I want to be a runner

[Creekwood 702]

From www.mamalaughlin.com

I am a Runner

There was a time when I doubted even calling myself a runner.

Sure' date=' I ran, but I was doing it for weight loss purposes, so I didn't feel like I was a TRUE runner.

I felt like a poser.

I thought I'd just lose the weight and then be able to stow my Brooks and never run again.

How wrong I was.

Because I found a passion for something I was never even looking for.

It took me until after my first half marathon to really consider that title legit.

Today, I am a runner.

I am a runner because I run.

Because when I'd rather sit on the couch, I lace up and head out.

Because at 4pm every day my legs are bouncing up and down, itching for the pavement.

Because one day I decided I wanted to run, having never ran before.

So I committed. And I ran. And when I first started I could barely run for a whole minute without stopping.

But I kept on. Day after day I laced up and headed out.

And with each new mile I ran I felt empowered and a sense of pride I'd never felt before.

And now I can run for close to 3 hours without stopping.

I am a runner.

Because it's hard.

Because I love knowing there are only a select few people that can do what we do.

Because I've got the tan lines to prove it.

Because the rhythmic sound of my feet on the pavement is far better than any amount of therapy.

Because I can clear my head when pounding it out.

Because when sweat is dripping off my forehead and into my eyes, I am proud.

I am a runner.

Because I've worked my way up.

Because it's made my ass jiggle less and my legs stronger.

Because I cried the first time I ran 10 miles without stopping. Uncontrollable tears poured down my face and my entire body was covered in goosebumps thinking about what I'd just done.

How I was amazed at what my body was capable of. How I was thankful to be able to do things I never imagined I could.

I am a runner.

Because I'm not a mom, or a maid, or a chauffeur, or a cook, or a wife when I'm out there- I'm a runner.

Because when some people would give up when feeling weak, I keep going.

Because I push through when I want to stop.

Because just thinking of crossing the finish line of another race gives me chills.

Because if it weren't for running, I'd be lost.

Because I'm not the skinniest or the fastest, but I damn sure try my hardest.

Because I dread the actual RUN... until I get out there.

Because I love a challenge.

I am a runner.

Because when I cross off my weekly runs in red marker I feel like a rockstar.

Because running gear makes me happy.

Because I think Sports Beans are the best Jelly Beans there are.

Because I get excited about a new pair of Brooks.

Because I don't focus on time or distance, but rather just FINISHING.

Because I search for Runner's High.

Because I've had to work my butt off to do so.

Because through running I've inspired people to want to better themselves.

To know it's possible to push your body to extremes you never imagined.

Because through running I found myself again.

If you run, you are a runner.

No matter what distance. Or for how long, or how often.

It doesn't matter if you're the fastest or the slowest. The skinniest or the fattest.

If you run, you are a runner.

Don't let anyone tell you different.

Today, I am a runner.

Because I run.[/quote']

I love this!

[Creekwood 702]

I never thought I would be running unless something was chasing me. Now' date=' I love it. I first started signing up for 5K and 10K runs just to keep me motivated to run. You have to train if you are going to do these things. It was too easy to skip days if i wasnt training for a run coming up. The more the weight dropped the easier it was to run, so I signed up for a half marathon. My first was the Rock n Roll half marathon in VA Beach. I was so proud of myself. I felt so accomplished. The good news was that all the training I was doing was making even more pounds drop. I completed another one in March. I am signed up to do another one in September and then I will be doing one in November in Outer Banks, NC. I love running at the beach.

To train for it you just have to set mini goals for your self. I run as far as i can, then walk, then run, then walk. If you set goals and say that you will run for 2 minutes then walk for 5, then repeat. After you have that down, add another minute to the running, etc. Before you know it you will be running for miles. It gives you one heck of an adreneline rush. And you know what, even if you walk the whole thing, you did it!! That is an accomplishment in itself. I will never win a race but I just set personal goals for myself and work towards them. I am racing against my own time, not the other competitors.

Good luck! you can do it![/quote']

OBX is awesome! I went there last year!

[warm33 19]

That's great motivation!!! I've always wanted to run a marathon or at least a 5K. I've lost 40lbs since my surgery on 3.27.13. I've always said I was a skinny girl in a day girl's body because I've always wanted to run! My goal is to run a 5K next year at Myrtle Beach. If I don't make it to the end, at least I have a trip to the beach

[Erin O'Donnell 61]

That's great motivation!!! I've always wanted to run a marathon or at least a 5K. I've lost 40lbs since my surgery on 3.27.13. I've always said I was a skinny girl in a day girl's body because I've always wanted to run! My goal is to run a 5K next year at Myrtle Beach. If I don't make it to the end' date=' at least I have a trip to the beach <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Wow! Congrats on the weight loss! Haha yes I would say the same about myself. I've always been active and played sports but I guess it wasn't enough to give me an athlete's body :/ lol! Well good luck in Myrtle! A beach run sounds fun! And like you said if nothing else, you got a trip to the beach

[warm33 19]

Wow! Congrats on the weight loss! Haha yes I would say the same about myself. I've always been active and played sports but I guess it wasn't enough to give me an athlete's body :/ lol! Well good luck in Myrtle! A beach run sounds fun! And like you said if nothing else' date=' you got a trip to the beach [/quote']

Have you also heard of the Color Run? My coworkers do it every year as well as a few people at my church. I think this one would be a cool one to do, so I'm ping to check it out as well. The Color Run and the Glow Run (where you were glow in the dark paint and run in the dark) are all on my bucket list!!

[Erin O'Donnell 61]

Have you also heard of the Color Run? My coworkers do it every year as well as a few people at my church. I think this one would be a cool one to do' date=' so I'm ping to check it out as well. The Color Run and the Glow Run (where you were glow in the dark paint and run in the dark) are all on my bucket list!![/quote']

Yes! I want to do both of those really badly! There's a color run in my city at the end of July that I'd like to do. Unfortunately i'm suffering from some weird hip problems and I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it in July. But I really want to! They both look sooo fun!