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.”
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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