It has been a long time since I have posted anything other than my weekly training summaries, and since I am deep into a training cycle I decided to share some of the motivational bits I have found that help get me going.  First, let me share the definition of a runner made by someone wise:

“If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.”  – John Bingham

Based on the quote I would say that many of us belong to the club.  I have often heard others say they do not consider themselves a runner because they cannot run as fast or as far as someone else, which is very disappointing to hear.  I mean, I consider myself to be a runner even though I am not run as far or fast as others, so am I mistaken? Of course not!

Over the years I have always considered myself a “runner”.  When I ran 3 miles per week, I was a runner. Later when I was running 10 miles per week, I was a runner. These days I am running much more, but does it mean I am more of a “runner” than when I ran 3 times per week for a mile each time?

At the time of this writing I am putting in 60 miles per week, and by the end of the year my weekly mileage average will stick around 70 miles per week.  I am looking forward to see what my other stats will look like when that happens. But I do not really consider myself more of a runner than my lower mileage days…just a little more crazy.

So everyone, get out there and run. No matter how many miles, or how fast your pace is, and be a runner. Your body will thank you as it grows older. (Unless you are not running correct, but that is another post.)