Brooke went all out and took me out to the best of the best for dinner last night.
Red Robin. We had a gift card there so it worked out perfectly:)
We were even able to have an intense coloring session together.
The Avo-cabbo salad. Heavenly. I don’t know what it is about bleu cheese but it is just my favorite.
It was a success.
After dinner we caught word that there was quite a party going on over at my mom’s house so we made sure to join for a bit.
Gotta love nights that look like this.
We had an emergency lip gloss situation to attend to. It is alarming how quickly I go through this lipgloss. It has been my go-to for the last 10 years and I don’t plan on ever changing.
My mom then took us out for some gelato and we had a good conversation about how life has turned out for the best:)
I have received a lot of emails over the years from different readers that start out with something like this—> ‘I’m not really a runner because I don’t do _______.” It makes me a little sad because in my brain they are most definitely runners. They are out there working hard on the roads, trails or treadmills and to me that means they are a runner but they don’t really believe themselves that they are and I wish they would.
SOOOOOOO…. let’s clear up a few things real quick:)
You ARE a runner even if…….
-You don’t do any races. I ran for 12 years before ever signing up for a race and I most definitely always considered myself a runner!
-You run races just for fun and could care less what the time on the clock at the finish line says.
-You don’t instagram/facebook/blog/tweet/pinterest about your every run or any runs at all. Whether or not you share your runs publicly is a-okay with me.
-You don’t wear a gps watch or pay attention to your pace.
-You aren’t looking to get faster or to go farther, you just love going out and getting your sweat on.
-You run solely on the treadmill.
-You take breaks from running throughout the year. With so many running streaks going on all over the place it is easy to get caught up in the idea that you must always be running in order to be a runner. Not true.
-You enjoy taking a break from running (I most definitely did after Boston…physically and mentally) after a training cycle, race, or anything else.
-You could care less about the latest running fashion or electronics. Just wear and use what is comfortable for you!
-You don’t run long distances. A few miles here and there most definitely makes you a runner! Not everyone loves long runs and that is more than okay. Sometimes our bodies can only handle so much running at a time and we need to listen to that. Stick to the distances that make you feel alive, energized and healthy.
-You are pregnant or just had a baby and you aren’t out there running right now. Savor every second with that little newborn of yours, it goes by way too quickly and your body will thank you for taking time off from running after having a baby.
-You are injured. Don’t worry, you are still a runner even though you are out of the game for a little while. Running will be there for you when you are healed and ready to run again.
Keep on doing that running thing just the way that you like it. Stick to what makes you happy even if it isn’t the latest running trend right now:)
Any more ‘YOU ARE A RUNNER EVEN IFs’ to add to the list?
Favorite type of cheese to have on your salads? Bleu cheese fan?
Favorite chain restaurant?
Favorite type of lipgloss/lipstick/chapstick?
96 comments
Jillian
You are a runner even if you don’t (*think you*) look like one!
Marie at the Lazy W
OOH this is on my mind a lot. Thank you for adding it! xoxo
tess
yep yep yep
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
I love this! Since I do marathons my husband always says he doesn’t feel like a runner since he “only” runs 3-4 miles. Not true! I’m always telling him that he is a runner regardless of what anyone else is doing!
I don’t like cheese. I know, it is basically un-American.
I could eat at Panera Bread nearly everyday and not get tired of it. It’s the best.
I don’t know that I have a favorite lipgloss/chapstick but I am obsessed with all kinds and I keep them all over the house. I mean there is chapstick everywhere.
Flower
I love goat cheese. It’s insanely good.
Favorite chain restaurant is probably Bone Fish Grill.
Favorite Lip Gloss is by Clinique.
You are a runner if you run. Period. :)
Chelsea @ runner's table
I love your list! Being injured definitely makes me feel less like a runner…I’ve had a couple of stress fractures and had to spend 6 weeks at a time only pool running and swimming, and I couldn’t wait to feel like a runner again!
For salads, chevre or feta are my favorites, but if there’s also bacon on the salad then it has to be blue cheese :)
I love Dr. Weil’s lip balm with turmeric from origins. It’s pretty pricey, so I also use burts bees.
