Running Like a "Normal" Person

Last Thursday I had the privilege of running with my co-worker, Steve, a guy I've known more than ten years but just started working with one year ago. He's a funny guy, a tell-it-like-it-is but in a kind way guy. I like those kind of people since I wear my heart on my sleeve.

We met at work and headed out on one of my favorite paths with a plan of 5 miles. Steve had done a full marathon a few years ago but focuses mostly on strength training now. He is very much a brother-type which makes talking with him all that more enjoyable because you never know what we'll end up discussing! Even more fun he has three young boys so there is always some wisdom to be learned for raising my son! Shortly into our run we began chatting about my asthma (I had already apologized too many times knowing he could have good much faster without me and I would eventually have to walk). A moment or two went by and finally Steve asked, "why don't you see if you can take some type of medicine or something to help you Jen?" It was a sweet comment, but I let him know I've been on inhalers since I was 9 years old and just took mine before our run. And with each passing step our conversation waded off in different directions.

As I was getting ready yesterday (Sunday) I thought about that brief conversation, I sighed to myself "I'll just never run like a normal person". I stood there and looked at myself in the mirror for a moment and thought "my inhaler allows me to run, not fast but certainly far by most people's standards....and by some people's standards I do run fast...kinda. What does "normal" mean anyway?" It wasn't long before my pesky adorable three year old wanted someone to play trains with him so I didn't get much time to ponder my thoughts.

But really?! It's 2014, we know better than to admire pictures of women in magazines (any where really) because they are photo-shopped to heck. Why then do I still feel like such a fraud when it comes to calling myself a runner? Who, other than me-myself-and-I, says I'm not a normal runner? I doubt too many people would say that to my face. I mean I'm out there on the trails as often as I can be, it's certainly my workout of choice. I buy tons of running gear (literally all my fun money goes to running) and subscribe to running magazines, I even wear jewelry with running quotes or "13.1" on them. (hmmm maybe I'm a bit obsessive, note to self look into this...ha!).

What's my point, I did have one.....oh  yes! Comparison can be a tricky and unkind little weasel. It seeks up on you when you aren't paying attention and makes you feel less than you are. Unless you are some psycho-serial-killer you are likely pretty damn awesome. Don't compare or downsize all the incredible things you have done, be proud, stand tall and remember someone is always doing more than you but that doesn't take away from all you have and will do! (and if you are that serial-killer please stop reading my blog!!)

Have a great night,
Jen

P.S. The hubby is home from his epic camping/hiking trip apparently it rained the entire time.....since he was home I escaped for 6.25 miles this morning GLORIOUS!!!