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.