So you want to be a runner...

Saturdays have become the long run day while training for the Roots N Blue's half marathon.  It's going good so far...but it has reminded me of a few things nobody tells you about when you get addicted to this running thing.  So I thought I'd share what I've learned over the time I've developed this addiction.  

• Anyone can be a runner.  If you think you are too busy, too slow, too overweight, too anything...you can still be a runner.  Ask anyone who runs and they will tell you "If I can do it so can you.  I never thought I'd be a runner."  (Unless they've been doing it since high school track or something then they don't count, don't ask them) 
• Say goodbye to pretty feet.  Don't waste money on pedicures.  But the trade off is pretty legs.  Worth it.  (If someone else is that worried about your feet I'd be a tad uncomfortable anyways)
• Speaking of feet, investing in good shoes is worth every penny.  If you'll be running a lot you'll want a few pairs.  When you wear out a pair don't throw them away.  Keep them handy for mud runs.  The last thing you want is to get a new pair of running shoes all dirty.  (also, don't buy all white ones even though they sure are pretty)
• You can get about 500 miles out of a pair of shoes and if you don't keep track of the miles, it won't be long before the shoes will tell you the relationship is over.  Listen to them.  Let them go.  If you wanted a more permanent commitment just go buy the same shoes again.  I've done it.  Same exact ones.  Because I have a type.  
• You may make new friends!  The running community is huge and awesome!  I was driving home from my trail run this morning and recognized three people running around town and smiled thinking just how awesome the running community is.  
• You may start to annoy some of your current friends because all you want to talk about is running.  How much time did you shave off this week, what's your PR, what's your goals, when is the next race, what kind of foods do you eat before a run, how long before a run do you eat?  It's fascinating to listen to what works for everyone else.  
• You'll spend more money on workout clothing as you discover what is most comfortable to wear.  Those funny running shorts with the built in underwear that I said I would never wear?  Can't run in anything but those in the summer now.  When it's hot it's hot and I don't care what I look like.  
• Something about the habit will become addicting, in addition to the habit of running itself.  Whether it is signing up for the next race, going to a Wednesday night running group, chasing that next PR, or just increasing overall mileage...there will be something that keeps you going. 
• You don't have to run fast to be a runner.  Anything counts.  Especially running/walking intervals.  That's how most everyone gets started and even people running for years take walk breaks.   Somedays walk breaks are the only things that get me through.  They are a necessity during training and sometimes you'll then find not so much a necessity during a race.  Either way, walking can help you run.  
• Weather becomes defined by whether or not it is good running conditions.  Walking by my neighbors last night who are runners the convo went like so:  
• Neighbors "Hey there!  How are you?" 
• Me:  "Hey!  Good, enjoying these great running temperatures!"  
• Neighbors "Oh I know that's right!"  

• Somedays the training all comes together and you have a great run.  Other days, you may say to yourself "This sucks today."  (I did today during my last mile)  You just wonder why it doesn't always feel easy.  Then you get done and just know you'll be doing it again.  But first, we foam roll.