What Is A Runner?

Everyone has an idea of what a runner means to them. If you are not a runner you may think we are crazy, fast, strange, annoying, or may even have special abilities. Those who do run can consider themselves professional, slow, winded, fast, seasoned, a marathoner, etc. While every single runner out there runs for many different purposes we are all the same in one sense. We run. While we may not all run in extreme elements, or even outside for that matter, we still run the same. A first-time runner runs very similar to an experienced runner like Kara Goucher: one foot in front of the other.

Running is different for each individual mainly depending on what is the desired outcome. People run for goals, exercise, joy, stress-relief, punishment, and so much more. Then there are people who just plain run. They do not need an excuse or an upcoming race to run. They just get out there and pound the pavement. This is one of many joys in running- no excuses needed! You just go. Somedays I struggle - I struggle so much I want to cry and give up (I experienced that just this week). Other times I cannot wait until I can get a run in. I am just excited to go. Runners may not always know where they are running to, but that is the point. You can just do it! No asking for permission or relying on another. I believe running is the best way to get to know ones self better. Call it a free therapy session or whatever you want - heck - don't call it anything, just get out there and run.

Running can cause wear and tear on the body and running shoes, but most activities can wear on some part of you after frequent repetitiveness. If you take care of yourself when you hurt (only you know when the hurt is good and when it is bad) and are comfortable with spending a pretty penny on some running shoes that will help you conquer the pavement, you, my friend, can take on anything (with the proper training of course).

As much as running is an individual sport, I consider it to be a team activity as well. While you may not have the same pace and distance as someone else in your group going for a run, know you aren't alone. They experience the same path you do. They feel the weather conditions, the aches and pains, the thirst and the accomplishment. It is amazing the experiences I have heard from fellow runners and the advice that comes in waves. Runners are supporters. They understand good days and bad. They understand the power of a simple "good job" or thumbs up. Everyone, including professionals and ultra-marathoners have all started where we have: at nothing. It is up to us to return the positivity to those who give it to us, and also pass it on to others. Remember- you have been in their shoes at one time or another.

I believe the most important thing we can do besides keep unity within the running community is pass it on to generations below us. We have the ability to teach them and show them the simple joy of it. Reading Kristin Armstrong's "Mile Markers" I stumbled upon why it is so important for our youth to understand running during her conversation with her daughter during a 5k:

"I was met with tears, heavy breathing, and a sniffled response.

"I am not a good runner. This is terrible. Everyone else is better than me."

Oh dear. Not this.

Mommy: You are too a good runner. There is a big difference between being a good runner and having a good or bad race. Rough races happen to everyone. A good runner is anyone who has fun and tries her best...You know you can't be a good runner without handling some bad races. I'm really proud of you."

So ask yourself- what is a runner? What are YOU? For one, I know I am a part of a unity that runners share and I would not trade that for the world.

The People You'll See

“You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.”  - Dr. Seuss "Oh, The Places You'll Go"

 

As a runner, you probably notice that you have seen and experienced a lot. I know I have. There are the unpleasant smells of overflowing garbage, morning exhaust from commuters and the occasional poor furry soul that did not make it across the road safely. There are the sounds of car horns and occasionally, yet unwanted cat calls fading the background noise of the trees swaying in the breeze and bird tweeting their songs. Then there are the people you experience.

 

Honestly, when I first began my trek as a runner, I would be intimidated by certain figures that I would share the roads and sidewalks with. I always had a worst case scenario in mind, but of course nothing happened. What I realized over time is very rarely will anyone do anything to mess up your run. People are actually quite friendly, as long as you share the sidewalk and give a friendly smile. I have seen other runners, stroller moms, kids hiking home from school, stray animals and even some disheveled but friendly passersby. For example, one evening I was three quarters of the way home on my run, when I was passing a man with a brown paper bag in his hand. I smiled an continued on. Throughout the week I realized that this same man used this route home with his brown paper bag in his right hand. While there is a stigma that can go with someone who constantly has a brown paper bag in-hand, I realized that was not this man. He was very friendly and always smiled when I passed. Who knows, maybe he just liked a cold drink on his way home, maybe the drink was for someone else. All I knew is he was smart for walking and was very friendly. Stigma gone.

 

Just because some people do what you are not used to, look different to or do something that you don't see yourself doing (like waiting for the city bus), does not mean that they are bad people. I know I did a lot of assuming, especially in the early or later hours of the day when the sun was still resting with the rest of the city. I had to realize that they want to feel safe no more than anyone else - including the homeless. They have no safe home to run to when something goes awry. Besides, how suspicious does someone running in the dark look? What am I running from and why am I running? Everyone has a stigma of people they do not know and we need to overcome that. The crime rate for people exercising is very very low and when it does happen, it is a rare occurrence. Most people do not want to be in your business as much as you don't want to be in theirs. Be friendly running and encourage others to drop their possible stigma of runners by sharing the sidewalk or a smile. A little bit goes a long way...although, I do still have a stigma of a guy trying to get my number just because I looked damn good in my stretchy workout pants =P

 

Just be nice- it is so easy to change someone's day with a smile or "hi".

 

Happy Running Y'all!

