What exactly qualifies someone as a “runner?” Some might base it off the distance, others off the pace and others off the stride. In truth, all of these are superficial descriptions that imply you need to reach a specific goal or perfect your form in order to be considered a runner. Let me tell you something – you don’t.
I started running a couple of years ago after I set a New Year’s resolution to complete a half marathon. Physically, this was the highest bar I had set for myself. I had never run even a 5K, and the longest distance I’d ever ran at one time was only a couple of miles.
While my feet were always moving on a court or a field, I absolutely despised the idea of just “running.” It didn’t matter if it was distance, sprints, or interval runs; who in the world would find enjoyment out of sore joints and lungs that were working too hard?
With all of this negativity in the back of my mind, I set out to “become a runner.” I talked it over with a good friend and we decided to register for the race. I told my family and friends I was committed, and I downloaded a beginner’s training plan…no going back now.
The next step was the actual training. I took a look at my first week’s plan and actually started laughing; I’m breathing heavy when I reach the end of my street and you’re telling this beginner to start with 5 miles? OK. Still, I made it a point to get to the gym every day during the week, saving one day for a Saturday distance run and another for a Sunday rest day. Every day was a challenge. Some days the challenge was in the workout. Other days the challenge was in my head, and others, the challenge was simply in making it to the gym.
While some training days went better than others, each of them individually contributed to the condition I was in when race-day arrived. My friend and I continued to check in with each other’s progress and made it a point to go for a couple of long runs together before the race.
Race day came and we felt mixed emotions – exhaustion as a result from the 4:30 a.m. alarm – regret realizing we committed to running 13.1 miles in 30-degree weather – and excitement that in a few hours we’d be able to say we ran a half marathon.
We lined up at the starting line, turned our playlists on, and inched our way closer to the finish line. Running with a big group of people and seeing so many others there to cheer you on is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. You gain hold of a different kind of drive that outweighs any negative thought telling you that you can’t do it.
Two hours and nearly 13.2 miles later, my friend and I crossed the finish line. We kept in pace with each other for the entire race, acting as a reminder we were in it together. This year, we decided to run the exact same race and a few weeks ago, we did it all again.
What it really takes to “become a runner” is not an extensive distance, a fast pace, or even a perfected stride. It takes the courage to take the first step, the self-discipline to keep going when your legs and lungs disagree, and a strong support group to keep you motivated (a good playlist doesn’t hurt either!).
Your finish line might not be painted in black and white squares. It might be found in an application for a new job, an introduction to a person you admire, or an experience you’ve had your eyes on. I encourage you to fight the battle between your heart and your head. My example is in running, yours is likely in another aspect of life. If you want to go out and accomplish something – go do it. Discount whomever or whatever is telling you differently, and know you are fully capable of reaching your finish line.
