I recently came across this quote on Pinterest:

I am a runner because I run.  Not because I run fast. Not because I run far.

I have always wanted to be a runner.  I had this vision in my mind of a fleet-footed, thinner, younger version of myself, gracefully running long distances along country roads.  I have no idea where that vision came from, but’s it’s been there for a long time.

That unrealistic vision defeated me before I even tried.

Today, I am thankful I can say, “I am a runner.”

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I am certainly not fleet-footed. I am neither thin nor young. I’m sure I don’t look graceful as I run.  However, among the many personal revelations Ive had since turning 55, I know that those things don’t matter.

What matters is that I’m out there.  Moving.  Running.  Walking.  Trying.

After a summer of biking and walking, I was inspired to take on the Rotary Honors Veterans 5k Run/Walk (my son is a veteran).  I didn’t run far.  I didn’t run fast.  I finished in 45:01. I was thrilled.

Last Saturday, I ran in a l0cal high school fundraiser 5k.  I didn’t run far.  I didn’t run fast.  I finished in 40:17, nearly five minutes faster than the previous week. I was ecstatic.

I’ve already registered for a local New Year’s Day 5k.  I won’t run far.  I won’t run fast.  But I will run.

I am a runner.

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What are you thankful for?

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