Jennifer @ JenChoosesJoy
You are a runner even if it always looks like you’re walking in your race photos! I swear I’m running!!
Fave salad cheese: goat cheese
Fave chain: chipotle
Sexy mother pucker lip gloss!
Amanda @ Slimplify Life
You are a runner, even if you’ll never BQ (trying to make myself feel better over here :).
I absolutely cannot go to bed without chap stick on. The addiction is real. Coco Butter chap stick is ah-mazing!
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
i am a feta cheese girl for salads.
I wear burts bees lip shimmer exclusively :)
You are a runner regardless of pace or whether you take walk breaks or not.
You are most definitely a runner when injured. It’s then when you train your mental running toughness ;)
This was a great post! Oh I love Outback Steakhouse and panera bread for chains….
Gretchen | Gretchruns
You’re a runner if you know you’ll never BQ! Everyone’s always told me that that’s the way to tell if you’re actually a runner or not. I may never be able to qualify, and I know tons of runners who are hours above the qualifying standard and we’re all runners!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
Love these!
My favorite cheese is goat cheese. It’s so good on salads!
I could eat at Panera or Chiptotle all the time.
My favorite lipstick is from Lancome, the one that comes in their gift bags! All the colors are so pretty and it’s noy heavy. I’m also obsessed with Burts Bees!
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
Brooke’s pursed lips while she’s coloring are just adorable!!
Even if people jog or do the run/walk method, they are runners!
I am pretty much a cheese fan :) So any and all cheese it yummy on a salad!!
We love Red Robin, too. And it tastes pretty much the same everywhere so it’s a good place to hit while on the road.
I am completely sold on Carmex. I probably have 15 around my house! And I’ve worn Clinique’s Black Honey gloss since high school. Thank goodness they haven’t discontinued it!!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
Yes! You’re a runner even if you don’t love every run either, or lack motivation for periods of time. I’m going to take a little break after my 10k Sunday :) Love that salad, bleu cheese and bacon are perfect together :) One day I know I’ll miss coloring at restaurants!
Kathy
Feta Cheese flavored or plain on eggs or salads YUM!
(Nice post about the runner if……) thanks!
Will @ TeelFit
– You are a runner even if you don’t have the body of Meb! Runners come in all shapes and sizes!
-Feta cheese on salads is a dream come true.
– I love the good ol Olive Garden. Breadsticks = true happiness
Seeing Brooke color at Red Robin brings back so many childhood memories. My family used to go to RR almost every week when I was younger. A chick and cheese quesadilla and freckled lemonade used to be my one and only order :)
Beth
I LOVE this “You are a runner” list!! I sometimes put myself down because “I’m too slow”, but I need to remind myself that it doesn’t matter! As they say, I’m still lapping everyone on the couch :)
Total blue cheese fan! That salad looks amazing.
I could definitely eat at Chipotle every. single. day.
And I’m obsessed with the EOS chapsticks. The pink is my fave!
The Hungry Runner Girl
You are so right, it doesn’t matter! You are out there running… that is all that matters.
Well, now you have me craving Chipotle at 7:33 a.m. So thanks:)
jade
“Still lapping everyone on the couch.”
Excellent! Thanks Beth!
Sage
I once had a teacher that said “If you want to be a writer, sit down and write.”
I try to apply that to all parts of my life: If you want to be a runner, go run. Being good at it comes later.
Jessica
I LOVE bleu cheese, in a serious way. I love most cheese though- I don’t really discriminate ;).
I used to think I wasn’t really a runner because I’m not fast; I love running, but I’m not a speed demon and probably never will be (even though I’ve started doing some speedwork). I got over that pretty quickly though, and now I KNOW I am a runner.
Favorite chain restaurant = PF Changs. Celebrated Cinco de Mayo there last night!
Randi
You are a runner even if you don’t run 6 or 7 minute miles. I remind myself of this daily :-)
The Hungry Runner Girl
I TOTALLY AGREE RANDI! You are so right! Hope you are having an amazing day!
Annette W
You are a runner even if you take walk breaks during your run.
