Welcome back from the weekend! How was it for you? Did you race/run/spin/downward dog/walk/lift/etc.? I ran, but mostly did adult things like take care of pressing household issues. I was thrilled (for more than one reason) that the weather was dark and stormy all weekend–no better time to be running all over Deliverance than on a cold, rainy day! So happy I didn’t miss out on the sunshine.

There’s something that’s been on my mind lately, partly because it’s a hot topic of conversation among runners and non-runners alike and everyone seems to have an opinion. What makes a runner a “runner”? Some people have a laundry list of exactly what makes a runner a “runner”. I have one qualification: you run. That’s it.

And it go me thinking…

I am still a runner even though I look like this when I run:

…not like this:

I am still a runner even though I mostly run here:

…not here:

I am still a runner even though I probably eat too much of this:

…and not enough of this:

I am still a runner even though I am regularly hopped-up on drugs:

…and sometimes, even steroids for a race:

I am still a runner even though I don’t finish first.

I am still a runner even though I don’t run very fast.

I am still a runner even though I haven’t raced since Philly.

I am still a runner even though I sometimes choose spinning over running.

I am still a runner even though I don’t get paid to run.

I am still a runner even though I don’t run every day.

I am still a runner even though I haven’t qualified for the Boston Marathon.

I am still a runner even though I don’t run for a team.

I am still a runner even though I sometimes run in a skirt.

I am a runner because I run.

And so are you.

Now go out and run!