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:

Good thing I wasn't drug tested at Philly. I am guilty of steroid use during a competitive event. Not that I'm anyone's competition, but totally 'roided up nonetheless.
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!
I ❤ this post. It's so easy to get bogged down by labels and how those labels are used to define us. Yes, I'm still a runner even though my knee is mangled up and I'm on crutches. BTW – love the new look on the blog!
I agree.. .the act itself is all it takes to ‘a runner’ – great post!
Heart this post like whoa. I love people who are confident in their capabilities, no matter what they are. I am still a runner even though I’m slower than slow.
PS. I thought Froyo was yogurt? no?
Yes, it is frozen yogurt. Not sure if that’s what she had in mind, though…Also, you are NOT slower than slow. Slower than slow is a couch potato.
Haha, I just read this online “No matter how slow you are going, you are still lapping everyone on the couch”… Same sentiment 🙂
PREACH! And, yes, 16 Handles is out-of-this-world delicious.
I really love this post, would love to get into it…but holy crap that frozen yogurt looks amazing 🙂
*clapping*
I loved reading this.
You are most definitely a runner.