I want to start off by saying I do not consider myself an experienced runner by any means. I guess you can say I am a “runner” by default. It was never really my intention to become a “runner.” I didn’t have some extravagant plan to one day run a full marathon. Sure I had it on my bucket list, but it seemed more like an unattainable goal that I would look back at and wish I had tried to accomplish. Even after three half marathons I still feel like I am learning and I always get nervous before a race, but I suppose that keeps running interesting. Actually, in a way, I think we’re all beginning runners.
So many people consider themselves beginning runners because they can only run a mile or two. I can run 13.1 miles and I still feel like I am struggling at times to catch up to the rest of the running world, but, I don’t know, I’m fine with that. I always think to myself, “At least I am doing it.” I can’t help but smile sometimes when I am out training for this beast of a marathon. There are days when the sun is beating down and my legs are struggling to move, but I am ecstatic to be out there chasing down my goal of running a full marathon. In fact, I like that I consider myself a beginning runner because it means I can always get better and faster. It allows me to not set limitations and always carry around the belief that anything is possible.
I want beginning runners to know that you should be proud of the fact that you are out there running. Some people never have the desire that you have to attempt something that is admittedly difficult, but extremely satisfying. It took me years to actually bring myself to run outside and get comfortable with the idea that I am capable of accomplishing anything. But, it happened and it will for you too. Don’t get so wrapped up in the title of “beginning runner” because we are all beginning runners. Just do your best to consider yourself a “runner” and that’s it. Keep running because you can. Remember what I always say, “Always start to finish…Never finish with regret.”
By Raul Alanis
Always running for Brenda www.joinmda.org/runforals/raulrach
Running On Empty 
It took me a long time to consider myself a runner. I always made excuses like “I run, but I’m really slow.” Or, “I jog”. But now I am proud to call myself a runner. And I agree, I think everyone is always a beginner to some extreme. Some of us more than others.
It’s funny how we always say “I run, but I’m slow.” We forget that we should be happy we are even running.
Your post is very encouraging for “runners” like me. I have so much to learn about running…. but I like your idea that even if we only run a couple of miles we can still consider ourselves “runners”.
You are a runner…Every person that has run a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon and more…They all started with 1 mile or less. We are all runners 🙂
I agree with you about being proud (just wrote my own post about it a few days ago when I ran my first mile without stopping). I like the way you say that a runner is someone who is “attempt[ing] something that is admittedly difficult, but extremely satisfying.” It’s true. I always avoided things in the past that were too difficult. But not anymore; I am a runner – and I’m proud of it!!!
Amen!
I never use the word “jogging.” Despite it being an unpleasant word to look at, I think it belittles the runner.
This is a really great post-thanks.
I also fall victim to the “I’m not a runner” or “I’m slow” thing…You have a great point in writing the above, and I wonder how much using these negative phrases psychs us out. Would I be at least a little bit better/faster if I didn’t say all of the time how I’m not good or fast?
I do think negativity psychs us out. That’s why it’s important to never doubt yourself or your abilities. If you get it in your mind that you are not fast then you will train like you are not fast. When you set limitations it’s hard to exceed your goals. Begin to think of yourself as “real runner” who is getting faster with every run. Do not fear what you know you can accomplish.