When I'm asking myself this question, my answer changes constantly: if it's been a good week, it's a yes, if it hasn't been, it's a resounding no. When other people ask me this, I will usually respond with "I run" or "I run/walk." For some reason, I shy away from actually saying the words "I am a runner."
So why the waffling? Why the indirect answers? Maybe it's a lack of self-esteem or lack of commitment on my part, maybe I'm scared that if I answer in the affirmative, I'll be proven wrong. But how? And by whom? Where are these mystical rules posted that define who is a runner and who isn't?
A few months ago, I read a great blog post by Helen on AllEars.net, giving her answer to this question. Here it is: "Are You A Runner." I loved her response so much, that I bookmarked the page and will occasionally come back and re-read the post when I'm needing some inspiration/motivation. For anyone who hasn't read it yet, I highly recommend checking it out ASAP, and for anyone who's seen it already, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Will I ever be confident enough to say those 4 words? One day, hopefully soon, I'll get there. But for now, I'll just keep on running...
2 days 'til we leave, 3 days 'til we run!
I think you've earned the right to call yourself a runner without hesitation. But I know what you mean, I still sometimes feel silly saying, "I'm a runner" because so many runners are afraid to say it themselves.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on the big race!