I am a casual runner.
Sometimes, I don't feel worthy of the title "runner" ecause I don't run every day. Sometimes it is just not a possibility to go get a few miles in for whatever reason.
Because sometimes I walk.
Because I can't run an eight-minute mile. I'm not continually striving to improve my mile time.
Because I don't think I fit the image of a runner. My legs aren't long and muscular. My stomach is not flat, and I do not have abs. I don't feel comfortable wearing just spandex and a sports bra.
I am confident I will never place in a race, but I am OK with that because what matters to me is that I make it across the finish line.
But that does not make me any less of a runner.
Being a runner does not always mean 10 mile runs through the pouring rain. It does not mean qualifying for marathons. It does not mean looking a certain way or wearing certain clothes.
Sometimes these things are hard to remember, especially when the other runners you know all seem to be running circles around you. But it's important to remember that your heart is pumping, your legs are moving, and you too, are running.
Running, even casual running, should be empowering. With every run, your body gets better, your mind gets stronger, and your soul feels freer. So rejoice when you run an extra quarter mile. Celebrate your 10 minute mile. Participate in every color run if that's what makes you happy. Don't let anyone bring you down because everyone's journey is different and not everyone runs to compete.
But the most important thing is to love your body and remember that even though you may not be where you want to be, with every step you are closer to the person you want to be.