I hope you bear with me. This is definitely not the typical Fun Facts/For Friday Post. But, I think it falls into a "Fact" at the very least.
I don't know exactly why, but after yesterday evening's run, I started to think back to and reflecting on my running transformation. Maybe it's trying to figure out why I'm so hell-bent on running despite being injured?
You see, honestly, about three years ago I still refused to call myself a runner. No joke, look back at my past blog posts if you wish. Or, better yet, you can check out the post where I specifically say "Why I'm not a runner." Oh, and notice the date is July 2010. So, um, not that long ago really.
For some reason, I associated calling myself a runner with having an all-consuming passion, running crazy distances, or crazy-fast paces, and being in an elite secret club. What I didn't understand was the deep-seeded passion that comes with running. Ok, so the first point does end up being valid.
Yes, I enjoy the challenge of getting faster, running farther. Hello half marathons and PRs.
But it's so very much more than that. It's not at all elitist like I had assumed. Fast runners (like my friend Amy) still embrace slower runners. Hello, she runs with me and has never once complained about me slowing her down. We cheer each other on, fast, slow, injured, whatever. We "get" each other and that's all that matters.
For me, running is something I never thought I could do. I have severe asthma, though not exercise-induced. Before I found Singulair, I couldn't go for hikes without resting (usually using inhaler) let alone running anything more than say 1 minute.
So to ever expect to be or even want to be a runner? Not even on my radar. I was always a dancer. I loved (still love) ballet deep in my soul. I lived and breathed it. But where I live, not much for advanced adults. You eventually get tired of the competition and pettiness you see dancing with 16-18 year old girls.
Long story cut short - Jason introduced me to running. One day I looked up, looked around, felt present in the moment and fell in love. It's not always easy. Actually, it never is. That's the awesome thing though. You have to work hard so you feel so much pride from it. Accomplishment.
I firmly believe that there's a huge misconception from non-runners or self-proclaimed dabblers of running that those who do call themselves runners find it easy. I mean, I know I thought that. But - Nope. Always work. But satisfying? Yes.
And can you fall in and out of love with running? Absolutely. I've definitely gone through periods where I dreaded lacing up my shoes. But usually there's a reason. Overdoing it or getting all up in your head - overthinking, planning, plotting, forgetting to let go. But then you have that one run...that one run that makes you remember exactly why you fell in love. Does this sound like a relationship? Maybe it is. There's give and take. Love and hate. Passion.
And honestly, this post can also describe my passion for lifting weights. I know there's a lot of debate about being a runner and a weight lifter. No, I won't ever do a fit comp, but man, I do seriously dig lifting weights. It's a different passion for me. But the same sense of pride and accomplishment as running.
So, if you run - you ARE a runner. If you lift weights - you kind of are a weight lifter. Just sayin'
I don't know exactly why, but after yesterday evening's run, I started to think back to and reflecting on my running transformation. Maybe it's trying to figure out why I'm so hell-bent on running despite being injured?
You see, honestly, about three years ago I still refused to call myself a runner. No joke, look back at my past blog posts if you wish. Or, better yet, you can check out the post where I specifically say "Why I'm not a runner." Oh, and notice the date is July 2010. So, um, not that long ago really.
For some reason, I associated calling myself a runner with having an all-consuming passion, running crazy distances, or crazy-fast paces, and being in an elite secret club. What I didn't understand was the deep-seeded passion that comes with running. Ok, so the first point does end up being valid.
Yes, I enjoy the challenge of getting faster, running farther. Hello half marathons and PRs.
For me, running is something I never thought I could do. I have severe asthma, though not exercise-induced. Before I found Singulair, I couldn't go for hikes without resting (usually using inhaler) let alone running anything more than say 1 minute.
So to ever expect to be or even want to be a runner? Not even on my radar. I was always a dancer. I loved (still love) ballet deep in my soul. I lived and breathed it. But where I live, not much for advanced adults. You eventually get tired of the competition and pettiness you see dancing with 16-18 year old girls.
Long story cut short - Jason introduced me to running. One day I looked up, looked around, felt present in the moment and fell in love. It's not always easy. Actually, it never is. That's the awesome thing though. You have to work hard so you feel so much pride from it. Accomplishment.
I firmly believe that there's a huge misconception from non-runners or self-proclaimed dabblers of running that those who do call themselves runners find it easy. I mean, I know I thought that. But - Nope. Always work. But satisfying? Yes.
And can you fall in and out of love with running? Absolutely. I've definitely gone through periods where I dreaded lacing up my shoes. But usually there's a reason. Overdoing it or getting all up in your head - overthinking, planning, plotting, forgetting to let go. But then you have that one run...that one run that makes you remember exactly why you fell in love. Does this sound like a relationship? Maybe it is. There's give and take. Love and hate. Passion.
And honestly, this post can also describe my passion for lifting weights. I know there's a lot of debate about being a runner and a weight lifter. No, I won't ever do a fit comp, but man, I do seriously dig lifting weights. It's a different passion for me. But the same sense of pride and accomplishment as running.
So, if you run - you ARE a runner. If you lift weights - you kind of are a weight lifter. Just sayin'
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