Found this tonight and loved it....

I AM NOT A JOGGER

I may waddle when I run, but I'm running all the same

By John Bingham
The late Dr. George Sheehan once wrote that the difference between a runner and a jogger was a signature on a race application. As succinct as Dr. Sheehan's definition was, it made the point. If you were motivated enough to train for and participate in an organized running event, then you were a runner. Anyone willing to risk public failure in order to be a part of the running community--no matter what his or her pace per mile might be--was a runner. Period. Kind of hard for anyone to argue with that logic.

Your reasons may be different from mine, but here's why I know I am a runner:

I AM A RUNNER because my runs have names. I do tempro runs and threshold runs and fartlek runs. I do long, slow runs and track workouts. My runs are defined, even if my abs are not.

I AM A RUNNER because my shoes are training equipment, not a fashion statement. The best shoe for me is the one that makes me a better runner. I choose the shoe that goes with my running mechanics, not my running outfit.

I AM A RUNNER because I don't have running outfits. I have technical shirts and shorts and socks. I have apparel that enhances the experience of running by allowing me to run comfortably. I can say "Coolmax" and "Gore-Tex" in the same sentence and know which does what.

I AM A RUNNER because I know what effort feels like, and I embrace it. I know when I'm pushing the limits of my comfort and why I'm doing it. I know that heavy breathing and an accelerated heart rate--things I once avoided--are necessary if I want to be a better runner.

I AM A RUNNER because I value and respect my body. It will whisper to me when I've done too much. And if I choose to listen to that whisper, my body won't have to scream in pain later on.

I AM A RUNNER because I am willing to lay it all on the line. I know that every finish line has the potential to lift my spirits to new highs or devastate me, yet I line up anyway.

I AM A RUNNER because I know that despite my best efforts, I will always want more from myself. I will always want to know my limits so that I can exceed them.

I AM A RUNNER because I run. Not because I run fast. Not because I run far.

I AM A RUNNER because I say I am. And no one can tell me I'm not.

Waddle on, friends.

LOVE IT!!! Maybe I'm a runner, after all, cuz I DID let that guy at Luke's Locker sell me those BLUE shoes, cuz they fit my stride...when I REALLY wanted the PINK ones that looked cuter....but then again...there weren't any signs that said "waddle shoes"...I'm so confused...

ahhh ms gina check out that new pic....wooohoo cant wait to see you

DEBRA--won't be long now!!!!!!

AMEN - sista - preach on -


You are so right, you are a runner!!!!!! and I love you for it

Gaye

I know you are going to laugh but I am going to say it anyway.  This made me cry.  I am printing it out and posting it where I can see it daily.  Thanks for sharing it!

LOL,
Big baby Jenn

Love it! I guess I will own it too! Love you fellow Princess Marathoner!