I have a hard time calling myself a runner. In my head that title is earned by people who ran far faster and farther than I do. Yesterday I read a short article about how people are afraid to call themselves runners. The point of the article was that being a runner has nothing to do with pace or distance or trophies. Instead, it has everything to do with lifestyle. That got me thinking. So, to borrow a tagline from Jeff Foxworthy…
If you have ever planned a vacation around a race – or looked for a race while on vacation…
you might be a runner.
If you choose to not drink a beer because you have a long run scheduled in the morning…
you might be a runner.
If you own a hydration belt or water bottle or both…
you might be a runner.
If you have ever gotten up before dawn to run and are smiling while doing it…
you might be a runner.
If you’ve experienced the unique pleasure of an energy gel in the morning…
you might be a runner.
If someone asks you about your splits and your first thought isn’t about flexibility…
you might be a runner.
If you can readily convert kilometers into miles…
you might be a runner.
If you have a space in your home that looks like this…
you might be a runner.
If you own a foam roller and know how to use it…
you might be a runner.
If you have a separate drawer reserved for running gear…
you might be a runner.
If you enjoy the unique feeling of tired muscles and hunger that come from a long run…
you might be a runner.
If you plan your day around when you’ll have time to run…
you might be a runner.
Turns out… I’m a runner.
(got anything to add?)
quick like a bunny! 