As I recover my health, recover from my injuries and try to get into a decent running form I revisited this mail to get some inspiration...
Want to test if you are a "runner"??? Answer the questions below and see for yourself. The things I have done from below are marked with a 'X', scored 33 out of 57 ;-)
YOU KNOW YOU'RE A RUNNER...
- when you run to your gate at the airport even though you aren't late and you aren't wearing running shoes
X- when you pack a separate bag for your running clothes
X- when your idea of sightseeing involves visiting the local running store and finding the best places for hill repeats and long runs
X- when you get off an 18 hour flight and go for your long run because a) you need to stretch your legs, b) you want to see the city/country, and c) you have a scheduled run
- when you realize that all the traveling you did in the last year revolved around races
X- you avoid travelling to places where you won't be able to run
X- when you get back from vacation and the first thing you tell people about is how the running was
X- when you fly with your running clothes and shoes in your carry-on bag
NUTRITION
YOU KNOW YOU'RE A RUNNER...
- when all your friends think you eat too healthy
- when you not only eat gels, but you know the best flavors for every brand
X- when you consider pasta to be a food group
- when the sports drinks are in front of the soda, beer, and juice in your fridge
X- when you have two eggs, two pieces of toast, a slice of cheese, a glass of juice, and a yogurt for breakfast and are still hungry by 11 AM
X- when pasta is the only food you'll eat two nights before a race
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
YOU KNOW YOU'RE A RUNNER...
X- when you've run, showered, and eaten breakfast before your family/roommates even wake up
X- your family knows that you will run on Thanksgiving and Christmas (or other holidays you celebrate) no matter what
X- your friends no longer look at you like you're nuts, because they know it for sure
- when you forget birthdays and anniversaries, even major holidays, but never the date of your next race
X- when your boss tells you to go run because you're having a bad day at work
- when you plan vacations based on where your next marathon will be
X- when your non-running family and friends know the differences between feet that are neutral, over-pronating, and supinating
X- when you run so much that you have a separate laundry basket for your running clothes
X- when people stop asking you if you are going to run today, but rather ask you when
X- when you tell people you ran a 10k and you are shocked that people think that is a long run
X- when you call 4 miles an easy day
X- when your friends know that if you don't answer your phone, you're probably running
X- when you try to convince people to run a 5k because it's "only" 3 miles
X- when you no longer have to explain to your friends why cotton isn't the best choice for running attire
- when your friends think they need to practice more before they can run with you
X- when you smirk at people who tell you that you run too much or are crazy for enjoying a run
INJURIES
YOU KNOW YOU'RE A RUNNER...
X- when you know how to pronounce (correctly) Plantar Fasciitis
X- when you have a favorite ice pack
- your room smells like a nursing home because of all the analgesic you use
- when you run even though you are sick
- when you put more time and work into taping parts of your body than to your tax return
X- when you laugh about chafing
X- when you go through a box of Band-Aids without getting a single cut
X- when it hurts worse to take a shower than it does to keep running
- when you find yourself standing in front of the mirror trying to see if you have a leg length discrepancy
- when you know the names and remedies for every possible injury from bursitis to shin splints
X- when you could teach a class about biomechanics and the different kinds of shoes people need
- when you are the only person in town who knows what quinine is used for besides treating malaria
- when your physical therapist or massage therapist is on speed dial
- when your rolling pin is kept near your bed instead of in the kitchen
CLOTHES
YOU KNOW YOU'RE A RUNNER...
X- when you refuse to wash your running shoes because the dirt is a badge of honor
- when every T-shirt you own has a race name and sponsors listed on it
X- when your socks come in two categories: running socks and others
- when you go from having a drawer for your running clothes to having an entire bureau for running clothes
- when you have tons of race shirts but can't find a work shirt for the life of you
X- when you balk at the cost of everyday shoes and then spend $75-$100 on a pair of running shoes and think you're getting a fabulous deal
- when you refuse to buy running shorts with a seam longer than 2 inches
- when you think a black Timex Ironman watch goes with black tie dress
- when you are constantly washing running clothes but have to go through piles of clothes on the floor to find work clothes each morning
X- you can shop at REI and your local running store for hours, but can't stand 5 minutes anywhere else
X- when you spend $12 on socks that help you avoid blisters
- when you have more shoes than your girlfriend or girl friends (as the case may be)
- when you have to explain to everyone why you can't run in the T-shirts you get at races