I love Red Robin. IMO it’s the perfect family restaurant.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Absolutely Annette! I also agree with you that Red Robin is perfect for families. I hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday so far:)
Susan
You are a runner if you believe you are a runner!
I can’t eat cheese so have to skip it and that bums me out.
My favorite chain restaurant would have to be Ted’s Montana Grill but we have to go to Denver for that so nearby I think I might choose On the Border!
I wear lipstick all the time! Only chapstick when I workout & sometimes a gloss over lipstick but never on it’s own.
P.S. That gelato…..yummy!
Brittnee
Your salad looks amazing!! But I don’t like bleu cheese… my favorite chain restaurant is Chick-fil-a and your post the other day made me crave their lemonade!!! :) I live about 1.5-2 hours away from one though. Sad.
I’m one of those people that are literally addicted to Carmex. I consulted google, and it’s a very real thing. I can’t go anywhere without having Carmex with me!
Meghan @GetOffYourButtAndRun
You’re a runner regardless of speed (and if someone wants to say you’re “jogging”).
I love blue cheese on my salad, hence cobb salads are my go to.
Chiptole is my favorite chain restaurant.
Barbara
love blu cheese but feta is my favorite for salads.
I am a runner! there, that felt great. :)
I am going to have to try red Robin again, I haven’t been in YEARS because I don’t do burgers and that is (was) mostly what they did. But that salad looks amaze.
I went through a divorce 12 years ago, at the time and for some time after I was afraid, we had been married 19 years and my girls (2) were in junior high. So that was tough and I was scared for a long time. But every day was better then the one before. And now 12 years later my life is more amazing than I EVER would even have dared to dream. I never lost faith that I would rise above and exceeded my wildest dreams. Have the faith and keep looking AHEAD. Great things are awaiting in this life.
MK
You are a runner if some days you don’t want to run! You don’t always have to feel ready to hop out of bed and bang out some miles. Some days, a few extra minutes relaxing trumps sweaty sidewalk sessions. While I’m a full believer that running has feelings (hehe), it will understand if you’re not excited to visit it that day!
Cottage cheese all the way, sister.
Ooohh, my fave chains fluctuate – Subway, Panera, Au Bon Pain, Pret a Manger…
Gotta say off brand CVS chap stick is my go-to!
Rachel Runs Music City
You are a runner even if you run slower than walkers. (That’s me! )
Rebecca@RunningFoodBaby
You are still a runner even if you run 10/1’s, wear cotton t-shirts and even if you never want to do a marathon in your life.
I love the Works Burgers chain here in Canada. They only exist in Ontario (I think…) but their burgers are amazing! They have so many options, I think up to 40 combos of burgers.
Goat cheese is my fave salad cheese!
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
Favorite chain? Probably The Cheesecake Factory :)….Favorite lipstick/lipgloss? Anything Dior but most especially Dior Lip Glow – chapstick with a hint of color.
Maddie @ Dixie Runs
Aw, such a cute date night for you and Brooke! I’m a fan of bleu cheese, goat cheese, feta cheese, any kind of cheese really :)
You are a runner if… you don’t race. I do race, but a lot of people think they can’t be runners because they are afraid of racing.
My favorite chain is 100% Chick-fil-a. I never ever ever get sick of it.
Favorite chapstick is EOS… the sphere shape means it never gets lost in my gigantic purse! I’m not a big lip gloss person because my hair always sticks to it and it drives me crazy, but eos gives just the right amount of shine!
Denise @ anacademicathlete
My favorite chain is definitely Chipotle–I could eat it every single day and never get tired of it! So delicious. :)
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog
I totally agree with all your “you’re a runner if…” points! It’s funny how I catch myself saying those same things, but I’m quick to reassure others they are still runners! I’m harder on me than anyone else, and this list was a great reminder to run for the enjoyment of it! Whether it’s half a mile or fifty miles, I feel like the love of running is really what unites us all!
Red Robin is AMAZING. Love those bottomless fries! They also have a BLT turkey croissant with avocado that is to die for!
