It's Official: I'm a Runner.

I have been trying to run for about 3 years now, and making a more earnest effort this past year. I have certainly accomplished some milestones – running distances I never thought I could, even in my wildest dreams – but I have had a hard time considering myself a real runner. When people would ask me “are you a runner?” I would always say, “kind of” or “I’m trying” or something passive like that.

The past couple of months I have been trying to decide what I would need to accomplish to make me feel like a real runner (whatever that means – and obviously it means different things to different people – I was just trying to figure out what it means to me).

So I decided that there was something I wanted to accomplish in order to make me feel like a real runner. I set a goal, made a plan (courtesy of Skip), snapped my fingers, blinked my eyes, wished upon a star, and… well, I guess I have to call myself a real runner now! And that’s not just because I got to run with reigning Olympic GOLD medalist Constantina Dita this morning.

This is Constantina at the finish, not me... someday, with lots more miles under my feet and some plastic surgery, maybe.  But probably not.

Since the race today was just 1 mile from my house, I had some cheerleaders who showed up at the finished line (somewhat unexpectedly – my husband sent me on an errand last night and I guess that’s when he had the kids make their signs).  There was nothing better than sprinting toward the finish and hearing your kids yelling, “GO MOM!”

In the few short minutes I got to talk with Constantina, I asked her if she was going to run in the 2012 Olympics. She’s said, “I’m trying… but it’s hard!” Then we just laughed (me more than her) – of course it’s hard!  Hey Constantina: I do hard things too!  (You Wasatch Back Ragnar ladies know what I’m talkin' ‘bout! :)


So, my point in writing this post is this:

1. If you are new to our team or new to running: YOU CAN DO IT. Seriously, if you knew where I started and how far I’ve come (with more to go) – you would really understand that you CAN do it.   And all of us are cheering you on - that's the beauty of a team, and friends!  Just make a plan and stick to it. Don’t be an excuse-maker. If you want to do it – then do it.

2. Those of you who consider yourselves runners I want to know: at what point did you feel like you were a real runner?  (Again, whatever that means to you.)