The Look!

What exactly does it mean to "look" like a runner. How does one "look" like something anyway? Every few months someone will say something to me or someone I know that makes me ponder this question. Isnt that just stereotyping? By that logic, if someone "looks" like a runner, it follows that someone "looks" like a car thief or a racist, etc etc. I have never once felt complimented when someone has said that to me. As a chubby teenager I have been 30-50-60lbs heavier than I am now, I have been 20lbs lighter than I am now - how has it mattered? The one constant that I have had since I started running almost 10 years ago, is that I am strong and my body simply adapted to the sport. Functional exercise does this to you.

The point is that runners come in all shapes and sizes and skin colors and is the greatest equalizer. Sport is an equalizer actually. I feel very protective when I see young girls damaging themselves to "look" like something or someone else. Instead of just being runners and running and letting our natural body shape follow, and eating to support our training, the numbers on a scale or the lack thereof become the focus. It is so sad.

To be in tune with your body day in and day out, no matter what it looks like, reminds you what an amazing machine it is. This vehicle lets me run hundreds and thousands of miles. This body will let me run up 10 flights of stairs with ease, and chase my kids around when they happen. It is my peace, my bliss and it has the additional benefit of being good for me physically, mentally and emotionally. Stereotyping or fitting into a stereotype serves no purpose other than to diminish. I dont ever ever want to pursue a "look" instead of the actual "being" part. This should be celebrated in ourselves and in others.

Be your bliss. And occassionally when someone makes a stupid comment about "looking" or "not looking" like something, close your eyes, take a deep breath and remember that it is the sweat and tears and miles that make you a runner. A runner looks like me or anyone who laces their shoes and gets out there and simply...runs...no matter what.

Aaaaand my miles - 9miles this morning in 80-ish minutes. SO HOT!! Going for another 3 this pm.