Surprisingly, I took up running almost two years ago and am still going strong. I had never thought about being a runner, but I do admit to dreaming about running across fields, beaches, trails, as if I was going somewhere, without actually knowing where.
I love almost everything about running. Yes, even the heat, the slow runs, and the times when I huff and puff and can barely get going at all. I have a love-hate relationship with the hills. I hate going uphill, but I love going downhill.
I love listening to the music from my running playlist, being outdoors, getting fresh air, competing with myself. I love the feeling of belonging, kinship, having our own special secret and feeling sort of badass when I meet another runner on a trail, or running down the street, and we smile at each other.
I admit, when I started, I thought I’d end up with one of those lean, mean athletic bodies like the competitive runners on TV. And I thought it would take no time at all.
After running regularly, at least three times per week for several months, eating healthy, doing pilates and core training, I was forced to accept the fact that there is no such thing as a runner’s body. Runners come in all shapes and sizes. Our weight often does not change at all after we start running, or sometimes we gain weight, because of all the awesome muscles growing in our calves, thighs, and butts and replacing the fat (fat takes up three times more space than muscle for the same weight).
I don’t look like an athlete. I am not super lean. But I can outrun almost everyone I know, because most of the people in my immediate entourage are not physically active.
What I can’t stand is when, at a family gathering, the random in-law asks me for the umpteenth time “Are you still jogging?” and when I say yes, gives me the slow head-to-toe once-over without saying a word.
What? I don’t look like I’ve clocked well over 1,200 km of running in the last 20 months or so? I’m not skinny enough for you? You can’t detect my amazing leg muscles under my clothes?
To hell with you… you sedentary, judgmental in-law! How far can YOU run?
Virtually real- Virtuellement vraie 
As someone who ran the LA Marathon in March of this year, I definitely understand where you’re coming from. Wearing the medal around my neck and I get the question “YOU ran the marathon?” as if it were an out of this world thing to believe. I had the same assumption when I started as well, I’d have a lean body and the belly would go away. Nope, that didn’t happen. Yet, I enjoyed running and it was one of the best decisions I did.
I’m sure you are stronger and healthier. I have lost almost 25 lbs in a year. My clothing sizes have dropped and I feel better. I eat many more veggies, no red meat and watch out for other things. GOOD FOR US!!!!!