Over six years ago, I took my first steps as a runner. Those first steps were painful and slow. Luckily, I had my sister-in-law by my side. We signed up for several 5ks and truly doubted if we would ever achieve runner status. All of the other runners seemed to have the proper running attire and Garmin watches to keep track of their distance and pace. It was a standing joke between us that we were only posers. After completing several 5ks, I was ready to tackle a 10k. My sister-in-law agreed to do a 10K with my in Cleveland, OH. We signed up, I found a training plan on Hal Higdon's site, and the training began. The race wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, so I decided that I would tackle a half-marathon. Five years ago, I completed my first marathon. Even after completing it, I didn't feel like a runner. I am not sure why! Not everyone can complete a half-marathon. I was going to take some time off after finishing it, but I got the running bug. The next year I completed another half-marathon and took 14 minutes off of my time. I was proud of myself, but I was still searching for confirmation that I was a runner. My sister-in-law signed up for her first marathon, but I knew that I was not ready to tackle that beast. In support of her, I ran 2 half-marathons and once again improved my time. I was logging more miles than I ever had, but I still did not feel like a runner. What was it going to take for me to feel like a runner? I had the Garmin watch and runner attire, I was getting faster, and I was running more, but something was still missing.
In November, I started t25, and my running started to improve. I was able to go farther in a shorter amount of time. My friend agreed to do a half-marathon with me in April, and we agreed to do all of our long runs together. This made me a little bit nervous because she was a little bit faster. To my surprise, I was able to keep up with her and carry on a conversation. We agreed that we would each run our own race on race day and meet at the finish line. My goal for was to finish in 2:14. That was 10 minutes faster than my best time. Much to my surprise, I finished in 2:04. BUT I still did not feel like a runner. What was it going to take? When would I feel like a real runner? Since April, I have set three other PRs, but I am still searching for the moment that makes me feel like a runner.
A little over two months ago, I started dating Kevin. In my mind, Kevin was a runner. He has been running for over half his life and can compete with the best of them on race day. On our first date, we talked a lot about running, and I knew right then and there that we would NEVER run together. He asked me a couple of times to join him for a run until I reluctantly agreed. Our first run together was 7 miles of complete torture. I was nervous and trying to keep up with his slow.slow, slow pace and breath at the same time. After we got back, I told him that it was the worst date that I had ever been on and there was no way I would ever join him again. I changed my mind, and we now have a standing date on Sundays. Since we have started our weekly dates, I have gained confidence in my running because he is constantly encouraging me and pushing me to be a better runner. He is convinced that I can do my next half under 2:00. The more he says it; the more I start to believe it. Yesterday we sat and talked about my mileage goal for the rest of the year since I have already surpassed my goal. He convinced me that I could get 100 miles between now and the end of the year. With his support and encouragement, I have decided to run at least a mile each day between now and the end of the year. I guess I am getting that runner's mentality and really starting to believe I AM A RUNNER!
Over the weekend, I ran a 5k and PRd. I was excited with a PR since it was extremely cold, windy, and hilly. After I got home, Kevin and I sat down to look at the results. To my surprise. I placed second in my age group. This was something that I never thought would happen. This was confirmation that I AM A RUNNER.
In recent months, I have really started to see and understand that YOU are runner the minute you lace up your shoes and take those first steps. There aren't qualifications to become a runner besides putting one foot in front of the other. DON'T be like I was and doubt yourself.
