It’s Thursday, which means it’s time for another edition of Runners’ Lounge’s Take It and Run Thursday. The challenge this week is to complete this statement in 13 words or less:
You are a runner…
Well, that’s easy. I can do it in five.
You are a runner when you go running anyway.
Of course, if you want to know what I mean by that, you’ll have to indulge me in a few extra words. Out here on the Internets, I’ve seen people wondering about whether or not they’re truly a runner. “I’m too slow,” they say. Or, “Well, I’ve never run a marathon, so I don’t think I’m really a runner.”
Think of the woman hauling ass up a hill with a double jogger. She might be running 13 minute miles or slower, but you can’t tell me that woman isn’t a runner. And think about all of the lightning fast sprinters who are about to rock out the 100 in Beijing. Usain Bolt of Jamaica can run 100 meters in less than 10 seconds. I don’t think he’s ever run a marathon, but I do believe the dude is a runner.
Being a runner is not about speed or distance; it’s about attitude. You know who I think is not a runner? Anyone who goes running only under ideal circumstances. You are a runner when you go running anyway.
• If you’ve had a lousy day at work and want nothing more than to sit on your couch and eat chips…
• If you’re exhausted from taking care of your kids…
• If it’s pouring rain and blowing wind a million miles an hour…
• If it’s so hot and humid that you have to get up at the crack of dawn to avoid melting on the road…
• If there’s no way you can avoid hills…
• If you didn’t sleep well last night…
• If you’ve got a blister on your foot that’s killing you…
• If you forgot your iPod…
• If you feel fat and slow…
• If it’s snowing and anyone with any sense is bundled up under a blanket…
• If it’s a great Saturday to lie in bed, but you’ve got a 5K to race…
• If you’ve got family in town and everybody looks at you a little cross eyed for lacing up your running shoes…
If you can look any of these excuses in the eye, put on your shoes, and go running anyway, then you are a runner.
16 comments:
What an excellent post. Thank you!
I think you've hit the nail on the head with this one!! Couldn't agree more . . . thanks for the great post!
I've read a couple of these this morning, but I like yours the most. Very well done!
Well done.
What about: When your legs feel like rubber.
Great post. I'll be visiting often.
Joe
www.fitnessgeekga.wordpress.com
You've got a great list going, Betsy!
Your reasons to "go running anyway" are what separate runners' days from the non-runners'--we just get out there despite the conditions or circumstances.
Your list is so good, I hope others keep adding to the great start you gave us...
I agree that this is my favorite today! You are so right - when your family knows you sneak out the door at 6 a.m. on Xmas morning to get in your run before the festivities begin... Sure thing. I have seen those looks!
*golf clap*
Well played, well played!
Great Post! I've already forwarded this on to tons of people.
Perfect.
Excellent!
That is so right-on.
Great post! I love the excuse list.
The only weather situations that'll stop us are thunderstorms and ice -- not safe!
I'm going to remember this post tomorrow morning when I get up at the crack of dawn on my only day of the week to sleep in so I can run before it gets too hot. :)
I know you probably know this because you're so smart...but your poem totally reminds me of Mother Teresa's Anyway Poem (http://www.splash.net.au/articles/mother-theresa.html)
Thank you so much for this inspiring post!
Fastastic post (as usual) Betsy!
Ps..I am on track for Bix. So far, so good! Neither rain or hail....etc, etc, will stop me.
COOL. I win! :D
You know the name is only sentimental.
Great post! Seeing excuses in writing makes them seem that much more powerless and almost silly...
Yeah! This post made me smile : ). Thanks Betsy!
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