I'm a Runner?

Yes, the title is meant to have a question mark. It's something I ask myself almost on a daily basis. I very easily psyche myself out and say I'm not fast enough, athletic enough, strong enough, etc. to be a runner. I convince myself that I simply can't be a runner.

But here's the thing...

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." John Bingham

Even as I type that quote though, I can still hear the voice in the back of my head telling me I'm too slow. Too slow to be "allowed" to be a runner.

However, despite my own self-doubts, I ran a St. Patrick's Day 5K with my sister-in-law last Saturday. I absolutely loved running it with her! She pushed me to run longer than I wanted to and was so encouraging.

My official chip time was 45:22. Honestly, that's pretty horrible as far as most seasoned runners are concerned. But for that length of a run, it was a personal best for me. I also achieved my personal best mile time that day which was 13:35. And I'm going to be proud of those slow, but good for me times.

I'm finally beginning to get to the point where I actually enjoy running. I look forward to it. I'm motivated to improve my times and endurance. I just have to keep pressing on, tell the little voice in my head to shut up, and recognize that I am a runner.

Loved seeing this guy waiting for me at the finish line.

Celebratory beers afterwards, of course! (I was holding one for the hubs as well, I promise!)