Respect the Runner

I don't enjoy running. When I was in high school, I played soccer, and that requires a lot of running. But there was a distinct reason for the running. Run to cut off the opponent, run to keep the ball in possession the ball, run to dribble the ball down the field, run to get in position to pass the ball, run to get in position to receive the ball from a pass, run to score a goal. There were a lot of reasons to run. And I did it. I ran my little hiney off. And I was fast. ("was" being the operative word) During training season, we ran a lot, and I just hated it. Sure it improved my endurance and speed, but that doesn't mean I enjoyed it.

The winds of change have come and gone, and I have not changed my opinion on running. I still don't like it. My opinion of runners has changed however. Before, I thought people who liked running were crazy or plain stupid. But now, I have a deep respect for runners. They aren't stupid. In fact, they are amazing. I am so impressed with my friends who are runners, who sacrifice sleep and time to discipline their bodies to run great distances. My soccer days are long gone and I hadn't run over a mile in quite some time. And then I hear of my friends running 1/2 marathons and marathons. That's crazy and so incredibly impressive to me.

Because of that, I'm joining the club. I have been "running" for two weeks now, roughly 4 times a week. At first I just ran a few blocks. But now,I run a 5k circuit at least 3 times a week and I do a 5 miler with my friend (thanks Danette for pushing me). I can say that running without a stroller shortens my time by quite a bit!I want to do the Provo River 1/2 Marathon in August. I need to make sure I can still register, but if I can, I'm doing it. I'm not sure if I will ever be able to consider myself a runner and put myself in the ranks of those of whom I marvel. But, I can try -- and in the meantime, I run.