How I know I am a runner

I often have these moments and thoughts that make me realize I am truly a runner and doing, experiencing, thinking things that only a runner would.
  • Driving down a hilly section of the freeway you think of how good a route for hill training this is and briefly contemplate the ability to run it.
  • Your pants fit (or are loose) every where except your muscular thighs that are attempting to bust out the seems.
  • When asked, your 2 year old says mommy runs for a job. Hahaha I wish!
  • You know all of the public restrooms and port-a-potties.
  • I just cleaned out my car to find: 2 headbands, a running jacket, pair of mittens, 2 running hats, fuel belt, multiple wrappers from gels and bars, empty water bottles, race bib, arm warmers and an old pair of running shoes.
  • I own more running shoes then "regular" shoes and am willing to spend the money on these first.
  • I know distances based on having run places
  • Waking up at 4am on a weekend to run is normal and actually enjoyable
  • I eat more then a growing teenage boy especially the day after a 20+ mile run and no longer get strange looks from my coworkers for eating all day.
  • My 2 year old knows how to use a fuel belt, running watch, and calls all her tennis shoes "running shoes", she has been to more races and logged more miles in the BOB then most adults. 
  • Many other aspects of my life are scheduled/based on running. I passed on a wine tasting tonight because I should be running my final long run Saturday and the two don't mix very well!
This is one of those days where I have to write about running since I won't be doing any and haven't since Wednesday. The week started off good with an 8K on Sunday, doubles on Monday-Wednesday to include biking/elliptical in the morning and an easy Tuesday run.

The speedwork on Wednesday was the breaking point for my leg. I ran a 2.5 mile easy w/u 10x 800m Yassos at 6:45-7:00 pace and a 2.5 mile easy c/d. Everything felt fine until afterwards I could barely walk back to my car, yikes! I was once again fine when I got home but the pain returned yesterday while walking at work. I gave in a made an appointment to see my sports medicine doctor this morning and of course woke up pain free. Hoping for some good news today so my weekend plans can include a long run. Head over to Fitness Friday

Comments

  1. Laura BollMarch 23, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    I love your list! Sounds so much like mine... in addition to shoes, I prioritize workout gear over regular clothes. Need to update my "normal" wardrobe eventually. :)
    Ugh- sorry the pain is back... I'm glad you woke up pain free, but would definitely still get it checked out, I hope you get good news, too!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMarch 23, 2012 at 12:55 PM

      Same here, I need more regular clothes, but always buy running stuff first!

      Delete
  2. Shabby Chic MomMarch 23, 2012 at 10:51 AM

    that's great...i'm newer to running, but I am learning the restrooms!! LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMarch 23, 2012 at 12:56 PM

      You will be way too familiar with the restroom locations very soon :-)

      Delete
  3. Rachelle QMarch 23, 2012 at 10:51 AM

    I hope the pain stays away. I too have pants that are baggy everywhere except for my muscular thighs. I love that your daughter says you run for a job:) so cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMarch 23, 2012 at 12:57 PM

      I wish I could get paind to run, wouldn't that make life so much easier?!

      Delete
  4. Kyria @ Travel SpotMarch 23, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    I love this list. I also know where all the drinking fountains in town are. And when I do laundry, my "running stuff" pile is always way bigger than my regular stuff pile.

    Fingers crossed for no pain!! Those Yassos are intense. I usually run mine at around a 7:30 and I am still pretty fatigued afterward. You probably just over did it a tiny bit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMarch 23, 2012 at 12:58 PM

      Same here, the basket of running clothes is twice the size of the one for regular clothes!

      Delete
  5. jillconyersMarch 24, 2012 at 5:18 AM

    Love this and your list is all so true!

    I'm adding speedwork into my training starting next week. I have to make it a priority to reach my half goal of a sub 2:00! Any tips or suggestions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenMarch 24, 2012 at 3:46 PM

      Make the speedwork fun, there is no need for anything elaborate (although track w/o is fun). Make it as simple as picking a point 1/4 mile ahad and pushing the pace until you reach then backing off and repeating throughout a run. Otherwise run at 5K pace for 1-2 miles in the middle of a 4-6 mile run.

      Good luck with the speedwork and the half goal.

      Delete

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