One powder-puff football game was the extent of my participation in high school sports. I even took Spanish dance – castanets and all – to fulfill my phys ed requirement without exerting the kind of effort actual sports would involve. I really didn’t become active until I gained weight in college and getting my booty moving was part of the key to getting rid of that extra poundage. Even then, running took too much exertion, so I stuck to fitness classes and yoga. Then four years ago, my daughter was born and I had fewer options for staying fit. You can only do the same few workout videos so many times before you can’t stand the thought of them anymore. Then I walked that fateful race that would turn me into a runner.I ran my first race in 2007. That is when I became a runner. June 23 marked the three year anniversary of that race.
Someone recently wondered when or wished that (I can’t remember which) “this running fad” would end. I know more and more people are running these days. And many of them run for a while and then stop. Some run just long enough to get ready for a race or train just to be part of a Ragnar team. I know plenty of those people. I am not one of them. If you are reading this, there is a good chance you aren’t one of those people either.
Being a runner is not a fad. It is a way of life. It is part of who you are.
I am a runner.
RUN: Can't figure out why I'm having so much shin pain lately. And it isn't just there when I run; it's there off and on throughout the day. Any ideas or suggestions for getting and keeping my shins happy?
Awesome post, my thoughts exactly!
ReplyDeleteRe: your shin pain - I hate to say it, but you might have a stress fracture. Go get an x-ray! I had one two years ago and it was the longest summer of my life not running, but it gave me a real love and respect for cross-training. *fingers crossed* for you that it's nothing serious.
Yep. I stay in shape so I can run.
ReplyDeleteI eat so I can run. I run to be the kind of person I want to be or visa versa :)
Here, here! Well said!
ReplyDeleteLove your post, Candice. Often shin pain is related to muscle imbalance, the calf is stronger. Find an exercise that will strengthen the shin....
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Racing was my KoolAid, too. I was hooked after that.
ReplyDeleteHope your shin feels better!
It's funny, I've been running for ~2 years, but have only come to think of myself as a runner recently. I love this post!
ReplyDeleteBeing a runner is a way of life - couldn't agree with you more. I have an undisclosed relative who trained for and ran a team-in-training marathon two years ago. I don't think this person has run more than a couple of miles since, but every time someone asks me about my training or about a race, this person always brings their marathon. If you ran a marathon once, you "ran a marathon." If you continually run and train for them, then you are a "marathoner."
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 3 year runiversary! Running has become a way I identify who I am. I may hate it sometimes but I always come back for more :) I recently had someone when I would be done running marathons. They are cool with me running but over me running 26.2. whatever dude!
ReplyDeleteI had almost the same timeline. I didn't get into running until college and my kids have spawned a renewed interest in total fitness.
ReplyDeleteOh, and you won my first contest so swing by and check out your dish.
Joe
Great post!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure that running can really be considered a 'fad.' You're just moving a little faster than walking. Kinda natural.
ReplyDeleteI agree with 'P' given your miniaturized description of your pain. I dealt with minor stress fractures years ago due to overtraining, they went away with just a few weeks rest.
You wrote that perfectly. Running does become a way of life.
ReplyDelete