Therese
I think people that read your blog may not feel like runners because it’s hard for regular runners to run as much or as fast as you do. Even your tag line about passing people makes us feel inferior. So that’s why your comments probably sound like that. Like people do not consider themselves runners
Johanna B
I love bleu cheese. But then, I love cheese in general.
A friend and I are going to Red Robin next week. I hope ours has that salad because now I am craving it.
Melissa
Going to Red Robin and not ordering one of their burgers is a travesty. They are SO good! So is their campfire sauce with fries!
Suzy
Did you know that up in Canada, Red Robin’s gooey cheese sticks are WAY BETTER than the ones down there? The texture is amazing, and the cheese is soft and sloppy, not rubbery. Andrew did his first marathon in the US and he was dying for cheese sticks and a beer and when we tried them, we were so sad. Usually the States has way better food! But this is the only exception (except for ketchup chips…yeahhhh!!!).
Sarah P
I am weird and do not like any cheese on my salad unless it is a caesar salad! I cannot narrow down to just one favorite chain restaurant – but I do enjoy In N Out. My favorite lip balm while I am sleeping is carmex, during the day I like any flavor of EOS balms, favorite lipstick is either Revlon “Honey” or Chanel “Boy”, and my favorite lip gloss is either Buxom “Sarah” (for obvious reasons) or Buxom “Debbie”
Kate
I love a pile of mozzarella on top of a good chicken salad. A chicken salad with fries IN the salad. That’s very popular where I’m from. So good!
My favorite chain is probably Chickfila. It is the only fast food I still eat. I just can’t resist it.
Rosebud salve is the best chap stick in my opinion. I wish I could I find a lip gloss that I love. I’ve tried so many but can’t find one that stays well but isn’t too sticky. My mission… :)
Melissa
I love “you’re a runner if..” I really appreciate it, because I don’t look like a runner, but I am!!! :)
-I like feta cheese on salads
-I love jimmy johns unwhich! yummy!
-burts bees chapstick on my lips at all times :)
Have a fabulous Wednesday!
Meghan Weller
You are still a runner IF you don’t enjoy or even look forward to every run! Some runs suck while you are out there. But runners keep on pushing!
Laura
You are a runner even if you don’t have a “runner’s body”.
I hate blue cheese! My favorite on a salad would be goat cheese, yum!
Favorite chain restaurant–probably Chili’s cause I love their chips and salsa.
Jamie
Favorite chain restaurant is Cheesecake Factory! Definitely a guilty pleasure is their seven layer red velvet cake!
You’re still a runner if you have to cut a run short! So important not to feel guilty if a certain training run or race just isn’t going your way/not feeling well!
Angie @ Pace With Grace
Love this post! I hear the “(so-and so) doesn’t look like a runner” or “I don’t look like a runner” comments from clients often. I ask them, “what does a runner look like?”. Hearing their responses is very interesting and is an opportunity to challenge their beliefs that runners “look” a certain way. Runners come in ALL shapes and sizes, we need to embrace who we are and what our bodies can when we take care of it! – Okay, end rant :-)
I love blue cheese! And I get that salad at Red Robin every time! Next time you should try their poppy seed dressing with it- SO GOOD!
Favorite chain restaurant- Chipotle
Favorite lip gloss currently- Soap ‘n Glory, Sexy Mother Pucker
Have a great day!
Deb
I ran my first half marathon Sunday and definitely felt very intimidated and “unrunner” like since I’m so slow and didn’t finish when I had hoped. But wow, did I feel like a runner when I crossed that finish line and my kids were there cheering me on and that medal got placed around my neck ;)
Maria
You’re a runner even if you stop for walk breaks. Thanks for pointing out the pregnancy/just had a baby point. I’m currently 3 months pregnant and the most my body will allow me to run is 3 miles at a much slower pace than what I normally do. Even when I try to push myself just a little bit faster, my legs won’t move any quicker.
Goat cheese. Always my favorite salad cheese!
Aubrey
You are a runner even if you’re just getting started? I spent the first 22 years of my life not enjoying running (I hated the mile in gym class). But the past couple of years I have tried running on and off and this year it has stuck with me. I have a few smaller races lined up for the rest of the year and hopefully 1/2 marathon sometime next spring!
