Why I'm Not a Runner
Happy Friday. I know that not everyone gets a long weekend, but I hope that most of you do. Today is a rest day for me. I will admit that I almost got up and ran this morning because it was so nice out again. I feel like I must take advantage of the sudden cool-down while I can. Plus, I was wide awake when Jason got up to go swim at 5 am. But, my legs are feeling a bit heavy after yesterday's compound circuit workout, and they deserve a break.
Speaking of running...Jessica and Jolene sort of called me out when I said I wasn't a runner. They protested loudly that I was indeed a runner. I have probably touched on this before, but I think I have the real answer as to why I say, "I'm not a runner."
Yes, I run. But, I am not passionate about running. I think that's the difference for me. I run because it's great exercise. I run because I enjoy spending the time with Jason. I run because it makes me feel strong and accomplished. In some respects, I also run because I can and I know that there are those who cannot and want to. However, I am not a passionate runner. I don't LOVE running. I don't want to run all day, or even more than say 4 or 5 miles.
There are several bloggers I follow who I consider to be real runners ( Kelly @ Healthy Living with Kelly ,
Tricia @ Endurance Isn't Only Physical , Nichole @ Live for the Run , or Lisa @ Early Morning Run ...and there are more.) They are passionate about running. They truly love to run. Some have been sidelined with injuries, and it really makes me sad for them when they can't do what they love. That's why I say I'm not a real runner - they are. Does that make more sense or do you all still think I'm nuts?
Anyway, I will admit that I am starting to enjoy running more. Maybe one day I'll be a runner? Someone who wakes up every day itching to get my feet in my runners and hit the pavement (or treadmill). There are days when I look forward to a run, but I'm not sure I look forward to it in quite the same way. There is still often a sense of, "ugh, this is gonna be tough."
Sorry, that went on longer than I had intended. But, I do want to ask you all your thoughts? Do you consider yourself a runner? Why?
Party Recipes
Yesterday, I briefly mentioned that we're having a pool/patio party tomorrow. It'll be a vegetarian spread; I do not cook meat period. But, I do think the menu is one that will make everyone happy and no one will miss their burgers or dogs. On tap are the Lentil & Quinoa Sliders (recipe), fruit and veggie trays, cheese dip (I know, not healthy), and Black Bean & Corn Salsa. I may throw together another dip, we'll see. I'm also making a Red, White, and Blue Sangria. I'm thinking of making a recipe I found for Apple Pie Cookies. Not sure yet. I love baking, but try not to bake often in order to avoid temptation. I adore cookies.
Black Bean & Corn Salsa
Ingredients:
3-4 ears grilled corn on the cob
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (or fresh cooked)
1/2 red onion, finely diced
2-3 jalapenos, finely diced
2-3 green onions, diced
1 can no-salt diced tomatoes (or fresh, we didn't have enough), well drained
To taste: sea salt, pepper, cumin, red pepper, chili powder, lime juice, cilantro
Directions:
Carefully cut the corn from the cobs then combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
I love this salsa recipe because it's so stinking easy. It also make a fantastic filling for quesadillas or burritos or a great salad topper.
Red, White, and Blue Sangria
Ingredients:
White wine (preferably cheap and fruity) - 2 bottles or a box o' wine depending on how much you're making
Blueberry vodka (optional, and to taste)
Flavored no-cal soda water (1-2 liters depending on how sparkly you like or how much you're making)
Blueberries (as many as you like to make pretty)
Strawberries (as many as you like to make pretty)
Directions:
Well in advance, combine all ingredients in large container. That's it.
I promise to post pictures of the finished recipes and table spread tomorrow. What are some of your favorite party recipes?
Fun Facts - The OCD in Me
I was trying to come up with some fun 4th of July facts to share. But, I really couldn't think of anything fun to divulge. So, I thought I'd share a bit of my quirky side. I have a tendency to be a wee bit OCD about some things. I know that tendency is in all of us, so I can't wait to hear some of your quirks.
