The Great Divide

The world is divided into runners and non-runners.  And it seems like more and more people are on the running side.   Everyone is doing a 5K, a half-marathon, a triathlon…except me.  I am on the non-running side of the great divide. I have never been a runner and I am pretty sure I never will be.  My disdain for running started back in Jr. High when I would get this crazy itch all over my body as we ran blocks in track.  I still get that itch. I also maintain that some bodies are built to run and some bodies aren’t.  Like I tell my husband, “You are moving limbs, honey; I am moving trunks.”  And then my sister (far left) goes and throws my whole theory off by running the hardest leg of a mountain pass relay (and kicked butt!)

Now don’t misread this post. I am proud of my sister (Go Ang!).  I admire runners.  I respect them.  My best friends from childhood run, my new adult friends run. Shoot, I even married a runner.  But I have wasted the better part of my life disappointed in myself that I don’t run.

Until last week… when I walked into my yoga class and had a self-acceptance moment.  I realized that I can still be a good person and not be a runner.  And just like singing isn’t the only talent, running isn’t the only exercise.  Sure, I’ll never win a beauty pageant talent show with my organizational skills, just like I will never win a race with yoga.  But as my yoga instructor says, “Set your intention for your practice,” I know I am in the right place, doing the right exercise, for my body, at the right time.

I am no longer going to feel bad when someone posts their Nike mileage on Facebook or pictures of their latest 5K.  I am still a good person.  I can cheer for the runners in my life, be excited for them, and encourage them, but I no longer will beat myself up because I cannot do what they do.  I do not have to be a runner to have worth.