At the time, I was very conflicted. I had started running a half dozen of times in the past eight years, only to quit a month or two later. Was I going to quit this time too? I had knee problems in the past- could that disqualify me from being a runner? I've been running for less than a year (at least on a consistent basis)- does that make me a 'pre-runner?"
Hindsight is 20-20, and looking back on the past year (that's almost how long I've held a consistent baseline of 25-30 miles per week), I think I've now determined two things. 1) Yes, I am a runner. And 2) I know the day I became a runner.
I became a runner the day I registered for my first half marathon. That's when I made the financial commitment as well as the physical and psychological commitment to do something really, really scary. After I forked over the $$$ for the Thunder Road Half Marathon, my training truly became something special to me. I started believing in myself and I started pushing myself.
Six months and three half marathons later, running has become an almost daily activity for me. I don't think of it as a chore anymore, and I don't dread putting on my shoes and walking out the door. A run is something I want to do because I know how good it feels inside of me. I know that when I've run, I have really accomplished something.
For me, I became a runner when I made a commitment to 13.1 miles. Others become runners when they commit to 3.1 miles, and some become a runner when they commit to 1 mile a day. Everyone is different- there is NO distance and NO pace you have to be capable of to call yourself a runner.
I have never had so much fun running or been so proud of my accomplishment than when I ran Charlotte's Thunder Road. That race will always remind me that you can accomplish any goal you set your mind to with a little sweat and determination.
When did you become a runner?
cute pic! I think the way you felt during training and after race proves that you truly feel like it made a runner because you're proud, you were dedicated, and put in hard work regardless of anything else going on in your life. For me, I felt like a real runner when I signed up for my first 10k. 5ks seemed too much like anyone could do them, 10ks took a lot more work and I actually had to care about my runs and try to progress. I can only hope I feel as good about my first half marathon as you did!
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way! It took me a long time (and more than 1 half marathon) to consider myself a runner, but now that I do; I feel amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great feeling wanting to go out for a run instead of dreading it!
it's a great feeling when realize you can claim the title "runner" :)
ReplyDeletei first felt that way after i ran 5 miles without stopping.
In 30 + years I never ask when I became a runner. I knew why. Now I much contemplate how and when do you become a non-runner???
ReplyDeleteI thought a lot about this for the past month. For me, it was when I really committed. I was definitely a start running, stop running, "runner" over the past 4 years or so. I think having a training plan and goal to work towards makes me consistent. While I haven't completed a half marathon or even 10k yet, I just AM a runner. Something clicked in my brain to make me love running...most of the time :)
ReplyDeleteI actually really like Anonymous' comment about now thinking more about when I become a non-runner!