Becoming a runner

My trainers recommended participation in a small event prior to the big marathon in January. So last Saturday I entered the Race Against Breast Cancer, which ran right through our neighborhood. It was a 5k, which is equal to about 3.4 miles. I needed to walk/run 7 miles on that day, so I decided to do it twice.

Up until this point, I was merely focused on finishing the marathon as a walker, so I registered for the event as a walker. But knowing I would do some jogging, I positioned myself at the start of the race at the front of the walkers. Early on, I picked out a couple of participants as inspiration, to lead me through the event. They didn't know it, but they were major participants in my experience. One was a lady a few years older than me, who did about the same amount of walking and running as I did, but who maintained a considerable lead. The other was a gentleman who was clearly crippled in some way; he maintained an extremely brisk power walk throughout the race. I'd jog ahead of him, and walk until he was way ahead of me, then we'd repeat the process. Eventually, it was a challenge for me just to keep him in my sights. I was determined to catch up. As we neared the finish line, I realized I really didn't want to pass him. His dedication and focus were inspirational, and I only wish I could have found him in the crowd to thank him.

As I started back on the race route for my second turn, I realized I didn't feel like a walker any more. I am a runner. I am in training, and there is some walking in my routine, but I am a runner. As a walker, I usually completed a 3-mile course in about an hour. On Saturday, I finished my second 5k route in 40 minutes. I'm still getting used to it, so I'll say it again. I am a runner. How about that?