I AM A RUNNER!

Society defines us by our titles, daughter, son, friend, sister, brother, and so on. I realized today that I am a runner. I ran my amazing half-marathon on Saturday and have felt the side effects ever since. I’m sore and it hurts to walk down the stairs. But life goes on and I must persevere in my training. Due to the heat, I ended up going to the gym for my recovery run. (Recovery run-running after a hard run to supposedly get the blood flowing, hence making you less sore long term. I don’t know how much I believe of this.) I was also a little unsure on how many miles I would be able to get in with my aching muscles. I was able to run the whole planned 5 miles on the treadmill. And you know what? It was enjoyable. My legs actually felt better running than walking. The 5 miles went pretty good considering I was on a treadmill at a slower than normal pace. As I was stretching I realized I just busted out 5 miles like it was no big deal. That’s when I became a little teary-eyed at the J.L. Sorenson Recreation Center. I’m probably the only one who has cried at the gym. I realized once again, that I am a runner. Any person who moves their body faster than a walk, in my book, is a runner. But lately, it has consumed my life, mostly because training requires it. I sleep, run, teach, repeat. Amid all of this crazy training, I realized I have become what I always wanted. To be able to run like it’s an enjoyable, everyday thing. I am so grateful for the ability to run, for my body. I am so thankful that my body does what I ask it too. I’m definitely practicing a lot of faith right now as I daily push my legs to their limits, praying I don’t completely ruin myself. I have been so blessed.

I think in life, we are constantly trying to redefine ourselves. Find a new title. Many of you have the title of wife and mother. I think that maybe that is why it was an epiphany for me to realize my runner title today. At this stage in my life, I have defined my life in the only way I know how to. There are few titles missing from my life, but I am so grateful to call myself a runner.

I am happy as I could possibly be, to be an aunt to the most amazing nieces and nephews. My role as sister, daughter, and friend are lacking a little due to the high intensity of training, but there is a time and season for all things. They all still love me and I am grateful for their support and understanding.