I am a runner

In the back of Runner's world magazine, there is a page titled "I am a runner" or something like that. Each month the page spotlights some celebrity and they talk about how running helps them keep their lives sane. While running 12 miles I started to finally think of my self as a runner. I know I've been at this for awhile but I never really saw myself as a runner. After running a 4mile loop around my neighborhood 3 times ( it really hit me the 2nd time through), that I too am a runner. No one but a runner would run in circles just too get in the required mileage. No one but a runner would do this alone. So as I snaked my way up the hill for miles 9 and 10 it was very clear to me that I too am a runner. Other people have told me that but I finally believe it.
This week I ran 12 miles by myself. The running group did 7 this week and are doing 12 next week. I did 12 this week because I am going out of town and didn't want to try and run 12 miles in San Francisco next weekend. I am running 5 in San Fran and then 7 the next week. It's all crazy but I have it straight in my head. 12 this week, 5 next week in SF, 7 the week after in PB. Then I'm back with the running group for 14. There are 5 weeks before the race. Even though my times are slow I am running better than I was at this time last year. Right now I'm taking any improvement I can get.