I think I'm officially a "runner"!

genpopadopolous

I started running last May with C25K and now run anywhere from 10-15 miles a week. I'm slow, and still overweight (but 10 lbs from a normal BMI!) and it's not always easy and I feel like a bit of a poser out there sometimes.

But today, it was raining and my husband gets home and I'm in my running shoes. He says "You are still going to run?" And I said "Why not?"

I ran 4 miles, felt amazing, had my best time, recognized and waved at the few other runners out, and as I turned back into my neighborhood I was almost sad the run was over. I had a moment where I thought "Holy *kitten*!! I'm a runner!"

I'm sure when I head out Friday and it's hard I'll be back to my old slightly insecure self, but today was lovely! Especially when a year and so many pounds ago the one minute intervals weren't easy.

Anyone else have a moment where you realized "Hey, I'm actually DOING this?!?"

Okohme

I did, too. Christmas Day was one of my regular run days, we got done with all the family stuff and I put on my shoes and went. I only ran 3 miles but still. There was one other person out there. The whole way I kept thinking "yep, i'm the *kitten* running on Christmas Day. Guess I am a "runner"" I'm slow and I, myself, am juuuuuuust inside the ballpark for normal BMI, but run I do.

Good on you for doing this. Its a bit much, sometimes, but it has its benefits, too. *virtual highfive*

nowine4me

Nice job and some practical advice. Take your insoles out of your running shoes so they get really dry. If You happen to be doing laundry, put them on top of the dryer. It takes longer than you'd think to dry when they get REALLY wet. There you have it. Go conquer (with dry feet)!

MobyCarp

@genpopadopolous - If you run, you're a runner. It's that simple.

Sometimes new runners have a bit of anxiety or insecurity, and get some random idea that they're not a runner until they can achieve some arbitrary mark. For me, it was that I didn't consider myself a runner until I could run continually for 30 minutes. But when I got out into the running community, I found that the common definition of a runner is much simpler. A runner is someone who runs. They don't have to run fast, they don't have to run far, they don't have to run continually. They simply run.

So you ran 4 miles in the rain, when your husband seemed to think rain was a reason not to run. That sure sounds like you're a runner. Next thing, you'll be casually saying something like, "I only ran 3 miles today," because you didn't have enough time. And the non-runner you're talking to will drop their jaw because "only" doesn't go with "miles" in their mind.

JeromeBarry1

I salute you, runner!

lorrpb

Congrats! Relish days like today!

canadianlbs

genpopadopolous wrote: »

Anyone else have a moment where you realized "Hey, I'm actually DOING this?!?"

yeah, i still get dizzy. "i lift!" i'm more or less sure that it's true now. very much the same kind of thing you described.

congrats on the runnerdom thing.

Jthanmyfitnesspal

I'm in this boat as well. Loving the challenge, but still feeling the burn.

AmyOutOfControl

Hooray!!! Welcome to the crazy runners club. FYI -- It's where all the cool kids hang out.

PS- Try signing up for a 5K if you haven't already. You will find a whole tribe of us.

Philtex

genpopadopolous wrote: »

Anyone else have a moment where you realized "Hey, I'm actually DOING this?!?"

When I had my first podium finish at a race I realized 'I'm an athlete'. That was a shocker.

TimothyFish

There's something about reaching that point where you do something for the joy of doing it rather than because you're supposed to or you need to.

natruallycurious

Yes, you are a runner!! I really hope to be like you in a year!! I am on week seven, day three of C25K. My pace is pretty slow unfortunately. I'm pretty sure there's no way I'm going to be finishing the full 5k in 30 minutes in just another week. But I love the fact that I'll be able to run for 30 minutes, even if it's slow! I'm glad you came to this realization though. You are definitely a runner, and an inspiration to people like me!

BruinsGal_91

Philtex wrote: »

genpopadopolous wrote: »

Anyone else have a moment where you realized "Hey, I'm actually DOING this?!?"

When I had my first podium finish at a race I realized 'I'm an athlete'. That was a shocker.

I've had a second and a third in my age-group this year. I still can't quite believe it. I always thought athletes were other people, not little stocky lasses like me.

Keep on running.