I sometimes feel like less of a runner though because I started so late in life and have really just started getting serious about it..
Morgan @ Managing Mommyhood
aww I love this. Running was the first ‘exercise’ I attempted after losing weight and I fell in love until I screwed my knee up, got a dog, got married, had a baby… now I’m trying to fix it and slowly get back into running and it feels SO good!
Natalie
I love your encouragement to everyone! I know far too many people who think other people are not runners just because they aren’t as fast. It’s so not true.
I am not a bleu cheese girl. I like feta, but something about bleu cheese grosses me out.
My favorite chain restaurant used to be Chili’s, but now I don’t know. I’ve found I like more locally owned burger places in Dallas.
My go-to chapstick is Nivea. It always leaves my lips feeling so smooth and refreshed!
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures
Great list! I know people that think a lot of those different things and it’s not true. Especially those that train for slow marathons – they are still doing the miles!!
Red Robin? Yummmm! I make sure I always get my birthday burger there every year.
Sarah
The Avo-Cobb-o Salad is my FAV thing at Red Robin! I could eat it every single day—minus the black olives. :)
Sarah
http://www.thinfluenced.com
Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes
I love this! Thanks for sharing! I do feel like sometimes I’m not a runner because I’m injured and not currently running but I can’t wait to get back out there so that’s gotta mean something right?!?
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
I so needed to hear the you are still a runner stuff today. I had two injuries last year and just now feeling recovered from them. This week my good ankle started hurting. Same pain I had in my injured one. I’m ready to give up on everything. I don’t know why my body is doing this but I know this. I feel incomplete without running.
Lesley
I’ve been injured for a while and I’m just chomping at the bit to get back out there. Running has always been my go-to stress release and doing races is fun for me. I’m one of those that goes out and just does it because it’s fun for me now. Wasn’t always like that.
Raechel
Favorite cheese: goat
Favorite chain: the Halal Falafel carts in New York City
Favorite lip gloss: L’Occitane en Provence
You are a runner even if you are rolling, with an angel pushing your chair. (Nod to Team Hoyt, myTeamTriumph and Ainsley’s Angels, with whom I’ve had the honor of running, and pushing.)
Kayse Hinrichsen
Mmm goat cheese! What a nice date you two had!
We are all runners no matter what. I have a quote to that extent on my fridge, just because I’m a slow runner I’m still a runner!
Cassie
Do you mind sharing your fave color/flavor of that gloss?
I always get “melonrageous” and need to branch out!! Thanks!
The Hungry Runner Girl
HAHAHA totally!! I love Cherry Bomb the very best from Victoria Secrets!
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job
I used to love lip gloss but I could never find one that wasn’t really sticky. I had that problem w those VS ones unless they have changed the formula.
I agree on all your points about being a runner. It’s sad when people compare out instead of realizing that to be a runner all you have to do is run!
Jessica @ VEGGIE RUNNING MOMMA
I love love this.! because for most runners..it’s ever changing and you will be one of those runners at some point.! Doesn’t make you less of a runner though. I took a huge 2 year break from running while I was pregnant and had my daughter..but now I’m back at it.! Everyone who runs is a runner :)
Favorite chain restaurant is definitely Olive garden. yum yum for bread and salad.
Kimberly @ Run with the Roushes
I love feta cheese on my salads – especially in the summer when I throw in some berries. The combination is magical!
I use Baby Lips chapstick and I am I totally addicted. I don’t wear a lot of lip gloss, but I do have one from Sephora that I love.
Your points on being a runner are spot on. I coached cross country for a few years and had many conversations with new freshman runners that contained these points!
Kristen
Such good timing on the “You are a runner even if” post- I was having a little chat with myself about it last night. “You are a runner even if you’ve taken so much time off that you download the couch to 5k app to start over”. Which is what I did, last night.
My 2 favorite lip balms are Candy Cane Chapstick (which I stock up on just after Christmas) and Burt’s Bees Caramel Lip Shimmer.
Monica
Amen! Six half marathons and I have literally started from scratch after every single one.
Amanda B @ Cupcakes and Miles
Whoo! Fancy date night! Looks awesome! :)
I am a HUGE blue cheese fan…and feta…and goat. Yum!
