On Being a Runner

According to dictionary.com, a runner is:

-noun: a person, animal, or thing that runs, esp. as a racer

And I’ve heard a lot of people say just that when asked how they define a runner.  If you run, you’re a runner.  No matter how long you’ve been running or even if you’ve never run a race.  Simple as that, right?

I’ve been running (mostly) consistently for four months now.  Am I a runner?

If you ask me, no.  No, I am not.

I think that part of being a runner is getting out there and logging the miles just because you want to or need to – even when you’re not training for a race.  It means liking, even loving, running.  Needing to do it because it’s a part of who you are. 

When I think about runners, people like Meghann, Ashley, and Angela come to mind. 

Would I still be running if I hadn’t committed to raising money in my grandmother’s memory for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by running the Nike Women’s Half Marathon?  Would I run just because I wanted to?  Would I even want to?

The truth is: maybe not.  I’m not 100% sure if I like running yet.  I know I sometimes like how I feel while I’m running.  I know I always like how I feel after I’ve run – particularly long runs where I’ve achieved a new PDR.  I like being able to tell other people that I’m training for a race as big as a half marathon and that I’ve run 9 miles twice now.  I like the bragging rights associated with it.  But I don’t particularly look forward to running.  I don’t think I’d be as likely to do it just for myself.  Just for fun.

When would I consider myself a runner?  If I come out the other side of my half and still want to run just because I can, just because I want to, just because it’s a beautiful day and I want to be moving around outside – then I’ll be a runner.  Right now I’m running with one goal in mind – crossing the finish line in San Francisco on October 17.  Once that goal has been met, who knows what will happen?

I started this blog to document my journey not only to my half marathon but also to becoming a runner.  It’s stated right there at the top of my blog: Becoming a runner one step at a time.  Maybe I’ll get there, maybe I won’t.  I may just become someone who runs.  Sometimes.  If she feels like it.  If it’s not too hot or not too cold outside.  If she has time.  If she doesn’t feel like going to the gym that day. 

And that’s okay.  Because the more I think about it, that may be closer to who I am. 

What’s in a name?  How do you define a runner?  How do you define yourself?

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