A Real Runner…

During my lifetime (so far) running has always meant something different to me… it all started with my dad encouraging me to tag along on his runs.

Ever since I can remember…

I’ve longed to one day be able to keep up with Dad.

This photo is in the Webster’s Dictionary under the definition of “cool.”

We enjoyed running in a different way. We didn’t try to go for a certain amount of miles, or a certain time. Heck, we never even knew WHAT time it was. We would stop to pet cute dogs through the fence, sneak into apartment pools and jump in without question, feed the ducks… we were truly running free.

I never really thought about it, but running has always, in some way or another, been a part of my life…

In Elementary School…

I counted down the minutes until recess so that I could run up to every boy in my class and challenge them to “race me” across the soccer field. They couldn’t say “no” to a girl, right? I always won. (I grew fast). This was my confidence zone. My safe place. It was where I knew I was good at something.

I grew fast. Using those long legs to run faster than boys = #winning.

In Junior High…

I was recruited by the neighboring high school to run track. By 8th grade I was running Varsity track (I don’t know how this is legal). I ran sprints and relays (400m, 800m), high jump, and long jump. I dabbled in discus. I never took it seriously. When Coach told me to run around the school, I just got out of sight and talked to friends. I never really ran. I did drills and lots of “gym stuff.” I liked it OK but mostly for the social aspect.

In High School…

I managed to get pretty decent at the 400 meter dash. I don’t really remember running that much. It’s was a lot of drills and goofing off with the hurdlers. Coach once asked me to run a mile cool down with Jill, the long distance runner I LOLed. A WHOLE MILE 😂😂😂 Insane.

I ran the Texas Relays in Austin, Texas. This is a huge event. I broke my record in the 400m (which I didn’t even keep track of or care about but apparently Coach knew) and about peed my pants. There were thousands in the crowd and so many strong runners on the track… REAL RUNNERS…

That day, my Coach at the time told me “Wow! You ran your fastest out there!” Ok… I didn’t really care about time – just beating everyone else. (It was 60 seconds flat for the 400) BUT THEN… he said “YOU LOOKED LIKE A REAL RUNNER!” (he always complained about my arm swing). And THAT. That was a moment I will never forget…

Now…

I know I’ve been a “real runner” ALL ALONG. I’m so thankful for my new appreciation for running. What it does for me and for people.

Still running faster than the boys. 😉

We were born to run.