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I guess I am 'a runner,' after all! Thursday morning, four days after the
2003 Motorola Marathon. Pouring rain, cold, and 6:00 a.m. I am meeting Clyde for
a short three mile run around Town Lake. There are only five others on a trail
that is usually littered with dozens of early morning runners and walkers. In
the darkness, the puddles are difficult to see and navigate around. A heavy
all-night storm left the canal knee-deep with water. So much for keeping my
shoes dry.
Why is this my marathon story, you ask. It is simple. While running this
morning, I had time to reflect. In my lifetime -- the part that includes running
-- others have called me "the runner." I always say, "I guess so." Last week,
someone at my gym asked if I was "that runner," referring to Runner's World
(had the luck of being in there a few months ago in the shoe review). I have
always downplayed my role as a runner, and changed the subject when others ask how
far, or how often I run. I seldom answer the truth when asked "how many
marathons?" My answer is usually "a few."
I suppose my attitude comes because I am a slower runner, a recreational
runner, one who couldn't care less about finish times, but rather same-day
finishing. In the running world, only fast runners are called "good runners." Does
that make a slower runner "bad?" I think not. I ran my slowest-paced run this
weekend, and it was not painful, boring or uncomfortable. It was slow, but easy.
I was tired, but had plenty of energy at the finish line. Those good runners
(the fast ones) would say, "run faster, if you still have energy at the end."
I suppose I could. But, I might miss the details along the route, and the
conversations and the nice water stop walks that accompany a slower paced
marathon. I have run a marathon in a 4-hour finish time. I was younger, lighter and
trained for many miles. To many, that is still a slow marathon. It took me one
hour and 23 minutes longer this time. Sure, I worked almost 160 hours in the
two weeks prior to the race, and worked until midnight the night before. That
would relate to a slower marathon, and should.
I had the opportunity to run with Clyde in the marathon, the entire way.
Never thought I would. We were at the start line together, and continued. Sharing
the road with others is a special run. Sharing the road with a special person
is a memorable run.
So, this morning, as I ran in the rain, no soreness, and feeling good, I
suddenly realized that I am a runner -- a good one, an athlete, and a marathoner.
These are titles I can claim, and should own them proudly. It is finally time
to boast my accomplishments and let others know who I am. I did just finish my
30th marathon, which includes five or six ultra marathons. That is a lot to
many, and few to others, but to me it is 'just right.'
Finishing the run this morning, I did one of those runner things, and threw a
towel around my head and jumped in the truck, soaking wet, with a smile on my
face. Ten minutes later, in the lobby of my gym, on my way to a water
aerobics class, I proclaimed to the ladies at the desk, "I ran a marathon this
weekend!" and shuffled off to class, leaving wet footprints in my path. I overheard
one of the instructors say, "That's Debra. She runs a lot. She's a GOOD
runner!"
Therefore, I am.
Debra Saleny, Marathoner
Motorola Marathon 2003
Austin Fit Class of 1996
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