Am I a REAL Runner?

It's no secret that I love to run. Obviously, I blog about it a lot. ;)

BUT am I a runner?

Sometimes I have a difficult time defining myself as one.

For example,

• I have no desire to run a mud run or an obstacle run.
• I stretch/bounce while waiting for stoplights.
• I haven't run a marathon in nearly 10 years.
• I'll sometimes take a hiatus from running and am not always super dedicated to running consistently.
• I'd rather get great food, a tech shirt and/or running accessories than a race medal.
• I'm too cheap to pay for many races.
• I can't name any famous runners.
• I don't read books about running or watch movies about running.
• I don't usually talk about running - other than social media, of course.
• I'm not super fast.
• I rarely drive or travel to run, but opt to run from home.
• I usually only own one pair of running shoes at a time.

We're are own worst critics, right?

Back in 2007, I would get embarrassed when Jeff would tell someone that I'd run two marathons. I wasn't currently keeping up with my running, and I didn't feel worthy of being called a runner just because I'd endured a marathon several years prior.

Now, that I'm running much more consistently sometimes I still feel inadequate and unworthy. In fact, when I was getting back into it, Jeff would describe me as a runner to other people, and I would quickly discredit it somehow likely with one of the above reasons.

But you know what?

Source: Uploaded by user via Clarinda on Pinterest

Runners come in all shapes and sizes and abilities. So, even if I take a hiatus now and again, even if I don't run many races, even if I don't run very fast or run very far, I am finally getting to a point where I am proud...

TO CALL MYSELF A RUNNER.

Now, it's time for me to lace up my shoes, leash up my favorite running partner, and hit the road sidewalk.

Make it a great one, and Go! Get your run on!! :)
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