Goood morning! This old lady went to bed at 9:00pm last night – it was great! I literally could not keep my eyes open and my legs and abs were so sore from morning sprints. I don’t know about you, but I have this little devil inside of me that’s secretly happy when I’m sore. It means I’ve challenged my body in new ways…yes! I have a new interval workout from a reader to try tonight. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Today, I kicked things off with a Fruit & Yogurt Bowl. 
In the mix:
- 1 Blueberry Chobani Greek Yogurt
- 1 chopped mango
- Raspberries
I am convinced that Greek yogurt is some kind of miracle food. It keeps me full for hours upon hours!
Mangoes were only $.88 at the store this weekend so I stocked up. I think they are perhaps my favorite fruit…stone fruits are considered fruits aren’t they? Mangoes are stone fruits right?! Hmmm, I’ll have to research that one. 
Lunch is some of my glorious Baked Potato Crock Pot Soup and a Raspberry Vanilla Yogurt.
The corn is key in this soup. They’re the sweet bursts among the salty bacon. Mmmm…
I know, two yogurts in one day – I can’t help myself!
I don’t drink a lot of straight up milk, so this is a good way for me to get my calcium in. Strong bones are a girl’s best friend.
Sooooo, I’ve pondering the idea of running another 1/2 marathon at some point this Spring. The thought kind of freaks me out (not sure why, as the first one went well,) but I want to put all the miles I log on the treadmill and trail to good use (besides my overall health and well being!)
When I was thinking about it, I said to myself – “You’ve got to get back in the game sooner or later – you’re not really a runner unless you race…”
Then I stopped myself and decided I don’t think that’s true at all! Running day in and day out is not all thrown out the window, just because you don’t participate in races, right?
What do you think? What makes a runner, a runner? Do you have to participate in races to be considered a runner?
Related posts:
You do NOT need to race to be a runner. I feel like a bad side effect of blog-world is that many people feel like they have to do certain things to fit a certain health stereotype. I know many people who are runners and run for the sheer joy of being out there with time for themselves and their thoughts each day. Racing is an afterthought, if they ever even consider it. I mean, my dad has been running his entire life and he has never ran a single race. And really, why should he pay money to run a race when he (and anyone, myself included!) can go outside and run the same thing wherever we want, whenever we want and not have to pay a race fee!
Sorry for such a long comment – obviously something I’ve thought a lot about. Bottom line – if racing is something you want to do for yourself only, then do it.
I sure hope you don’t have to race to be a runner because I really have a lot more fun when I am not racing or training to race, but just running for the pure joy of feeling my body move
You do not have to race to be a runner! That being said, I think you should run the San Diego 1/2 this summer! I’ll be out there coaching for Team in Training and it’s the first year the half marathon is open to the public – Rock n Roll San Diego is hands down my favorite race to run, coach and spectate!!!!
I love being sore! It shows me that I worked hard the day before.
To answer your question: No way does one have to race to be a runner! I am an avid runner, and I’ve run more races than I can count. But I have to admit, racing is probably my least favorite part about running. The best part about running is logging the miles at a relaxed pace and enjoying the music on my ipod. When I race I put too much pressure on myself, and I almost always end up running slower than I would have on a regular run.
i dont think you have to race to be a runner. you know how many people out there run each and every day and not have participated in a race. running is such a fun, challenging and exciting sport, that whether u race or not is just personal preference.
A runner is someone who consistently goes for runs no matter what the distance. Whether or not they participate in a race means nothing.
I’m making that soup tonight by the way
I don’t think you have to participate in races to be considered a “runner”. Some people just aren’t into the competition but love to run!
No, you absolutely do not have to race to be a runner. Racing is just a fun side effect of running.
Mangos are my favorite fruit too!!! LOVE them!
If you run, wouldnt that mean you’re a runner! I dont think participating in races has to be part of the definition. I dont do races (basically because my schedule is always SO all over the place which makes it impossible to train) but I still consider myself a runner
Happy tuesday!
I think you should do Dam to Dam!! It’s just a little under a 1/2 marathon and I will be training for it this year. I don’t think you have ro race to be a runner, but it certainly helps me get out there when I have a specific goal to work/ train for.
If you run then you’re a runner! I’ve done three 1/2 marathons and they’re just so fun. I ran the Park to Park 1/2 in Waterloo in September–you should do it! It’s a great race–about 700 people, on the George Wyeth trail and a pretty flat course. If you do it you have to let me know! I’m not in your age bracket but I’ll cheer you on from the back of the pack.
