Are You An Athlete?

Someone recently described me as "a marathoner." I corrected them and said, Oh, no, I am not a marathoner. I have only run 3." I realize that is more than most people will run in a lifetime, but I think of marathoners as someone who does them regularly. I think of myself as a middle-distance runner. But, it causes me to ponder...

It took me years to consider myself a runner and even more to think of myself as an athlete (the ultimate title). I still struggle with it sometimes. I tend to use that word, "just." I am just a mom. Just an average 40 something woman. I just run middle distance. That's all true, but apparently I do choose to work a bit harder than many on fitness. A recent conversation at the gym...

I was on my balance board and a woman came over to ask me a question about it. She said she thought I was in great shape. I thanked her and then she warned me that after children I would have a more difficult time staying in shape. I told her I have 2 kids, but, yes, it does get harder. She was a bit surprised and then recovered by telling me that when I am her age everything seems to change and move south. (OK lady, can you not see the wrinkles. My forehead is an advertisement for Botox before pictures.) So, I take the bait and ask her at what age I might expect to see these changes. She told me that she was 37 and once you pass 35 all bets are off! I told her I wasn't willing to give up yet and that I was turning 43. She told me I must have good genes.

She may be right. I may have good genes, but what about the 30 miles I run each week and the 3 days of weights and the careful diet? How about the constant juggling of the schedule to get it all in? What about the things I give up? I ran intervals on the treadmill this week for an hour. I watched how most of the people on the cardio machines were just toodling along. They were watching TV, chatting with a friend, walking while holding on to the rails. I am sure some of these people are doing the best they can and I am happy they are trying. But, for real, most of them were not working hard at all. They are the same ones that complain that they go to the gym 5 days a week and lose nothing. I'm sorry, I think I am ranting.

Back to my musing. If I am not willing to call myself an athlete or a marathoner, how can I expect anyone else to recognize the hard work it takes year round to stay in shape. I don't think you need a race or specific event to prove your status as an athlete. I think you just need the mentality that you will train your body regularly, year round, for life. Understanding, that life will get in the way and there will always be a reason why you can't work out. Athletes find a way to get it done anyway. Sometimes you have to interpret life's challenges as a necessary break (think pregnancy, moving, starting new jobs etc) The difference is that athletes know they will come back having learned to balance or readjust to accommodate this new challenge and still allow for a fit mind and body.

So, here's to you, my friends and fellow athletes!