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7/19/12 4:31 P

I battled this label too. I decided you can call yourself a runner- when you discover you enjoy it and it isn't an activity just to lose weight.

I was thrilled today in my First time crossfit class and they asked me what regular activity I do - before I could answer they said- you look like a runner.For some reason I felt validated. Haha!!

Posts: 870
7/19/12 10:57 A

Love John Bingham and agree with him whole-heartedly!

The main thing is to decide if you want to be a life long runner, which is very different from a 'once in a lifetime' runner. A long term runner has to be able to see beyond the next run, the next race, the next goal, and be willing to put those aside when needed. Skipping an important long run, dropping out of a planned and trained for race, taking a week (or longer off) to let your body adjust and heal nagging nuisance injuries are vital to avoiding a big injury that will mean an end to running. And NO runner likes to pull out of a race, skip a week of running, etc. But once you are able to do THAT, then you know you are in it for a lifetime :), not a particular event.

Welcome, and happy running :)

Posts: 14,328
7/19/12 8:26 A

This is one of my favorite quotes

If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or ho far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for 20 years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get in. You just run. John Bingaman

So you are a runner! But I do know hard it is to believe that sometimes or to feel not ready to really be called a runner. But remember, if you run, you are a runner!

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7/18/12 10:56 P

You are a runner. Got out there, train smart, stay safe, and enjoy yourself.

73 Days until:  Rock ''''n'''' Roll Dublin Half Marathon

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7/18/12 9:44 P

Welcome to the team and and know that runners come in many shapes and sizes. I have 7 half marathons successfully completed in 9 months and started walking the entire distance in the first one and now run 1 minute and walk 4 minutes and set a new personal record on my last one on Sunday 6/15/2012. I may not look like a runner to many people (judging by outside looks) - but my wall of bling says a different story! Congrats on your upcoming race!

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7/18/12 8:21 P

Welcome!

This is a great site and amazingly supportive team!

Congratulations on registering for a 1/2 in September. You can totally do this! Find a training plan, stick to it, and you'll be awesome!

Looking forward to hearing about your progress!

I know what you mean about calling yourself a "runner" becasue I battled the label when I first started, too. I always told myself I don't look like a runner, I don't act like a runner...lots of excuses. But really, what does a runner look like? Act like? After completing my first half marathon last year, I finally brought myself around and claimed to be an official runner. I hope you can do it sooner, because really, you already are!

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7/18/12 8:20 P

Hi Kristin,

Welcome to the team!

So are you currently running? How many miles per week? What's the longest distance you have been running recently?

Coach Nancy

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7/18/12 7:45 P

Hi all!

I am new to this site and this team but am feeling very excited and motivated to begin.

One of my goals has always to become a "runner". I ran in college for fun but since a recent move and a packed work schedule running has taken a back seat for the past two years. Dedicated to get back in stride and get the official "runner" title and wear it proudly-I have signed up for a 1/2 marathon at the end of September!

I am beginning to think I have gotten in a bit over my head but I am determined and am hoping this group can offer any advice and/or motivation along the way :)