Whether I’m at the running store, at a race, or just at a dinner party striking up conversation, I hear this. A lot. It usually goes something like this. “I’m not a runner, I just run a couple of miles two or three times a week.” “I’m not a runner, I just started because I want to lose weight.” “I’m not a runner, I have to walk a lot during my runs.” You get the point. And I’m here to tell you, that you are a runner.
When I started, I was the same way. I believed that you had to be able to run a certain distance without stopping, at least a 5k as an example, to call yourself a runner. I was 330 pounds and I thought it absurd to look someone in the eye and say, “I’m a runner.” But looking back now, I can see that I was mistaken. The first time I put on a pair of running shoes and took that first step, I became a runner. And you did too.
It didn’t matter that I was 330 pounds and couldn’t run more than 100 feet. It didn’t matter that I hadn’t a clue about nutrition yet. None of that mattered. What did matter, is that I was up off the couch. My intentions and thoughts started to change. Maybe I was a beginner runner, but I was a runner, and running changes everything.
How does running change everything? It helps you make healthier lifestyle choices. If you have goals around your running, your eating habits will change, your sleeping habits will change, your drinking habits will change, and so much more. And those are just the physical changes.
When you run consistently, your mood changes. Talk to the spouse/partner of any runner, and they will probably tell you that when their partner is in a bad mood, they tell them to go for a run. If you haven’t done this already, just humor me. Pick one night and go to bed early and get your run in BEFORE work. Tell me that you don’t feel accomplished and better ready to handle your day. These are just the short-term mental benefits. There are long term ones as well.
My personal experience has been that with each running goal that I have accomplished, there has been a permanent increase in my confidence that bleeds in to all aspects of my life. Something pops up at work. Is this more difficult than that half marathon in the ice in snow? Nope. Life throws you a curve ball. I figured out how to keep moving forward after 60 miles with blisters on both of my feet, I can keep moving forward now. Don’t stop. Never give up. And I’ve seen it at the finish line of the races that I put on. People cross the finish line and hug me, a complete stranger, because they just proved to themselves that they are capable of more than they think. Permanent confidence builder.
Your relationships will change. Since I started running, I have been accepted in to a family. My life is filled with friendships that have all started via my running. I left my job to work at a running store, so my co-workers are runners, my best friends are runners, and my customers are runners. Running isn’t the only thing that makes all of these people special, but it is definitely the glue that binds us all together. So, the next time that you get ready to say, “I’m not a runner.” Run, see what I did there, through this check list. Did you lace them up and get outside? Uh oh, you’re a runner. It doesn’t matter how far or how fast, you are beating everyone who is sitting on the couch.
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Questions, comments, feedback? Please leave them in the comments section BELOW and we can have a discussion!
I can appreciate this. I often say this not because I don’t think I’m a runner but because I feel I don’t fit the idea of what others think a runner is. So I guess I have been a runner for longer than I would have usually said. Again Joe this is why I smile when I read your thoughts, you have a way of helping me see the possibilities instead of the negatives my mind brings up. Thanks for being you.
Terri, I am glad you can relate. I honestly believe that we can be our own worst enemies at times. Once you remove the limits that you have placed on yourself, anything is possible. Words have power, so always use them for good, including when you are discussing yourself! Peace. Joe
Joe, You said that very well. And you are right , running is as much an attitude as it is the physical.
Mike, I couldn’t agree more! Joe
Perfect analysis Joe! I thought the same thing when I first ran a 5k. Straight off of my couch, mind you. To me, being a runner doesn’t mean you run a certain mileage or pace, it means you have that drive in you that makes you get off that couch to make yourself a better person. It is a great stress reliever too. Really enjoying your blog and by the way the new shoes are a great improvement!
Jason, I’m glad the shoes are helping out. Someone once told me all you have to do to be a writer, is write. To be runner, just run. Etc. So, I just try and encourage people to go after what they want and to not sell themselves short. If you put on the shoes and get out there, THAT is enough. Peace. Joe