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Friday, April 22, 2011

R is for Running Realities


Note: I'm throwing my hat into the A-Z Blogging challenge sponsored by Tossing it out! What you will be reading via the letters A-Z will give you a glimpse into my world and what I do when I'm not here - blogging.


I’m a runner. 
What does it take to be a runner? 
Lace up some running shoes and go.
I’m not really sure if I buy into the concept that you have to 'achieve' a certain something before calling yourself a runner. 
I have taken running clinics. I think this is an important first step if you’ve never run more than to the 'bus stop’ or to the ‘corner store’. (which no one does anymore - we drive everywhere, remember)
Everyone can benefit from some instruction and advice when it comes to any activity, even running.
But who stamps us with the official ‘now you are a runner and can call yourself a runner’ seal of approval? (same goes for writing...who determines when you are ‘officially' a writer?)
I have never entered an ‘official’ race of any kind - not for organized causes nor for prestige or even to qualify for the Boston Marathon. 
Why? 
Well, because I don’t want to. (also I have an issue with crowds - get that from Dad)
I run for me.
After I post this, I’m lacing up my running shoes and going for a nice five mile run. I run at about a nine to nine and a half minute mile - not slow and certainly not fast - just right for me.
My running realities are not about competing with you they are about competing with myself. I strive to win but it is only a true win if I can conquer my own weaknesses.
Am I a runner? Yes.
Who decided? I did. 
Is your reality (running or otherwise) determined by you? Or do you let others stamp you with their seal of approval?


Until S...

15 comments:

  1. I wish my knees and ankles would allow me to run again like I did in my youth.

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  2. ah, I'm not a runner, if I could I would have a robotic avatar who would carry my brain, and I wouldn't have to move a limb. I would just enjoy laziness :)

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  3. My reality is that I am not a runner. Never have been and never will be.

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  4. My knees and back would never allow me to run but I give you immense credit for doing it. I think it's great when a person find something that they can do for themselves and no one else.

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  5. Good for you. You are the only one who matters. I'm glad you declared that for yourself.

    BTW, something we have in common. I don't like large crowds either. No idea who I got that from. Good post! I'm so NOT a runner.

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  6. Good for you! You are a runner! Even if I was thin enough to run, I'd never be a runner again with these knees that I've ruined over the years. I do like to walk though. So maybe I can become a walker? :-)

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  7. Oilfield
    It’s a bummer when knees and ankles are shot! Growing old...sucks.

    DEZMOND
    You’re too funny - sometimes I feel robotic when I run. No brain though to go with the flailing arms!
    I enjoy laziness - hence my need to run.

    Ruth
    I’m cool with non-runners - it’s not for everyone that’s for sure.
    I never thought it would be my passion - but one day about four years ago I started and I couldn’t stop. My body loves running.

    Barb
    I’m always asked about my knees and back but so far so good. I don’t know what it’s like to have back problems.
    My spine is a bit of an anomaly in that it is very straight and my massage therapist (I go for regular maintenance) commented on it - said it was why I never had or will have problems with it. (I thank the gods all the time for it)

    Semi True
    You rock! I think each one of us should be the decider of our own reality.
    I run, therefore I am a runner. Just like I write, therefore I am a writer.
    I’m not waiting around for someone to stamp me with an ‘official seal of approval’ based on their criterion - none of us should - but many do!

    Laura
    Walkers are good - I’m a walker too. Sometimes I strap on the walking runners (yes, I do have different shoes for these to things) and walk and walk and walk - I really enjoy walking too.

    I live five miles from my office and I can be found walking to work on Summer days. I look forward to the quality mental time it affords me! I like escaping the traffic too!
    So...lace up those shoes and go out and enjoy your neighbourhood!


    To all of you - no matter how you get around - stop every now and then and enjoy your surroundings.

    Cheers, Jenny

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  8. You run. I paint. We happy!

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  9. I use to run quite a bit several years ago (well, it was more like "Energetic Walking", but you get the idea). I really liked it and even entered a couple of 5K races. My daughter got into it and I remember the day when she beat me. Even though I felt a little deflated (and grateful that I knew the number to 911), I was proud of her. In fact, I wrote a story about it, "The Daughter Also Rises." I may post it.
    My brother (Gary in my stories) still runs at 47. Good for him.

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  10. Carole
    See...we all have a purpose! I'm glad you found yours in the brush - you do such beautiful work.

    Al
    Do you still run? Or are you now focusing on "Energetic Walking?"
    Either way - I think being active, whether walking or running, is good for our mental health as well as physical.

    My daughter swims and is quite good, so I (currently) have no worries of being beat in the running department - but the time will come I'm sure.

    I'm glad you encourage your daughter's running by being proud of her - we all need to know our parents have pride in us and what we do.

    I would really enjoy reading what you wrote about your daughter - let me know when you post it!

    And...high fives to your brother, Gary, for continuing to run!

    Cheers, Jenny

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  11. It's good that you run for YOU and no-one else. I don't run and never have (I love my coastal walks) but my daughter who lives in France runs about four times a week with some friends. She says she does it because she likes to have her wine and some chocolate, and if she didn't, she would be like a little piggy. (She is VERY slim!). Both her and her husband have always been into exercise. I just wouldn't have the motivation I'm afraid. My daughter has suffered with back problems since the birth of her daughter 13 years ago, and she finds that exercise really does help. Happy Easter!

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  12. Thisisme
    It's true running allows me to enjoy some of the extras - but sometimes my running lacks consistency.
    I am starting to get more focused and that helps.

    And...your coastal walks must be fantastic...I love walking down by the water on warm sunny days.

    Hmm...maybe that will be on Sunday's agenda...an Easter walk.

    Have a wonderful Easter weekend.
    Jenny

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  13. Hi Jenny! I just discovered your blog through Laura's, and the A-Z Challenge. I'm glad to have found it. This is a very inspiring post! I'm looking forward to reading more.

    Happy Easter to you!

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  14. Great post! I'm not a runner, but I agree with you about defining our own realities. I want to be a writer, I believe I can write, therefore I am a writer. That sort of thing :)

    Hugs,

    Rach

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  15. I so agree, you ARE a runner. And it should be about you. I just found you from Tara's post, and I am glad I did. I am doing the challenge too :)

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts.