I am a runner. Sometimes I don’t think I am because I’m not the fastest runner. But I’ve been told that speed doesn’t matter. If you lace up your shoes and go out on the road, that makes you a runner. Plus I have the other characteristics: I talk about running all the time, I take vacations just to run a race, and I wear race shirts all the time. Yes, I suppose I’m that sort of annoying runner!
A year ago I was coming off a hamstring injury and then immediately had an unknown swelling in my foot. I thought it was a stress fracture, but after weeks of different scans and doctor visits and rest, it was determined to be nothing more than swelling (from wearing some work shoes that didn’t fit properly). It was literally just swelling. So even though I was cleared to get back into running, it was difficult. I had tried to keep in shape during the hamstrings setback and now this new setback by doing upper body work at CrossFit, but I struggled. And here I am, a year later, still struggling, still trying to motivate myself for 5 am Saturday long runs and afternoon runs after work. So I thought a Top Ten list would help motivate me and remind me why I love running so much. (In no particular order)
10. Chick-fil-A breakfast as a treat after double-digit miles at 5 am.
9. The feel of new running shoes and the knowledge that new shoes means I’ve logged hundreds of miles.
8. The anticipation of a race shirt and what it will look like
7. My brother waiting for me after a race with a chocolate milk and extra water in hand
6. Being able to say things like, “I only ran 7 miles today” or “It’s just a 5k”.
5. Buying new running clothes
4. Setting a new PR
3. Those middle miles of a long run where my legs hurt but it’s the kind of hurt that makes me feel bionic
2. Using the music at full blast (sorry, Ears!) to get me through the final mile.
1. Being alone on the pavement in the early morning hours, pushing myself to my limits.
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