RuNaRoUnDaFiEld

I think that is the most posts I've ever clicked awesome on. Great reading to me

I love a good zen run as I call them, where everything just seems right and seems like you could run forever.

genpopadopolous

khenik6064 wrote: »

Yes, you are a runner!! I really hope to be like you in a year!! I am on week seven, day three of C25K. My pace is pretty slow unfortunately. I'm pretty sure there's no way I'm going to be finishing the full 5k in 30 minutes in just another week. But I love the fact that I'll be able to run for 30 minutes, even if it's slow! I'm glad you came to this realization though. You are definitely a runner, and an inspiration to people like me!

I still can't finish a 5K in 30 minutes. I am at 33 and some change. So don't let that discourage you!

I've run a few fun runs, my best is 34:17, and I was smack in the middle of the pack!

genpopadopolous

nowine4me wrote: »

Nice job and some practical advice. Take your insoles out of your running shoes so they get really dry. If You happen to be doing laundry, put them on top of the dryer. It takes longer than you'd think to dry when they get REALLY wet. There you have it. Go conquer (with dry feet)!

Thank you, I will go do this now!

wellthenwhat

I'm on week 3 day 1 at the moment. Going pretty slow because I want to enjoy it, instead of it being torture. It's getting easier and easier

Briantime

You absolutely are a runner and the best kind of runner. One who enjoys it and sees the positive impact it has on your life. Never let speed be the deciding factor on how you think about yourself as a runner. There is ALWAYS someone faster...

JeepHair77

I love this thread.

And I love running in the rain. We're the best kind of weird.

WandaVaughn

I realized I was a runner a couple of weeks ago when the temp was 24 or 26 degrees F (depending who you asked) and I bundled up and ran anyway. I impressed the husband. I impressed myself even more.

stealthq

I've had a couple of days like that. Probably because I don't run in a group or race, the idea never quite sticks

Finishing Zombies 5K, of course.

The first day I ran in the rain (took a while, I try to run on my gym's indoor track when it's going to be nasty out).

The day I ran 12 miles on my gym's ~0.1 mi indoor track because I was going to do my scheduled long run damn it, and there was a nasty thunderstorm going on and a tornado warning.

The first time I ran a half marathon distance - to, completely around, and back from the nearby lake.

dbanks80

I started running in 2010 to train for a half marathon in 2011. I ran my first 5k Spring of 2011. My kids and husband always teased me saying i was slow and i always did a momma jog (whatever that means). As soon as I crossed the finish line I just broke down and started crying. I accomplished something I didn't think I could ever do. I finished 33 minutes. I was so proud of myself.

I've been running ever since doing my "momma jog" LOL!

So good for you in accomplishing your running goals!!

iofred

congratz, hooked ... I had a time where I had to run, but not because i enjoyed it, but changing shoes, and seeming to have found my pace changed the whole mindset ... hook line and sinker ...

WhatMeRunning

I didn't know I was a runner until my first 10k. I had planned on doing a mix of running and walking during it. In the weeks before the event I still hadn't run a full mile on any one go. At the 10k however I wound up running the whole dang thing! I've been addicted ever since. It just took me realizing that I *could* do it, basically, the limitations had been mental, not so much physical.

WhatMeRunning

Also, you might want to start checking out the "Monthly Running Challenges" in the forums.

The current one for March is wrapping up... http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10521779/march-2017-running-challenge#latest

...but a new one for April should be appearing in the next day or two. It's a great, friendly, non-competitive way to keep yourself accountable to mileage goals, and chat with other fellow running addicts. Some great info gets shared there, I know I have learned a TON just from participating there for the last couple years.

Hooligan300

im a newbie "runner" myself its hard i even had to take 2 weeks off due to over doing it running up and down hills but im excited to get back at it. im training for my first 5k in may im really excited any advice? ive learned so much already. if anyone would like to add me especially runners please do itll help motivate me thanks!!

GoodVibes71

I'm a few months in with a 6 wk break exception! First time in my life running

wendyphd

Congratulations!!! Heck ya you're a runner!!!
Great feeling isn't it? I used to feel the same way. I felt that way after running half marathons with medals hanging on my wall. I think we all feel that way. Some of my best feeling runs were the ones I had to force myself to do and most of the time those were during crappy rainy weather. Nothing more cathardic (damn spell then a rainy run. It's freeing.
Enjoy every moment.

Redheadedsunshine

Definitely a runner! I'm doing couch to 5k and today ran 15 mins straight... by far my longest time (although 3rd time attempting c25K). Little by little!

GoodVibes71

Any insight or inspiration on running - feel free to add me !!! Would love ❤️ to hear it all !!