 

 



26 Point What?!

In 2008, when my first year away at college came to a crawling and 15+ pound end, I decided that something needed to change. Having grown up watching my dad run just about every day, I started showing an interest in what some call "running for fun". I never understood this concept and was always subject to running as punishment in high school when our volleyball team lost a game, or my grade suffered. I did not realize I was about to open a can of worms and create a lifestyle change.

In the fall, after running a mile here and there, my dad decided he would run a 5k and I would go with him and we would see how I did. Oh boy did I have race day nerves! But if I could run one mile, I could run three, especially since I considered myself quite fast. The start of the race began as I went almost at a sprint. About 200 yards later, I realized I needed to slow down a bit. After what seemed like 2.5 miles and as I was straining for air, I saw a mile marker sign of 1 mile. My heart sank as I thought "this can't be! I am too tired for two more of these". But I continued. I finished my first 5k at 32 minutes to discover I wasn't the fastest, but I also wasn't the slowest. I had an unexplainable euphoria crossing the finish line. I was hooked.

A 5k here and there turned into at least one a month, then 10ks. By the age of 20 I had signed up with a local running group and trained for my first half marathon, in which I beat my personal goal by two minutes with a time of 2:13. I felt euphoric when I stomped my goal with what would still -to this day- be my PR (personal record) for a half. I needed more. Running became therapy to me. A way to deal with my stress, my problems and a great way to have "me" time while creating and sharing a bond with running friends. I had completed a total of 2 half marathons in 2009 at the age of 20, but then experienced burnout. I began to only run 1-3 miles here and there and not take them very seriously, just a way to get some exercise. I no longer competed in 5ks since they lost the fun element and running seemed to turn back into a punishment, but this time for eating unhealthy. I was forcing myself to run just to burn calories and not to enjoy it.

In 2013, I missed running for enjoyment like it was an old friend I had not written to in a while. I started to increase my mileage, but kept hitting the wall since I had no reason to increase it. Then I realized the whole reason I got burntout in the first place. I cannot run if I do not have a goal to reach. So right then and there I set a goal to run the Texas Half in Irving, Texas on February 2, 2014, just 4 days before my 25th birthday. What a better way to celebrate a milestone than rewarding your body and showing it that you still have the drive and staminance?

The morning of the race it was in the high 20's, extremely windy and a chance of snow. I was probably the only one there that was excited about the "great" weather. I love nothing more than a cold run! I did not train as hard for this and did not use a watch while training or racing, but still came within my goal of 2:20...I actually got exactly on it! Mission accomplished, but it seemed too easy. It was very fun, which I enjoyed, but if I can run 13.1 miles with a smile on my face, it wasn't challenging enough. What race could be next that would push my limits? I already had the M-word in my head since early January, but I was afraid to commit and finding the perfect one was a challenge.

Around March 2014 I completely settled on my next goal - the mother of all races: my first Marathon. I would run the 2014 Las Vegas Rock n' Roll Marathon at night. Go big or go home! So here I was, 5 years later and signing up with the same, reliable running group - We Run San Antonio.

Everything started well and I found myself in familiar routines and meet ups, however as the time went on, the South Texas sun grew hotter. Our weekly speed training at a local high school track became torture. I couldn't breathe in the humidity, I was drenched in sweat and the elite five-minute milers inspired me but also made me feel that much slower. My coach, Edgar has always been great at pushing each individual to their limits, while understanding the conditions. The most important thing he has said to me this time around has been that "if you train in extreme elements such as the heat, it will only be easier when you compete in your big race" which made complete sense. I guess I will see come November.


It is July now, and not even the heat of the summer, but it sure feels like it. Some days I long to be in the Southern Hemisphere where they are enjoying their winters while we suffer our long, sidewalk-cracking summers. I still continue to push on. While I am now taking my runs indoors to a treadmill in the evenings, or tackling them before the morning light to save myself from heat stroke, I haven't given up. There are MANY days where I question why I ever thought 26.2 had an element of fun to it and that I could accomplish this. I want to throw in the towel and give up, but I remind myself that it is possible if I stick to my training. I had come this far with running, and I definitely want to cross one crazier thing off my bucket list while I am still young. Plus, the race, hotel and flight to Vegas are all paid for so what would the use be of only using the hotel and flight while watching others compete in what I really wanted to?


While the mental and physical challenges of a marathon aren't even fathomable to me yet, I know I will learn more from veteran runners around me and the books I have been reading. Those challenges are one thing, (not to mention finishing the marathon in five hours or less - the cut-off time is 1 hour sooner than most marathons), I will be faced with the concept of taking it easy for the initial 24 hours leading up to the race in Las Vegas. No heavy drinking, keeping off my feet and remaining relaxed, etc. All of those are a major challenges aside from the marathon itself. But I am strong. I will make it and I will finish in less than five hours. I can do this. I don't have to do it 10 times, I just have to complete this one goal so I can prove to myself that I am stronger than I ever thought imaginable. If I decide that marathons are in fact something fun that I want to continue, then so be it.


After this goal is completed, the next step is to pick another goal - big or small. Eventually I would like to run the Boston Marathon...maybe when I am more seasoned in life, but I do not know. Only time will tell.