Am I a runner? Heck yes!

[JetsNanna]

I was out today and saw someone I’d not seen for yonks. She said that I looked really well and then “I sometimes see you when you’re out doing your walking” - I was mortified. Not because she sees me but because she describes my efforts as walking.

So, just been browsing t’internet and I came across this and I feel vindicated 😂

"Everyone who runs is a runner. If you lace up a pair of running shoes, and you head out for a run- you are a runner! In fact, even if they aren't running shoes, and you head out for a run, you're a runner."

I lace up my shoes and head out for a run - whether it looks like running to someone else doesn’t mean it’s not running.

I now feel like a pillock for being quite so perturbed by her comment because I started C25K three years ago today and I should be proud of that not diminished by someone else’s perception of my efforts.

So - in answer to my own question : I *am* a runner and I am proud to have committed to running 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Says it all.....you are indeed... a RUNNER!

[Naturesweapon Graduate]

Dear JetsNanna not to worry! And well done for finding motivational words and sharing them with us ❤️Well done and maybe if you invite your neighbour for one of your "walks" they would realise how much effort is invested! Keep going! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[JetsNanna Graduate in reply to Naturesweapon]

Great idea! 😂😂😂

[BrookieRookie]

And beating everyone else still on the couch 😁

[JetsNanna Graduate in reply to BrookieRookie]

Absolutely! 😊

[BlackCountryLee Graduate]

I think the definition of a runner that you found is spot on. Sometimes we run a bit quicker, sometimes a bit slower. I know when I first started I let passers-by perception of my effort get into my head, but now I just tell myself that just by getting out of the door and putting one foot in front of the other puts me in a much better place mentally and physically than the majority who might see me out and pass judgement. Keep pulling those trainers on, it’s us who will benefit in the long term 👍🏻😀

[JetsNanna Graduate]

Absolutely. One of my 5/6k ‘walks’ is a heap better for me than sitting indoors! Thanks for the words of encouragement. 😊

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

You are absolutely a runner! Wear that label with pride. We’re so glad you’re part of our community of runners here. If you’re ever doubting yourself, pop back here and we’ll remind you. ❤️❤️❤️

[JetsNanna Graduate]

thank you 😊

[A1Aardvark Graduate]

Thank you for your wonderful post. Yes, we are runners when we get out there with intent. I think my running probably looks more like hurrying to most. But it's my style and my pace and your post reminds me to be proud of that 🙂

[JetsNanna Graduate in reply to A1Aardvark]

Happy to have been of help. We should ALL be proud because we are ALL getting out there and giving it a go 😊

[Frankenfoot23 Graduate]

Well done you! Getting out of the door and getting moving is what it's all about. Maybe the person had seen you doing your warm up/ down walks, but either way, it really doesn't matter what speed you go at, you are doing great just doing it. And the very most important thing is that we all enjoy it! :)All the best

[JetsNanna Graduate in reply to Frankenfoot23]

Thank you 😊

[Folkylass Administrator Graduate]

You are so a Runner! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️Indeed you laced up your running shoes and stepped out your front / back door and…..you ran. You should be proud because you got out there and did it ! Good on ya!👏👏😂

[Dancerunner]

You're a runner! 🏃‍♀️ go you! 🙌 prob just saw you on your walking bit! next time they see you you'll be zipping past them! they said you're looking really well - wait til they see you when you've graduated 🔥😍

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Of course you are. I don't know if you used Laura on your C25K journey, but there's a bit during week 6 I think, where she tells you "you're a runner now, I'd say you are" and she knows what she's talking about.

I get that sort of stupid comment all that time, especially from someone who lives near where I do my warm up and cool down runs. Following the NRC plan, as I do, there are very fast bits, and recovery walk bits and all sorts in between. In fact, Coach Bennet is very big on easy running. My pet hate is when they call it jogging...

[JetsNanna Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

I’d like to be able to say that I’d been spied in a warm up/cool down phase but it’s highly unlikely. I take the “slow running” theme very literally. Partly because I want to and partly because going any faster makes it a miserable experience.

I didn’t fret over her jibe for too long before thinking What-Ever! 😂

[Folkylass Administrator Graduate in reply to JetsNanna]

That’s the spirit!👏👏🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🥰

[Sybilw Graduate]

Of course you are! Could your friend keep up with your ‘walking’? I’m guessing no 🤷‍♀️

[JetsNanna Graduate in reply to Sybilw]

That’s really tickled me 😂