were in case you wondered what my run looked like going out and coming back yesterday. :)
When did you first feel like a runner and feel comfortable with the title?
What do you have to add to the list of things that make YOU feel like a runner?
First of all - love that trail in Duluth! It is a must run whenever I am there. I feel like a runner whenever I finish a run, whatever distance, whatever pace.
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my favorite trails, I love that you run on the Lakewalk too!
DeleteI love the "When you refer to all forms of non-running cardio as cross-training?" one. So funny and so true:) That reminds me, I haven't read my Runner's World yet:0
ReplyDeleteIt's a great RW issue! I say that every month :)
DeleteOh my god-I totally read the ask Miles column out in a voice (that probably has no resememblance to him). It's my favorite part of runners world. Point blank-if you are running, you are a runner. If you enjoy running and consistantly run...you are runner. It is my biggest BIGGEST (and I have a lot) pet peeve about running when elitist say "oh you need to run this fast"...NO NO NO NO. I'll save the rant for another day LOL.
ReplyDeleteIf you are running, you are a runner. Simple, love it!
DeleteI love this list!! I love everything on it. I still feel silly calling myself a runner, but at the same time I am a runner. I run multiple times a week, I eat to prepare for a run, I run races, I plan my days around my runs..I know I am a runner, but I sometimes feel silly saying it haha.
ReplyDeleteOhhhh, planning your day around your run definitely belongs on the list!
DeleteLove that list! Hahaha
ReplyDeleteI read that same column right after I wrote my ridiculous New Year's blog post about how I now feel like a runner and I was like, "He summed it up in 10 words and I think I wrote 2 rambling, nonsensical pages." But I totally agree with him, you are a runner when you feel like a runner. So for me, I had to up my game before I felt like I was a runner and one day I was like, "Okay, I'm a runner now." Before that, I just felt like a wannabe. And I don't think you have to run fast or far or anything like that. You just have to find your head space where you feel like a runner. For me, it took a bit more for me to get to the place.
I can definitely relate to just one day feeling like a runner. And it is weird because not much probably changed from the day or week before, just the way you feel.
DeleteI honestly always get soooo happy to hear you running. I'm rooting for you. You're a mentally tough lady to go through the injury and still be sane right now (because God knows I struggled!! lol).
ReplyDeleteGREAT question. I think calling myself a "runner" is always going to be something I'm a bit uncomfortable doing. Maybe it's because I don't run as fast as other bloggers??? but, we absolutely should NOT be comparing ourselves to others!! I always say running is such a personal victory, and it's amazing!
I'm just starting to feel better at being PROUD of myself for how far I've come though. I'm a runner, damnit!!
END rant! haha :)
You definitely can't compare yourself to others. And you are a runner!!!
DeleteI think I can accept anyone as a runner as long as they can run 30 minutes. I don't care how fast it is :)
DeleteI started considering myself a runner after my first 10 mile run - I just thought double digits was enough of a run where most people couldn't do it without a solid about of training. I literally told myself, "now you are a runner."
ReplyDeleteBeing a runner felt real to me when I hit double digits too!
DeleteI think if you run, no matter how long or how fast or how often, you are a runner. None of the details matter!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, Missy!
DeleteWhat a beautiful place to run! I'm so envious!
ReplyDeleteI always like this quote from John Bingham when I ask myself the same questions you are in this post:
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."
I felt like a runner the first time when I finished my first race. Though I will say since Thanksgiving I have not felt like much of a runner and have stopped calling myself one. Goodluck on your journey!
ReplyDelete