That "R" Word.

Over the past year, I've struggled with calling myself a "runner."

Usually, when people refer to me as a "runner", I usually balk and rebuttal  with a "not me."

I know it's not just me because I've had these conversations with running friends and I've read multiple blogs or articles of others asking the same question "what makes you a runner?"

I'm now just two months shy of running consistently for a straight year.
In the past six months, I've ran a 5k, 8k, 10k, & 1/2 marathon.

Yet, even after all that, I still have never referred to myself as a runner.

Maybe its from the constant comparison of myself to other runners....Maybe I'm afraid that if I call myself a runner, people will expect it from me and it becomes something I have to keep up....whatever it is, its hard to spit out that "R" word.

While on vacation, my toe nail polished chipped on the second toe of my right foot.  As I sat there with my feet propped up on the balcony rail, I stared a little too hard at that chipped polished and I noticed a little bruising showing...it made me smile.

I've ran hard and long enough that I can claim that hardcore runner fame of bruised toenails.

Yeah, it may not be pretty to most, but to a runner, ugly toes can be a badge of honor.

I've got runner toes.

I'm a runner.

And thankful for toe nail polish.