I might be a runner

I started running a few years ago, but I've had a hard time categorizing myself as a runner.  Why?

First, I'm not super competitive about it.  I only do a few races a year. 
Second, I'm not fast. I'm currently averaging about 11:30/mile.
Third, I don't "look" like a runner.  Yeah, I have it in my head that runners look a certain way.

But I realized recently that despite all these things, I might just be a runner after all.

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Here are a few things that might push me firmly into runner status:

:: I refuse to spend more than $30 on shoes.  Unless they're running shoes.  I'm currently on my fifth pair of running shoes and none of them have cost less than $100.

Newest are on the far left, oldest are on the far right.

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:: Last weekend, I had to skip a five-mile run. I was really disappointed about that.  In fact, I think I was as sad about missing that run as I was about missing a movie day with friends.

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:: When I have a bad day, nothing clears my head better than pounding out a few miles on the trail.  Or the treadmill if I have to.

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:: I hate paying full price ($10 or more) for a movie, but I have paid no less than $25 for any race registration.

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:: I love talking to other runners about their gear, their rituals, and their accomplishments.  Stay tuned for a fun Q and A series with some of my favorite runners in the next few weeks.

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Last week's workouts

Friday: Awesome 5-mile trail run!!!
Saturday: Off.

Sunday: Off. Had to skip a 5-miler because I was sick. :(

Monday: Off.

Tuesday: 4-mile trail run

Wednesday: 3-mile trail run

Thursday: My legs have been feeling kind of tired, so I found this 20-minute yoga sequence for runners.

I'm supposed to do five miles tonight, and between the humidity and the threat of storms, I guess I'll be hitting the treadmill.  (Yes, I still have a little gym time left.)  Yeah, so the fact that I have a Friday night date with a treadmill might also mean I'm a runner, right?

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