Meant to be a Runner

I have been rereading a book my wife bought me for Hanukkah that is about running and writing. It is entitled What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murkami. It is a short book at only 180 pages. But, the author has so captured so many truths about being a runner that I had to read it again immediately after I finished the book. I would highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys running. One of the most interesting points Murkami makes in his book is:

"I think I've been able to run for more than twenty years for a simple reason: It suits me. Or at least because I don't find it all that painful. Human beings naturally continue to do things they like, and don't continue what they don't like...People basically become runners because they are meant to."

I realized after reading this passage that he is absolutely right. I, over the years, have told friends or family that I love running and that anyone can do it. After many years of running, I became somewhat of a zealot trying to convert people to my way of life. I can even remember saying on more than one occasion that anyone could run a marathon if they just put in the training time. What I failed to realize at the time is the critical point that Murkami is making...anyone can run a marathon but they have to want to. The reality is that most "normal" humans don't want to.

Murkami’s point that we become runners because we are meant to be is equally as powerful for me. As most of you who are part of the running community know, we all have many things in common. In fact, I can tell within a few minutes of meeting someone that they are probably a runner. With a few well placed questions, I can get confirmation. This provides an immediate common bond on which we can build a camaraderie. In my line of work as a real estate negotiator, this is a very powerful tool that helps me establish a working relationship with others early in the process.

I am sure you will agree that when runners get together we talk about running with a passion. We love to share stories and experiences. We are more than happy to give new runners advice and guidance to help them train and run better. We enjoy sharing our runs with other runners whether it is a weekend long run or an actual race. It is a very unique community where we are competitors yet we want to help our fellow runners even if it means they may ultimately beat us to the finish line. Isn’t that what makes being a runner so special.

What I find truly fascinating when I speak with other runners is their reasons for running. As you can imagine everyone has different motivations for becoming a runner. I have said in the past that I began running to get into shape after college. Why I have stuck with it for over twenty five years is not because I want to get in shape (although I stay in shape through running) rather it is because I have grown to love it. In fact, I would say that it is a big part of who I am as a person. It allows me to be a part of a larger group but be able to set individual goals to strive towards and ultimately achieve. In a sense, Murkami is absolutely right...I was meant to be a runner. I just needed to take those first steps to becoming a runner.

We each must find that inner strength that enables us to push through the pain while training. If we are truly not meant to be a runner, I suspect that we will not continue running when any adverse conditions arise. If we were to get up in the morning and dread our morning run, we would need to admit that we are not a runner. In that case, we would need to go out and find another passion to pursue. There is no need to go out and punish yourself if running is not enjoyable. I know that I have found the spark of passion that makes running a major source of joy and sense of accomplishment for me on a daily basis. It comes naturally. It cannot be manufactured. I cannot make you into a runner. Only you know if you are truly meant to be a runner. If you are meant to be a runner join us out there on the road and become a part of this broad and all inclusive community.


Feb. 6 – 8.30 miles (1:17:57, 9:24 pace)
Feb. 7 – 6.20 miles (56:56, 9:11 pace)
Feb. 8 – 3.10 miles (25:10, 8:07 pace) – Speed Work
Feb. 10 – 4.50 miles (41:49, 8:03 pace) – Tempo Run
Feb. 11 – 6.10 miles (56:09, 9:11 pace)
Feb. 13 – 6.20 miles (1:01:49, 9:58 pace)
Feb. 14 – 6.20 miles (56:23, 9:06 pace)
Feb. 15 – 3.00 miles (24:18, 8:06 pace) – Speed Work
Feb. 17 – 6.20 miles (49:34, 7:59 pace) – Tempo Run
Feb. 18 – 6.50 miles (59:24, 9:08 pace)
Feb. 19 – 7.10 miles (1:07:23, 9:30 pace)

Total Miles: 63.40 miles
2011 YTD Miles: 195.60 miles