Because I am a runner....

I wrote this list a while ago but I wanted to memorialize it somewhere.

Because I am a runner....

....I am physically and mentally strong
....I trust in my ability to finish what I start
....I have seen parts of Budapest, London, Melbourne, New York City, Cabo san Lucas, Tucson, and, most importantly, my home city of Chicago (just to name a few) that I otherwise wouldn't have
....I am part of a community
....a Google search of my name turns up mostly race results
....I don't worry about my weight
....I have the stamina to work long hours as needed
....I know what a fartlek is
....I could run for help, or away from someone, if I needed to
....I now know that when you are sleepy, the best thing you can do is run (yes, running actually wakes you up - who knew!)
....my overall health is better
....I have a different kind of respect for myself
....I can talk for hours about wicking fabrics, pronation, and tempo training
....I have a surefire way to de-stress and brighten my mood
....I have quad, hamstring, and calf muscles
....people are impressed with my accomplishments
....I got to know my new neighborhood
....I can help my friends who are new to running
....I have a training schedule
....I have a race schedule