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Are You A Runner?

3/31/2014

2 Comments

 
by Trisha Brennan

There are a ton of words I would use to describe myself:  wife, mother, teacher, sister, daughter, friend, cousin….but, runner?  I have “run” in a countless number of 5K’s (even coming in first place in my age group) and eleven half-marathons, and yet I still hesitate when someone asks, “Are you a runner?”.  
It’s been months since I’ve had, what I would consider to be, a good run.   Today was different.  I ran the same 3.1 mile loop around my neighborhood, but today just felt different.  My breathing was stronger, my legs were pushing me faster, and I felt “that feeling” that I haven’t in a long time.  My mind was open.  It wasn’t filled with the to-do list of the day or the feelings of guilt from leaving my two boys at home while I went on a quick run.  But suddenly, my mind was filled with that question, “Are you a runner?”.  

I realized that I have been running for ten years.  Ten years!  I thought back to my first run, not race, but run.  After teaching all day, my teaching partner, principal, and I went out for a run.  They were both runners and somehow they convinced me to join them.  I was slow, but I did it.  I even agreed to run again the next day. Suddenly, we were signing up for 5K’s and within a year, our first half-marathon.   

Today, on my run, I thought about my running life…  Running with my husband during his first half-marathon.  People telling me that once you have kids, you won’t run again.  My first run after having kids.  Running with my sister, my running partner.  We have crossed a dozen finish lines together.  And every time I cry.   Is it because we finish together, is it because I see my boys cheering me on as we run by, is it because we’re making ourselves better moms?  I don’t know the answer, but I cry.  And yet, I still struggle with the answer to the question, “Are you a runner?”.  
When will I be able to define myself as a runner?  Do I need to run a full marathon to BE a runner?  Do I need to have a new PR?  I don’t know the answers.   All I do know, is that today, at the end of my typical 3.1 mile run, I felt like a runner.  


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2 Comments
Annette
3/31/2014 08:05:24 am

You are a runner. You have the spirit, determination, strength, and courage to step up to the starting line with new goals each time while inspiring others to better themselves. You are a special woman!

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Erin Croley link
4/15/2014 07:14:58 am

Your running journey was actually one of the reasons I started running. I've been blessed to be surrounded by many amazing women, and now mother, runners. You were the first to inspire me and you continue to do so! Wear the "runner" label with pride.

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