Besides running, obviously…Β Though during the times when we are injured, we’re not non-runners… If we can’t run, it’s not like we forget about it; actually, we thinkΒ about itΒ a LOT more: when would I be able to run, what doctor should I see, what should I be doing to get better, what do I have, why oh why does this happen to me?????? –> into infinity. So, to make it very clear: not running does not make you a non-runner…
Β 
So,Β what is it?
What makes YOU a runner?
Is it…
The runner’s high or the joy you feel after a run
The stressing about about an upcoming or race, and not quite sleeping the night before
The fact that you plan your life around running
That you do insane things like competitive eating, stocking jars of nutella and downing those crazy gels
That you sometimes look in the mirror and, no matter what you see, you love what you’d become and how strong you feel
The amount of gear you have everywhere; technical shirts, shorts, watches, running shoes, etc. etc. etc.
That everyone knows you “as the runner” or that that’s one of the first things you bring up when you meet new people
That people know there’s a chance you won’t drink (or even hang out) on a Friday night if there’s a race/long run on Saturday morning
That getting home all drenched in sweat with blood blisters and feeling completely exhausted is the best feeling in the world.
The fact that you think anything in the world can be solved with a good run
That you love the person it makes youΒ 
?
For me, it’s all of the above, plus the life I get to enjoy because of it.
Β 

blog post photo

Once a runner, always a runner.

9 responses to “What makes you a runner?”

  1. Peg Avatar
    Peg

    All of these reasons resonate with me. Pointing to one single thing as the reason I love running is like asking for only one reason why I love my husband, or my child.
    Every facet of my life is better because of running. And it feels so darn good.

    Like

  2. lvrunsnyc Avatar

    Love this post, Elizabeth! It’s all so, so true!

    Like

  3. IronJuan Avatar
    IronJuan

    I love runners. Even being a Triathlete, I am in love with a Runner!!! How about THAT!!!!

    Like

  4. n2runningbad Avatar
    n2runningbad

    So much truth about this entire post.
    Living the dream as I call it.

    Like

  5. njpaleo Avatar

    I think it just boils down to the fact that I enjoy running. I’ve been through ups and downs with racing and training, but what I keep going back to is that feeling of being outside letting go on a beautiful day. Maybe it sounds corny, but there it is…..

    Like

  6. 2013. A LOT of stuff. Amazing Year! | runningandthecity Avatar

    […] Well, I had to try to run and eat hot dogs, right?Β NY Rogue Runner’s Hot Dog Challenge Report: Don’t bite off more than you canΒ chew… Maybe not my best moment… I also did myΒ My first HASH RUN! Toto, we’re not in KansasΒ anymore!Β Oh, and IΒ changed jobs!!! some majorΒ news!Β Then onto the goal race:Β NYC Half 2013: Biggest β€œFINALLY” ever!, what a fantastic day!! I finally started this, my own blog outside of Runners WorldΒ Moving on from my RW blog after over 4 years: NOTΒ EASYΒ and it created some backlashΒ Social Media: how it can break yourΒ heart. Β Then, on the day of my birthday, Β I did a half marathon,Β what my new 38s looksΒ likeΒ it wasn’t fast but it was FUNΒ AllState13.1New York Bday Race Report! + the most RIDIC tutu picsΒ EVERΒ and more pics:Β And these areΒ better.Β Other:Β My (Running) β€œKarmic” SystemΒ /Β To practice pacing or to suicide-pace and drop, that’s theΒ questionΒ /Β What’s your favorite Running Movie? You won’t guessΒ mineΒ /Β What makes you aΒ runner? […]

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