“At first an ordeal and then an accomplishment, the daily run becomes a staple, like bread, or wine, a fine marriage, or air. It is also a free pass to friendship.”
~ Benjamin Cheever, Strides

Thursday, February 23, 2012

When did you know..

...that you were a runner?


I'm not super fast and haven't qualified for Boston yet (haven't even finished a full marathon yet), so even though those are on my running bucket list, that can't be it for me.


This week it was Monday's run.  That night I was worn out from family visiting and kiddo's messed up sleep schedule and just feeling flat lazy.  Running was one of the LAST things I wanted to do.  Right up there with drilling hot screws into my head.
Cassie's Monday plans were more what I had in mind.
And yet, I went.  I dragged myself off the couch, put on my sneakers and went out for my scheduled 4 mile recovery run.  I complained (in my head - not out loud) the entire time and mentally drafted my whiny dailymile post.  Then, I turned in my fastest 4 mile run time ever.  HA.  I also ran my fastest mile as an adult.  Double Ha.   I guess my legs were recovered????
It's because you stretched like this.  (Avery's first solo sit!)
Other things in my life that have made me say - Okay, I'm a runner now.

  • When I completed a half marathon.
  • When I attempted another half marathon 5.5 months pregnant.
  • When pregnancy finally made me stop running...and reading about my friends races made me both happy for them and depressed because I couldn't join them.
  • When I wrote my training plan for when I was no longer pregnant while I was 7 months pregnant. HERE
  • When I showed up for a MiT group run 2.5 weeks after Avery was run born. (That typo was too funny, given the topic, to correct). Hardest. Run. Ever.  I was also rather hysterical and a hot mess.  I think my group thought I was a lunatic.  They still run with me though, so I'm not sure what that says.  HA!
  • When I ran/walked a quarter marathon 3.5 weeks after Avery was born.
  • When I cried over the idea that I might have to skip a bunch of runs because of my knee.
  • When I started creating a running bucket list.
  • When I bought an extra pair of running shoes to "rotate" them in.
  • When my hard drive died, and the first software I loaded onto the new one was the Garmin software.

I'm not the fastest runner on the block, but I am a runner.  Other than my group run this week, most of my runs have been difficult to start.  That one on Monday?  I was definitely not feeling a love for running at all, and I still went out for a run.  Either I'm crazy, or I'm a runner.  I'll go with runner.


Although it doesn't go with the theme - here is one picture from my Dad's climb last weekend...I promise to post more.  Maybe I'll get him to write a guest post recapping the climb!
My Dad - Climbing a glacier on Orizaba


What are some moments that made you realize that you are a runner?


Do you have a running bucket list?  Any suggestions for things to add to mine?
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10 comments:

  1. LisaFebruary 23, 2012 at 4:33 PM

    I think when I realized I didn't care what I looked like is when I felt like a real runner. My bucket list isn't that formal, but I would like to try an ultra and maybe, if I can muster up the courage to swim, a tri.....

    Whoa, your dad is amazing on those mountains!

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  2. TeamarciaFebruary 23, 2012 at 5:53 PM

    Maybe I'm a pompous ass but I considered myself a runner from the time we did the 600 yd dash on first grade. I loved it. Of course there was a huge hiatus in there, but I'm glad I finally came back to running!
    Wow the glacier pic is amazing. We need a recap from you dad!

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  3. SarahFebruary 23, 2012 at 6:28 PM

    I love the pic of your dad's climb and of that precious little baby you have there :)

    So, I discovered that I was a true runner when I first heard this quote:
    "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." - John Bingham

    Every time I put my shoes on I know I am a member of the most amazing 'club' in the world, the running club...

    Love this post...

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  4. TerzahFebruary 23, 2012 at 7:51 PM

    I think it was when I did my first race, the Advil Mini-Marathon 10K in Central Park in 1995. I had been "jogging" for years to maintain my weight, but I *never* would have called myself a runner before that. Runners were on the track and/or cross-country teams--I was not. But that race showed me I could hold my own. On and off (mostly on!), I've been a runner ever since.

    My bucket list: qualify for Boston; then *lots* of fun trail races (Pikes Peak Ascent, Imogene Pass Trail Run).

    Have you posted your running bucket list? I'd love to see it....

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    Replies
    1. MandyFebruary 24, 2012 at 12:22 PM

      I have not posted it yet - it's drafted in my head. I suppose now that I've mentioned it - I'll have to share. :D

      Delete
  5. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2012 at 5:00 AM

    Hey, I'm 7 months, guess that means it's time to make my training plan? Anyways, Avery has pretty much the best smile ever. The picture is awesome!

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    Replies
    1. MandyFebruary 24, 2012 at 12:23 PM

      If it helps - the plan I wrote when I was 7 months pregnant is not the one I'm currently following. LOL.

      Delete
  6. LauraFebruary 24, 2012 at 11:06 AM

    Like Terzah, it was probably after running my first race that I began to identify myself as a "runner"-- I'd look for some other fun races nearby that you might want to do, or some destination races/vacation spots. Congrats on your fast 4 miler!!

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  7. UnknownFebruary 24, 2012 at 12:37 PM

    Awesome post. Thanks, needed the pick me up since 2 miles feels like 8 these days. I have a ghost in my bawement, he punches my leg with every step. I hate him.

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  8. KaraFebruary 24, 2012 at 4:45 PM

    Avery looks so cute and proud of herself!

    I never really wondered if I was a runner, but people call me that and I can't argue. :)

    ReplyDelete

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