Each of us arrive at running via a different path and RADrabbbit Lindsay Kremer of High Point, North Carolina is no different. In her rabbit chatter, she tells us more about what running means to her and why the only important thing that makes us all runners, is that we just love to run.
I started running as a way to get in shape. With a demanding work schedule, I didn’t have to worry about making it to a certain class on time or paying membership dues. I just ran when I wanted to; when I had the time too. That sparked a beautiful relationship that has gone from running two days a week to running four, then six days a week and genuinely loving more intense training periods.
That love and dedication has helped me to take 37 minutes off of my half-marathon PR and flirt with running a sub two-hour half soon, hopefully this fall! Much of the good running has done in my life stems from a comment which will continue to fuel my passion for running for the rest of my life: You don’t look like a runner. No one should ever tell you what a runner should look like because every runner is unique. While no, I am not built like a stereotypical elite runner, it does not make me any less of a runner. I run thirty plus mile weeks and diligently keep up with my strength training, always pushing myself to run faster and train harder. I truly believe if you have a body and you run, you have a runner’s body.
That is the amazing thing about the running community, we welcome you whether you just started or have been running for 50 years.
We will celebrate the first time you run a mile without stopping just as much as the person who scored themselves a PR. With all the goodness that comes from the inspiration I find in the running community, there is still a dark side that can come from within. It's the perception of yourself that can either build me up to achieve my highest potential, or if I choose to let it, can bring me to a low place with no motivation to train.
Like many people who start running to get in shape, the more I ran and the better care I took of myself led me to loosing some weight. Initially, instead of celebrating victories like setting new PR’s and become fitter I couldn't help but think I still didn’t look like my running idols. But my perception was off: burning thousands of calories and becoming a stronger runner didn't mean I was going to look like an Olympian. But hey, news flash to me, I can be myself and be the strongest runner I know. I certainly will continue to put forth my best effort to continue improving everyday.
I learned quickly, it's not fair to try and compare myself to any other runner, whether they be a professional or just beginning. We're all on our own, personal running journey. I firmly believe that the training I put in makes me a better employee, fiancée and daughter too. It enriches my entire life in a very special way.
Whenever I am having a day where maybe I don’t feel like my normal happy self, I look to the people I run with. The tribe I surround myself with, the RADrabbit squad around the world consistently reminds me how supportive and amazing this community really is, and that regardless of what type of runner I look like, I am a runner. Just like you and everyone else.
At the end of the day, what I think of myself is the only thing that matters. That voice is the only thing that is going to help me pour my heart into my next PR and continue to become a better runner, chasing my dreams one day at a time.
