A Walk in the Woods: Guest Post from Back at Square Zero

Sunday, 19 August 2012

Guest Post from Back at Square Zero

When I started thinking about incorporating some guest posts onto my blog, literally the first person who came to mind was Abby! I've been following Abby's blog for a month or so now and was inspired by her determination with running and adopting a new, healthier lifestyle. I'm sure you'll be inspired by her story too...

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Hi guys, I'm Abby and I normally blog over at BackatSquare0, but am extremely excited to be here with you all today. My blog focuses on my story of learning to live healthy. One of the biggest steps along this journey has been getting active and learning to be consistent with my exercise. I discovered I actually enjoy running (most days) and set a goal - to turn myself from the girl who couldn't even run to her own mailbox into a marathon runner. I'm currently training for my second, the Marine Corp Marathon, this October in DC.

One thing I have noticed happening a lot lately is the discussion on what makes someone a runner. I have reflected on this on many runs and wanted to share with you what makes me feel like a runner and let you see if these apply to you too.

Top 5 Reasons to Feel Like a Runner:

5. You Skip Activities to Run - Friends are shocked when they call and ask you to a movie, brunch, etc. and you say "Sorry, I've got a run." They wonder why you don't just skip it and think you're a bit crazy. However, sticking to your running plans makes you feel good about yourself as a runner.

4. You Have Run in Pouring Ran, Freezing Cold, or Blazing Hot - Miserable isn't it? It you have pushed through any of this you're a runner for sure.

3. You Desperately Want to Stop, but Don't - Every fiber of your body is exhausted, or bored, or just over it, and all you want to do is stop and walk, but you don't you keep running. Now that's a runner!

2. You Set Running Goals - Whether it is your first 5K or marathon, a new race PR, or new running workouts you find that you suddenly have running related goals. Only runners set running goals, looks like you're a runner. (To PR MCM is my next big goal.)

1. You Run! - This is the biggest and most important one. Do you run? Then guess what… You're a runner! It doesn't matter if you run a sub six minute mile or a fifteen minute mile. If you’re an Olympic runner or tackling your very first 5K. I've got great news for you - We are all runners! So rejoice in the fact that you are a runner and do your best to encourage and praise all the other runners you know.

I'd love to hear about your journey. If you ever have any questions, need motivation, or just want someone to brag to about how you stuck to your goals please let me know.

Abby