Still a Runner

About a year ago I read a magazine article wherein the author, who had been a runner for years, had sustained an injury that put a halt to her running career. She was devastated and mortified that she was forced to become a "walker". She had always looked upon "walkers" as people who just couldn't cut it as runners. She always felt superior to them as she ran past and now she was being forced into that lowly group of walkers. She went on to say how she has become to enjoy, love and even respect walkers and was proud to be counted in their group.

I read that article and thought, "Wow, what a drag that she had to give up running. I could never do that. That would be a punishment from hell for me." That was then. This is now. A new day a new way. A new me.

No, I haven't given up running. Far from it. I love it. I have been a runner for over 30 years. I spent most of my "20's" competing with my sexy husband as the cheerleader. He was always at the finish line with encouragement, a fresh pair of shoes and a beer (okay, we weren't members of "the church" back then so, yeah, a BEER!!!). Those were and continue to be some of my best memories.

However, things evolve. I am in the midst of developing a passion (or maybe it's just lust) for hiking. It's funny, but I can't get enough of it! I go every chance I get and I even shame my twins into participating with me. Today I went out on a LONG hike and drug my 11 year old daughter, Courtney, out there with me. We went 12 miles and, I tell you, that little girl did it!!! I was so stinking proud of her. She fussed a little along the way but, hey, she's 11 years old!

So, yeah, I do get on my treadmill whenever I can muster up the will power to do it. I hate the treadmill and find a way to talk myself out of it whenever I can. I would rather be in the hills with my dogs pounding my feet in the dirt. So now I make deals with myself. If I choose to sleep in until 5:00 in the morning and for go my 4:30 run, I MUST make it up with a hike or a run somewhere during the day. So far so good.

Will I transform into a hiker/walker? Doubt it. I still have my need for the runner's "high". But a couple days a week exchanging a run for a hefty hike? You bet your sneakers I will! So anyone up for a hike?