Whoa! Today marks the one year mark when I started officially being a “runner”!

Well, back then of course I didn’t think of myself as a runner, but looking back on making the commitment I made to myself to start Couch 2 5k on July 1, 2011, I now know that made me a runner. Since then I have raced in a 5k, a 10k, and a half marathon. I am a runner!

And now, I’ve made a new commitment to myself. About a month ago, I committed to taking strength training more seriously. I don’t know where it will lead, but I am aiming to work on my full body muscle mass and make myself stronger. After one month of staying dedicated to core and upper body work, I felt ready to take a “first photo”. I am not doing any supplements other than having changed my protein powder to GNC’s Pro Performance Wheybolic Extreme. I was starting to ‘run off’ my mass with so much running so after my discussions with them and my own personal body type, we switched me over to a protein powder that encourages muscle retention/growth. This photo is one month on this protein powder (combined with healthy eating of course).

I can honestly tell you, I do see a change in my muscle retention. I’m looking much less “runner gaunt” and my mass is coming back. Definitely prefer that look over “too thin”!

My Runnerversary treat to myself was my new Nike Legend Tee-Tank in the new cobalt blue color in my photo above. I just can’t seem to stop talking about how much I love the cut and fit of these workout tanks! I now have the blue, orange, and a bright scarlet one. Hmmmm, think I may need a green one next!

When do you become a runner? The day you set out to tackle a run! Whether you sign up for a 5k or a half marathon or decide you want to just run for cardio – you are a runner. I know you won’t feel like a runner when you do your very first “run”. You may probably feel more like passing out instead, but just remember that perfect quote we all know too well:

“No matter what, you are doing more than the person sitting on the couch.”