I just ran my first [insert race here], I feel like I can finally call myself a runner. If I had a dime for every time I saw this posted somewhere, I would be rich! I wish these people knew that they already ARE runners.
People starting to run for the first time ever or after a very long break from the sport are often discouraged by their slower pace of lack of race results. They are often afraid to refer to themselves as “runners,” but they are every bit as much of a runner as the person on a podium after a race.
A fellow blogger, Callie, wrote a great post yesterday that really drives this point home: “On Behalf of All The 10+ Minute Mile Runners.” It doesn’t matter what your pace is, if you are putting one foot in front of the other and running, then you are a runner in my book.
Very few of us are ever going to place in any given race, so in essence, we are really just racing against ourselves and trying to do the best we can. My PR is worth just as much as my husband’s PR in a 5K, it doesn’t matter who ran the faster time. In fact, some runners don’t even (gasp) run races. They are just out there running because they love to run and really have no desire for competition.
I guess the point of this diatribe is that we are all runners. Just because you run a 12 minute mile or you don’t compete in road races shouldn’t preclude you from labeling yourself a runner- you earned that title through the miles you have already logged.
I love this! My husband once told me, “To be a runner, all you have to do is run.” So simple and so true. Doesn’t matter how fast, doesn’t matter how far – you are a runner!
I love that quote Callie! Your husband sounds like a very smart guy! 😉
this is great. my husband is fast. insanely faster than me. and has been running for a lot longer than me. so I feel slow and not like a “real” runner. ridiculous though. I’m out there running, I’m a runner.
You are a runner Kelly–just as much as your husband is. 🙂 Run proud!
As a slower RUNNER, I love this post! It is awesome, and I totally agree with you!! 🙂
Thanks Sara! You should be so proud–you have an amazing story. Anyone reading this should check out Sara’s blog at http://www.wordstorunby.com!
Agree! I’m new to your blog but am also a 30-somethng mother runner 🙂 My favourite quote is “Whether it’s a 7-miniute mile or a 14-minute mile, it is still a mile.”
That’s a great quote too! Thanks for stopping by to read my blog! 🙂
This is a great post! I think people sometimes start out feeling like a runner, and then get intimidated by all the intense “runners” out there… but you are so right, it all counts and is equally important!
Thanks Laura! It’s so hard when you see new runners get discouraged–I want them to know that they are working just as hard and should be proud to call themselves runners!
Totally agree! Especially since I’m a slow pace runner. 🙂
We cover the whole spectrum of pace as mother runners, and we rock them all! 🙂
So true! I am always telling people – if you run, you’re a runner. Period.
I know–I wish people weren’t so hesitant to call themselves “runners.” We are all part of the same community!
Agreed. The pace does not matter, just that you are out there doing it. No matter the speed, you are still running faster, and further than the rest of the people who never even try.
Yes Neil! 🙂