What makes one a “runner”?
Is it running a 5k race or a 100 mile race? Is it being super speedy and running 6 minute miles or running a slower pace of 12 minute miles? Is it winning races or being a back of the packer? Is it having the best, top-of-the-line gear from all of the hottest companies, or is it having what works for you? Is it running 1 mile per week or 50 miles per week? Is it knowing the who’s who of the running community or just doing your own thing? What is it that makes one a runner?
To me, what makes a someone a “runner” is just simply by being one who gets out there and ties on their running shoes and enjoys getting out for a run, regardless of speed, distance or anything else. I’ve received a lot of message from you guys that say you don’t feel like you could call yourselves a “real runner” because you don’t run marathons, or because you run once in a while, not 5 or 6 times a week, or because you don’t think you’re fast. Guess what? None of that matters. Anyone who is making the effort to get out and pound the pavement, explore the trails or run on the treadmill is considered a real runner to me. If you guys ever have anyone else tell you otherwise, or if someone ever gives you negativity regarding where you stand as a runner, please, please, PLEASE don’t listen to them, or be discouraged by them. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished, stick to your healthy lifestyle and take fun pictures along the way!
To put it simply, anyone can be a runner, anyone! To all of my amazing running babes out there: run happy, run proud and have fun, after all, that’s what life is all about right? 🙂
xoxo, MLL
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Mile Long Legs 
This is hard for me, and I struggle with it. Maybe it’s because I’m still a baby runner, running baby distances. Somehow it doesn’t feel as legitimate when I log on and see all these lean bodies with long legs eating up the miles. I don’t know how many posts I’ve read where someone declares they’ve clicked off X number of miles for a warmup, and it’s longer than my entire workout. A tad demoralizing.
Thank you for the post though. It’s stuff I’ve told myself in my head, but it’s nice to hear respected, experienced runners repeat it.
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Hey there, I know what you mean by certain posts feeling a tad demoralizing. As runners, it’s hard not to compare ourselves to others around us. As a mid-back of the packer, myself, I have had to remind myself to be proud of what I accomplish, no matter the distance, pace or whatever. Be proud, keep at it and run happy! 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed my blog, I really wrote it from my heart and I was hoping it would speak to others who had the same feelings as me at one point or another.
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Nice post! Do you have a review coming for the Newton Energy NR? I’m looking to get those, but interested in someone who has ran in the Distance U’s as a comparison, as I have those, as well. Thanks! 🙂
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Hey Angela, thanks for stopping by for a read! 🙂 Yes, I will be doing a review for the Newton EnergyNR’s, I have to get some more miles in them before I can make a solid review on them. So far, I feel like they are a GREAT transition shoe for people who are new to Newton’s, will the replace my Distance? Likely not. But like I said, I have to get more road miles in them before I can solidly decide how I feel about them.
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I love this post! It speaks the truth! My favorite thing about the running community is it’s diversity. Runners come in all shapes and sizes, fast or slow, trail or road, old or young, indoor or outdoor… and I too stop to take photos along the way!
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