All you need to do to be a runner is RUN and ENJOY running.
I am NOT a runner, because I HATE running. I really wish I could get into it more…I have been trying for, ohhh, about 4 years now. Oh well
I enjoy getting my cardio in other forms all the same!
I will have to try making that soup! I have a way to thicken cream soups that you may or may not know about, and it works beautifully! I use a package/envelope of Country Gravy Mix (preferably not the sausage flavored). I use my 2 cup measuring cup to scoop out some broth/liquid when the soup is done or almost done. Whisk the gravy mix into that liquid & pour back into the soup. One package is enough for a large or very large pot full, half it for smaller portions. You can always add more if it’s not thick enough, and it will thicken more as it cools. If it’s too thick add a little more milk. Normally I don’t smash the taters in my cheesy tater soup (and I put fresh carrot coins in too!) so this is a great way to not only thicken, but make it velvety! YUM!!! No one will ever guess what they are eating! Ha!
Does your yogurt/yoghurt have Vitamin D in it? i can not remember if the Chobani does, I should go look in my fridge to see. I bring this up because you need Vitamin D for the calcium to be absorbed. Just wanted to mention this, because not all dairy products are fortified with Vitamin D.
I love racing because of the high from completing it but I don’t think you have to race to be a runner. Some people just enjoy running and racing doesn’t thrill them. They should still have the distinguished title if they put the time and effort into training to be a better runner.
I run like once a month (and in fact can barley even run now because I’m so out of shape) but I still consider myself a runner because I love it so much! I think if running fills you with joy you are a runner – even if you are a bulgy, huffing runner!
I’m running my first half marathon in May. You should run in this race too. Not a super exciting city to run in or anything, but it’s close to DM… so lots of fans could come cheer you on
Here’s the info: http://www.councilbluffshalfmarathon.com/
Nope, I dont think you have to race to be a runner. I know a ton of runners that hate racing! I personally love the high from racing plus I am a newer runner so I love beating my PRs.
I think if you’re logging the miles, you’re a runner! I enjoy races, though, because training for them keeps me motivated and I think they’re just plain fun!
I did two half marathons last year in April & Sept, and have two planned for this spring – Go! St Louis in April and the Indy Mini in May.
I’ve been consistently running for 2 and a half years. I run about 5 days a week for about 4-6 miles. I’ve run in 2 races total. Anyone who tells me i’m not a “real runner” can come on a run with me.
I don’t think racing MAKES you a runner, but I think it makes you a more experienced runner. Gives you more background, more knowledge of your personal threshold. But I’m all about 1/2 marathons. I think they are the perfect distance! Enough of a challenge but not as crazy intense as a full marathon.
The mango is BEAUTIFUL in these pics!
New SAHALE SNACKS giveaway, music, food + fitness – http://katiechangesforkatie.blogspot.com/
Happy TUESDAY!
Katie
I really don’t think that statement is of any value – that would mean that I’m not a writer because I’m not published. When in fact….
Anyway, yogurt is super yummy, I’m a huge fan.
I’ve given you an award on my blog!
http://www.fabbrunette.com/2009/12/its-like-christmas-came-early.html
Someone told me that if even if you run once, you’re a runner. I would love to train for a half marathon but I feel like I’m just not a runner. Part of me just wants to prove that theory wrong.
I think if you get out there and try to run, why shouldn’t you be called a runner. It doesn’t take a marathon to show you that you are.
Your breakfast looked great by the way!
I love mango! I wish we could get them cheap here.
Running makes you a runner – no entry form needed.
Hey could you enlighten me on how you are able to get up at 5am to workout? I wish I could do that. If I would only go to bed sooner maybe I would get up earlier but it’s so hard. After my daughter goes to bed I like to spend some time with my husband and then out of nowhere it’s 11pm. I hit the sack and then it’s like pulling my hair out to try and get up at 8am when my daughter does. You have any tips on how to make this easier on me
Also, I want to go to the gym so bad, and I have a membership, but I would have to go after dinner so my husband could watch our daughter and well that sort of scares me to go by myself. Sadly there is no one that could go with me. 
Any ideas there? You are so great at responding quickly. I appreciate that and LOVE reading your blog daily! 
Thanks for keeping up with this and offering your most needed advice!
Julie
I think as long as you run, you are a runner. Races are just another aspect of being a runner. That being said, I LOVE races! I love the motivation I get to train and then the awesome sense of accomplishment for finishing!! I think you should definitely do another half! That’s a great distance (my fav)!!