*I wanted to repost this after over hearing some ugly words from a couple ladies on the treadmills beside me today.
Running slow still means your a runner.
Running slow still means your a runner.
I am not sure who decided that you were only a "runner" if you ran under 7 minute miles, or if you had a 3 hour marathon. Yes, in order to be an "elite" runner you would have to have all of these qualities. However those of us who run average 10 minute miles and 5 hour marathons are still "runners".
I get very sad when I hear people online and even at races that say that they don't consider themselves runner because they still have to walk a little in races or they always come in after everyone else.
LISTEN:
If you RUN than you are a RUNNER!
OK?
Sometimes its fun to actually NOT be dying at the end of a race or a run. To say I ran 5 miles today and it felt great. My personal running experience has been slow and steady.
I have never won a race or even placed in my age group, but I am ok with that. I have finished every race I ever entered. And trust me there have been many. I have ran 26 miles non stop. I have ran with friends. I have ran by myself. I have ran fast sometimes and slow other times. The one thing I can say is I have ALWAYS enjoyed myself at races.
Running is not easy for me, I am not one of those people that cant wait to get out of bed to get my run on. I sometimes have to force myself to get out on the road to train. I burnout very easily. But what keeps me going is the thrill and excitement I get before every race, knowing that I am about to partake in something that I never thought in a million years I would ever do. I know a lot of you find it hard to run, physically and mentally. But I know that if I had to give you any advise at all, it would be to go sign up for a race and get to know the "faster" people at the race. Go up to them and say hi! You would be surprised how friendly runners can be. I have a lot of fast elite friends and they cheer me on the same as I cheer them on. Its an amazing community. So all I can say is
JUST RUN!
I will never understand why people feel the need to down grade other people in any way! My heart went out to the girl these woman were talking about. Please don't ever let anyone break you spirit. Do what you love and enjoy it!
Now SWIM time! This tri isn't going to do itself!
QOTD: Have you ever felt like you were not a "runner"?
Or not good enough to be called a "runner"?
Leave me a comment below!
