There is No Such Thing as Becoming a Runner
My step dad, who came to our family late in life with a colorful and glorious past as a professional athlete and an accomplished Ironman , has plenty of great tips and advice about running for me. He's in his sixties now and is retired and helps people find and enjoy fitness in their lives. He's a lovely man with a soft spoken demeanor who radiates encouragement. This Spring, I went out for a training run with him along a shady patch of the Sacramento River. He rode alongside on his bike, talking about the mechanics of running and the ups and downs of what an athlete goes through. Along the way he said, "You're becoming a runner." He meant it as an encouraging thing, to give myself time and check my expectations at the door. He meant it to tell me not to be discouraged at the setbacks. And I didn't really respond to it at the time, but it stuck with me because I didn't really agree with him. There is no such thing as becoming a runner. If yo