My favorite chain restaurant? I have too many favorites to pick just one. I like Firehouse, PDQ, Acropolis, Taco Bell, Dominos… really, I just like food. ;)
Sara
Thank you for writing, “You ARE a runner if”. I have read your blog for about a year now and I envy your running schedule, times and distance. I wish I could run like you and maybe one day I will. It’s good to have goals! I have never felt like I was a runner but reading your list, I AM A RUNNER and I will be proud to say it from now on. I wont let guilt set in because I am taking it easy this summer and not pushing myself because I am 5 month pregnant and I deserve that break.
And I am addicted to Chapsticks too. I have at least one or two with me at all times. My favorite has to be Burt’s Bees!
Kim
I can’t really add to the “even if” list, but I can tell you that I have run for 5 or 6 years and when people called me a “runner” I always corrected them and said, “well I run, not sure I’m really a runner” until yesterday when I went to the Dr. for a sprained ankle and he told me I can’t run till I have surgery… I cried. Cried in the Dr.s office and he made some comment about runners being so upset when they can’t run and then I smiled (just a little) because I realized I am a runner. I mean seriously, if you cry when you can’t run you must be a runner -no matter how slow you are.
Anyway, I love the blog and the fact that you are so fast and yet really just seem to help people of all skills, shapes, and abilities love running!
Jessica @ Laces and Lattes
My favourite chain restaurant is anything Mexican!
And I love your positivity – you are incredible.
Lisa
Thanks so much for posting this! I have a bad case of plantar fasciitis since September that I cannot seem to cure. It is very frustrating and I have not felt like myself without running in my life. Hopefully I can get a handle on it. I have gone to a podiatrist, rested, iced it, used shoe inserts and nothing is working! This was a good pep talk post for me!
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh Lisa. This breaks my heart. I am seriously so sorry. Have you tried sleeping with the boots on that keep your feet at a 45 degree angle? That is what helped mine out big time!
april
LOVE this list! i’m not running much lately because of some health issues, so sometimes i question whether i’m still a runner… this list was just what i needed to read. thanks, janae! <3
April
I left the doctor about an hour ago for my stress fracture and he gave me the green light to start back up slowly and I joked ‘well, I’m not a runner runner, but I do run…’
and he just like you said ‘then you are a runner, don’t discount yourself.’ So thank you!
tess
Nice list Miss Janae. I definitely agree.
Favorite chain…hmm. Qdoba. Gluten free :) (Chipotle would be a close second..sorry)
And I love the softlips chapstick. I have like 10 of them all the time. In ever pocket, every drawer, on every floor, at work in the car everywhere.
Julie
Huge bleu cheese fan! And feta, and goat…
Also! I put cottage cheese on my salad for the first time today. Amazing! Thank you!
Elle
Great list! You don’t have to be fast or high tech to be a runner, which is what I love about it…. anyone can be a runner!
Feta is my favorite salad cheese.
Carolyn
The first time I went in the local running store to get fitted for shoes, the saleslady asked if I was a runner or walker. I told her I was more of a jogger. She looked at me and said, “You’re a runner.” I loved that.
Monika
FETA CHEESE on salad is the best. Favorite chain is Chipotle (duh). My peppermint Chapstick is my go-to, and I have many many different kinds of lip glosses. Some times I feel like I’m not as much of a runner because my pace is slow – don’t know if I’ll ever get over that unless I get faster!
Jenee
I really like reading all these! Here are mine:
*You are a runner if you don’t BQ, and don’t have any interest in doing so.
*You are a runner even if you don’t come from a track or cross country background. Sometimes I feel ‘less than’ because I don’t have that. I started running at age 23.
*You are a runner if you don’t tally up weekly/monthly miles. I was part of a running club for a while, and for my personality, the pressure was too great to hit a certain number every day/week/month. I literally cried over it a couple of times, which is no bueno. So I stopped doing that, but I still run.
No cheese on salads, ever. I’m kinda “Mommy Dearest” about it.
