I am .... .... .... ....

I am a runner.  I think that's the first time I have said it. It is definitely the first time I have said it with certainty. What I tend to say is "I run" even "I like to run" or "I'm going for a run". When people call me a runner I feel it necessary to correct them by using one of the above quotes. Sometimes I have even said, "more like a jogger". To me, a runner is someone who can run for miles and miles. All while enjoying it of course. I can run 3 miles, then after that I can do some serious walk / run intervals for miles and miles!

 I like to run, that part I can own and have done so since I began training to increase my endurance. I feel good while I run, even dipping into feeling great-which is always how I feel after I run, even when I'm not too enthusiastic  before my run begins. On days where I don't get a run in I notice a difference. If two or more days pass and I don't get a run (or a hike)  in those closest to me can notice! 

 I was going to run to my gym class on Friday morning. I ran short on time so I drove. While entering the gym other members walked out with their red, hot, flushed faces, sighing with relief to be done. Before class began the trainer said we were going to run for distance for 22 minutes. Some members didn't look very excited to hear that was in the plan for today.  I wasn't sure what the issue was, assuming some members took issue with it. We typically run 18-22 minutes during any given class. What would running for distance matter?  When I began the cardio work, the running for distance- at about 12 minutes in I noticed some treadmills were slowing down, some even stopped.  In my head I thought to myself, "I'm a runner. I better be able to run 22 minutes without stopping. I am a runner." -- as I heard me repeat myself I finally felt ownership in saying, "I am a runner".  The only problem I encountered was wanting to pee at about 15 minutes in. I was thinking how it would be so much more enjoyable if I would go to the restroom. But I didn't want to not go the distance with non stop running for only 22 minutes !  

I do not have a runners body. But I am a runner. I have more of a line backers body. But I run.  I watched my 10 year old daughter performing dance moves in the living room the other day. She said she didn't quite have the body for a certain spin. I acknowledged that there is such a thing as a dancers body.  But I didn't dare tell her she couldn't dance. I said, "you have muscle. Your body is built like an athlete. But you can dance!"--

If you think you can, then you can. While it's good to know what you can't do and what your not, such as I'm not built like a runner, and I'm not running 7 minute miles. it's more important to know what you are and what you can do!