I considered myself a runner again after I quit running last fall and successfully came back to it this year. I had to make the decision that I am a runner and this is what I do and what I will continue to do for as long as I am able. It was an attitude change and a even a bit of a lifestyle change. I don't yet consider myself a good runner, but now I think I'm better than bad. (I think that Better Than Bad may be my new motto)

I think running is more of an attitude than about your speed (though if I don't think I put in a good effort on a particular run, I may put myself down as a ...*gasp*.... jogger).

Last week. Just started running/walking about 4 wks ago. The epiphany came when I actually enjoyed going out to run...didn't feel like I had to force myself to go. Now I look forward to it. I run more than I walk, at a 13-14 mm definitely not out for speed. I also believe in the quote by John Bingham in my sig block below. We were all born runners, but at some point we "forgot" how to do it! lol!

Terranss wrote:

 

I realized I was a runner when I woke up early one morning, got dressed for a run, and called out to the dog for our morning run.  My dog got up off her bed, walked up to me for a pat on the head, then turned around and went back to her bed.  I figured if I liked running more than her, I must be a runner!

Haha. Awesome.

I don't know the EXACT moment I considered myself a runner, but it happened within the last month. Somewhere between starting my run even though it was kinda raining, and the lead biker in a peloton telling his crew to "watch out for the runners" as I slowly chugged my way up a steep hill in the middle of a 6 miler last week. During that same run I decided I was going to train for a marathon next year.

I've been a runner for about 9 months now, just hadn't realized it until recently. And it's a really good feeling.

When I finished my first "real" 5K.  I walked a couple of 5Ks but when it started hurting to walk fast - I was at a 13 minute mile pace!! - I figured it would be better to jog a little so I can finish the distance in the same time and yet not hurt.  At this first "real" 5K it was the first time I ran a mile non-stop in my life.  I did not know about C25K at the time but was doing something similar to it.  Any ways, I completed this first 5K in 31:40, much faster than I ever imagined.  I was so hooked that very same day I signed up for another 5k for the following weekend, and then did another later that month.  I then convinced two friends to sign up with me for a half marathon in the middle of January this year, and the rest is history.  Congrats on enjoying being a runner, may you enjoy it for a very long time.  And congrats also on the weight loss so far, keep it up.  I have lost 45 pounds on weightwatchers myself and have kept it off for a year now.

I finally feel like a runner after finishing a 5k in under 45 min. and with energy to spare. I am on my way.

I considered myself a runner when I stopped relaxing with wine on the night before a big run so that I could beat my previous time.

I will as soon as I can go 1 mile without walking, that should happen in about 2 weeks.  I just started trying August 29.  I get up and hit the road every weekday morning at 5am and my motivation is getting stronger everyday!..