Keepin' it Real

I don't know why, but I still can't quite call myself a "real" runner.  Yes, I've done a marathon, a couple halfs and braved all sorts of weather, but I'm pretty sure the term runner doesn't apply to me.  However, yesterday at work I got the best compliment I've had in a loooong time.  One of my fellow dietitians (who I see maybe once a month because she works at another facility) said, "Nicole, you look so fit.  I can tell you're a runner."  Really?  Me?  And yet another clue....I've been running without my iPod lately.  A year ago I would have said you're crazy to even contemplate running without an iPod blaring.  I've come to find that I rather enjoy the sound of my feet hitting the ground and my heartbeat racing.  Perhaps all insignificant occurances, but put them together and it gives me just the approval (so to speak) I need to keep up this obsession.  Another motivator - the sound of birds chirping and daylight at 7:00am.  Yes, I know there is 12+ inches of snow on the ground and it's hovering in the upper 20's, but it sure does feel good to see daylight coming earlier and earlier! I know soon enough I'll be complaining about the oppressive humidity or rainy spring season....but knowing that something good is just around the corner is just what I need to get me through these next few weeks.