Running VS. Jogging

By most standards, I am a jogger. I "jog" over a ten minute mile for most of my runs and I only "jog" three to four day week. While I have some running gear, I do not have all the best or every piece of running gear. I do not do fartleks or have training sessions. I run races, but have no intention of ever winning them. So from the outside, I jog. 

But this is why I am a runner. I run in torrential downpours. I run on Christmas morning. I run on vacation. I run races two weekends in a row. I run despite the fact that it does not always help me lose weight. I run crazy streaks that are 46 days long and I cry like a big baby when the streak is over. I wake up early on the weekends just to go run. 

But mostly I am a runner because I have to run. I waited thirty-six year to find something that makes me better and stronger, both physically and mentally. Running does that. I hate running at times but I love it all the time, and only a runner gets that. I love what it does for my soul and the thoughts I have when I'm on the road. And I run all those races because I love the fun experiences and challenges I get to face. I also love my growing collection of bibs. 

I started this blog when I started my streak. The purpose of my streak was to prepare for a 10k. I ran that 10k last weekend and while I didn't make my goal (under an hour), I did create a PR for myself. 

Last 10K:

This 10K:

And what I find so great about that time is that was accomplished after recovering from a very persistent ankle injury. 

This weekend I have another race. Not sure if I'll PR or not. Not sure about the weather and how that will affect me (although I ran in a crazy rainstorm today!), but I do know, I am a runner, so while my family is sleeping in, I'll run. I also know I've missed writing about running, so I guess I'll be doing that now and again too.