Are you a runner?

Friday, June 29, 2012 · Mike Davis

Today I took the few people that showed up for the 10K training out to run hills. Like our last hill training we had a great time and I enjoyed watching someone who would tell you is a non- runner, act like a runner. With every beginner group I coach there’s always some point when I make the statement: “You are now runners”, oh my gosh, they act like they were just told they won a million dollars! Do they need me to tell them that they are runners, to consider themselves runners? Often that’s exactly what they need and the effects are amazing.

I have logged in nearly 10,000 miles over the past 6 or 7 years and I can tell you; I often don’t consider myself a runner. No, I don’t consider myself a jogger, but unfortunately I consider runners those people that seem to effortlessly float down the road looking like they were born to run. Don’t you hate those people, when you’re out there struggling along feeling like you must look like a reckless donkey! On a few occasions I have managed to cross a finish line amongst the top 10 percent and I think yeah, I’m a runner, but the realization that it took max effort on my part, keeps me from full embracing that I am a runner.

I guess the question would be: If you run a marathon, half marathon, 10K or even finish in the top 50 percent of race, does that make you a runner? Will those accomplishments authorize you to wear the race shirt to let the world know that I am a runner? Maybe it doesn’t matter if it’s a race, maybe by just going out and running a certain distance, I can consider myself a runner. I know what it is! If you are coached by Mike Davis, certified running coach the United States, you are recognized as a runner. Nah, that just means you were trained to run and enjoy it! Another question I have to piggy back off of this question. When you are told “you are a runner”, why does that seem to propel you? Maybe it’s a trick and I just played with your mind. Hmm, now you may never trust me!

Right now as I write this I’m wearing a shirt that has a bunch of words that form the word RUN. These words such as inspired, free, strong, proud and etc… are supposed to be words that describe a runner. I happen to agree with all of them, except maybe “smart”, I don’t think I will ever be accused of being smart! Anyways, this shirt doesn’t make me a runner, but I like what it stands for. Every word is true of most people that lace up a pair of running shoes and use them to change their life. A runner is someone that does not believe in the word can’t and surpasses what many fear. Today a woman that I ran with was overwhelmed when I told her that not only did she run hills for 14 minutes, but she also ran 3 miles total without stopping! Her disbelief was obvious, but her emotion was real. Hopefully today will propel her as it does many people, but for today I have no doubt she feels she’s a runner. For myself, I have to prove it to myself by lacing up my running shoes and just running. Simply put, each time I run, I feel like I am a runner! That’s what we do.