I am a runner.  It has taken me a long time to admit that.  I'm not sure what I thought made you a runner but I was certain it was not me.  I kinda plod along making very slow progress towards the finish line when I run.  I've run two half marathons finishing in the bottom half each time.  I don't think I look like a runner. I am not thin like some other runners - I'm either right at the top of normal weight or the bottom of overweight depending on my diet. Despite my passion for the road and my dedication to the sport, I just didn't see myself as a runner.

It's really funny what people think about runners.  Some think we are obnoxious because we talk about running ALL THE TIME.  We post our runs in Facebook.  We take a million pictures from the finish line of the umpteenth race we've run holding our medal up.  We have magnets or stickers on our cars that say 13.1 or 26.2 or license plate holders that say "my other car is a running shoe." We are constantly preparing for our next race and talking about what we need to eat or drink before we run and what shoes we run in.  We use the term "PR" like everyone gets it and we moan about losing toenails and nursing blisters.  And we talk about that runner's high when you feel like everything else falls away and the only noise we hear is the sound of our feet on the pavement.  There's no discomfort, no pain, nothing but a wave of good feelings.  When that happens we feel like we can run for hours.

I know most people don't get runners and I've been disturbed that some people seem to be bothered by those of us that get a real thrill from running or that we want to express that passion.  I'm not sure why my FB post or my car magnet bothers anyone else.  Anyway, the best thing is that some folks are so supportive and a few have said they've been inspired by my running.  Like I said I'm slow and slightly overweight.  If I can do it, anyone can ... And I'm not just saying that. If you love the feel of the wind on your face and the sound of your shoes on a road - and I know that everyone doesn't - get out there and do it.

So when did I become a runner...I'm not sure.  But I can tell you when I realized it... I was boarding a plane trying to get home after a series of delays.  I was tired and all I really wanted was to get to my seat and close my eyes.  The flight attendant was standing near my seat when I came down the aisle. He looked at me and said "runner?" I paused and thought about it and said "yes, I guess I am.”  It put a real smile on my face.  It's good when someone sees your hard work. I hope you find your workout passion and that someone notices what you've done.  It shows when you are doing what you love.  

See ya on the road,

The Sweaty Executive.