Favorite chain restaurant if we’re not counting fast food is probably McAlister’s Deli. Loaded baked potatoes and so many different toppings AND sweet tea?
Perfect.
My chapstick is the Fresh Market brand, spf 15, Acai Berry flavor. It’s delicious but I like most that it is super soft, not ‘hard’ when it goes on, if that makes sense. :)
Amanda@runningyourbody
Very sweet post janae, so true, it’s important that people give themselves credit!!
My favorite lip products are 1) good old fashioned Chapstick original, and 2) Mac lipstick in a neutral- pinky tone. Though if you open up my purse you will find probably 7 different lip products in there- I think I’m an addict!
Rachel @ Simply Rachel Nicole
Yes! I love all of these you are a runner comments!!! I love Olive Garden :) yum!
Alicia
Thank you for your post! I loved the you are a runner if….. As someone who just started running about two months ago, I certainly haven’t felt like a runner up until now. However, this makes me realize that even though I may be slow and can only do a couple of miles I am! I hope to make more progress soon, but even if I don’t I can still consider myself a runner. It’s a great inspiration :)
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom
I still consider myself a runner even though I have been so lazy this past year (post-injury). It’s just nice not to feel the pressure I put on myself of always running and being in the best shape possible. One day, I’ll get back into that. But that day is not today :)
Kelly
How do you keep your lip gloss from getting all in your hair every time the wind blows? This is why I rarely wear lip gloss. I want to. But its always getting all in my hair and it drives me nuts!!
Honor Hill
You’re a runner even if, like me, you walk some in a marathon (or any race for that matter!)
Dean
I really liked this post.
Monica
I love this post! Thank you for lifting ALL of us runners up today!
Stacey
Love this post! It always makes me feel sad and awkward when someone tells me they’re not “a real runner” b/c they’ve never run a marathon… or Boston… or a race, etc. I’d add that you’re a runner even if you “walk/run.”
I LOVE feta and goat cheese, and used to work at The Outback Steakhouse, so I guess that’s my fave chain. As far as lip stuff –Carmex all the way. I don’t know how you run with that gloss on your lips (my hair and bugs would be all over that!) but hey, if it works, it works. Plus, it looks fab on you!
Cathy
Thank you for this post, it really hit home for me. I am a newer runner and struggling to hit my stride. I hear more experienced runners say that they find running therapeutic or relaxing (but still hard, of course) and I haven’t found that groove yet. My trainer calls me a strong turtle because I am pretty slow – but eventually I will get where I want to go!
Cheese on salads – definitely.
Favorite chain – Chipotle and Portillo’s (local in Chicago area)
Favorite lip stuff – I can’t seem to find the right one and am always trying new ones, so this list is great. I do like the Fresh lip balms and Rosebud Salve.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
What a fun night with Brooke! And I agree, if you put two feet in front of the other and move, you’re a runner!
Kate Wicker
Thank you for this. I feel silly, but it made me cry so maybe you should add “you’re a runner if a post about what makes you a runner makes you cry even if you’re not able to run like you once did.” ;-)
Jenn@Mark My Miles!
You are a runner if even if you stop to walk at times throughout your run. Listening to your body is SMART!
Sarah
I love the “you are a runner, even if” posts so much, thank you! Especially, “even if you don’t look like one.”
This made me think of a recent discussion I had with some running friends about certain races that have an Athena/Clyesdale category for women and men a certain weight or higher. My initial (and continuing) reaction is to be offended by it, since many really fast runners don’t necessarily “look” fast, and vice versa. But maybe I’m not seeing it the right way. There are age categories, and awards for men and women obviously, so am I right to be upset about the weight category or is it just another way to reward more people during a race? Just wondering what others think about it.
Briana
I love this. It took my awhile to get to realize that, “I run; therefore, I am a runner,” regardless of all the caveats.
Runwright
You’re a runner even if no one else thinks you run enough. If you run, you’re a runner!
I love that your serious conversation with your mom happens over frozen goodness.
I love cheese on everything and blue cheese on salads is the best! Your salad is making me hungry!
Kay
I love the list, so inspiring!! I am definitely one of those that wouldn’t consider myself a runner to anyone, but now I realize I still am!