1. Toilet Paper - I am an absolute freak when it comes to stocking up on toilet paper. Each bathroom (we have 3) must have at least 5 rolls (one on the holder and 4 as back ups). I say 5, but my bathroom currently has 9 and one downstairs has 10. Yes, I know this.
2. Canned Goods - If there is ever a time we must hunker down, we will have canned beans (many varieties to choose from) as well as canned tomatoes to live off of for quite some time. I used to keep a stash of olives, corn, and green beans as well. I'm trying to eat less canned goods though. But I cannot stop myself from buying the beans and tomatoes. I want to have 4 cans of black beans, 4 cans of red beans, 2 cannellini, 2 chickpeas, 4 tomatoes at all times. No rationale of course.
3. Alarm Clock - I cannot set that alarm for a normal time like 5:15 or 5:30. It must be an off number like 5:16 or 5:27. Again, no real rationale there.
So, spill it. What are your quirks?
That's too funny about not being a runner. I didn't know if I should define myself as a runner even though I was winning my age division in local races (SMALL Races) and training for half marathons and marathons. It wasn't until about 1 month ago that when talking to friends and family they stated referring to me as a runner. Weird but point is that there is no hard and fast definition of a runner. A runner just runs however often and however far they want. It's pretty cool, I think.
ReplyDeleteAs for quirks - I'm the same about toilet paper - totally obsessed if I don't see a spare in the basket. Other than that, there are way too many to list and I've already rattled too long.
Enjoyed your post. Thanks to Kalli, glad i found your site.
I never used to feel like a runner, but I'd like to consider myself one. After reading some books on running, I thought a lot about my confidence levels when I run. When I think of myself as a runner, I run better and feel stronger.
ReplyDeleteQuirks? I always check to see what time it is before I go to sleep, and mentally calculate how many hours of sleep I'm about to get.
I love running but I think its because I mix it up. Trail runs, track workouts, easy runs, etc. Plus cycling and more. I think your an athlete and part of your coniditioning is running. :)
ReplyDeleteI have lots of OCD's. Ditto on the alarm clock. Right now mine is set for 5:12am. funny! I can't leave my bed unmade....i've tried! And I feel better after I vaccum. I'm weird, but who isn't? haha.
I like your explaination to why you don't say you are a runner. Maybe you will be one day ;) I consider myself a runner and I agree with you, a runner lives and breathes running. I usually can't wait to get running and I LOVE running races, its such a high!
ReplyDeleteLOL I love your alarm clock quirk. I have the same toilet paper one. Each washroom needs to have atleast 3 rolls and I have a drawer full of canned beans and tuna and I always have 3 cases of bottled water.
Have a great bbq and 4th of July!
I LOVE THAT YOU PROCLAIMED "NO I AM NOT A RUNNER" that was such an honest thing to read and im really happy you posted that! i feel the exact same way. for me its cuz i feel like whenever i said i am "something" i end up putting an energy around it. it becomes this label i wear that i must live up to and that causes a lot of tension with me. i feel like any label is bad.. just do what u love and not try to be anything.. just enjoy it. you are amazing!! <3 <3
ReplyDeletexoxo
Taylor @ Changing Habits so glad you stopped by! Glad to know I'm not the only one with TP issues ;-)
ReplyDeleteLisa @ Lisa's Foods on the Move Oh jeez I do the same with the sleep calculations too funny. I'm feeling so much more normal ;-)
Lindsay @ Cotter Crunch Oh, changing up the runs definitely makes a difference! So glad I am not the only one with the odd alarm times.
Bela @ It's Life, Max it Out LOL on the water. That's great. And for the running - I don't love races at all. They totally stress me out.
Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel Ah yes - the label. Love you so much for bringing that up. That's so true and I never thought of that really. Oh, and if there is one thing I am - it's honest...to a fault ;-)
oh i am so pissed, my mouse accidentally just deleted i think the longest comment i ever wrote you
ReplyDeletebriefly your opening para, i can relate entirely! i used to run 2 to 4 races per month w/ scott for like 5 yrs! it was our thing and our time together but now, i run maybe 2-3 miles alone in the a.m.'s b/c it's easy and fast way to get cardio in and i do like it. But i dont "love" it and never crave more than 4 miles..ever.
Fun facts...weird we both posted them today! And I am the SAME as you are on all of them! Except for canned goods. Never buy those. Ever.
I feel the same way as you! I have realized that I like running as exercise, but don't truly consider myself a runner because I am not as passionate about it, and I've realized running more than 3 times per week and longer distances is my suitable for my body and leads me to injury! So I am a girl who runs and enjoys running...but not a runner per se!
ReplyDeleteditto with you on the running, plus i think running killed me when I was really into my eating disorder, that was basically all I did, run A LOT. So now I like keeping it to a mile at a time really.
ReplyDeleteanyhow, I set my watch to min fast so I wont be late I also hate drinking from a bottle, I need a straw
Hey, not everyone has to love running! I enjoy a good jog now and then, but do not consider myself a "passionate runner" by any means. There are so many other exercises out there!
ReplyDeleteOne of my quirks is that the TV and radio volume HAVE to be on an even number! It bothers me if it's set to "19" or something like that =P
Running is not my favorite either! I usually only do it in the spring when I am training for the half marathon other than that I am usually riding or ddoing plyometrics or something else!!!
ReplyDeleteI love to switch it up....I think it's good for your body and helps with boredom!!!
I am totally not a runner! I wish I was better, but I am just not built that way. On the OCD thing...I am a dry bean girl. I have to have a large stash of dried beans and canned tomatoes!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I love your sangria recipe! It sounds fantastic, and sangria is one of my favorite summer drinks. Thanks for sharing :) I'm a little OCD too...my closet has to be organized just so, color coordinated. It drives my husband nuts!
ReplyDeletei am like you i do not consider myself to be a runner but i like doing it :) my quirks? gosh so many to mention......can't let the laundry basket get too full. can't have "stuff" hanging around the house-it all has to have a place. should i go on? thank goodness i have a hubby who is just as organized as i am!
ReplyDeleteI am not a runner either. It is a just a form of exercise and not a particularly pleasant one.
ReplyDeleteLOL, I have the toilet paper obsession too. We always have at least 30 rolls in the house (5 bathrooms). Can you have too much TP? I don't think so, LOL.
My pantry is ridiculous. It looks like a small store. I know I have at least 25 pounds of dried beans in the house at all times and bought about 12 pounds last night. *rolls eyes** Do two people really need that many beans on hand? LOL
Other quirks, hmmmm. That is a tough one because there as so many, LOL. Lately I have been focused on not making any recipe repeats. This is becoming a bit of a problem, LOL.
enjoy your weekend,
Ali
Ha, love that our comments of protest sparked some of this post ;-) Well, see, I define runner as someone that's damn good at it, and whether you do it for fitness or because you love it, well, those are different things, in my opinion. I would agree with you on why you run, that's mostly why I run too. I don't love it, usually, but it's growing on me...sorta ;-)
ReplyDeleteAgain, me being behind on blog reading - I almost didn't comment on this but couldn't resist. I totally hear you on the "not a runner" thing - but I guess my definition of "runner" and yours are different because I totally see you as a "runner" no matter if you run 2 miles or 10. You are a runner if you make it happen, even if you don't LOVE it, per se - but you can and do run, for all the reasons you state, but mostly because you are ABLE to, so you do it. And I think THAT'S why you're a runner. You are ABLE to do lots of things but the one thing you are so adamant about NOT being is a runner - why is that? Do you think that makes you a workout snot or something because you totally aren't. Just throwing it out there :-) You non-runner-but-runner you ;)
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