After running today, I couldn’t get my hands on the dictionary fast enough. The word “Just” surrounded my thoughts with each mile today. I rushed back to the house to grab the biggest book on the shelf … my dusty dictionary. To clarify, the adverb Just. Webster reads - Only or Merely. Dictionary.com actually quotes, “He was just a clerk until he became ambitious.”
After returning from an extended business trip that included a Mini-Marathon, I couldn’t get the word “just” out of my head. The most frequently asked question during day 1 of my conference was, “Did you run yesterday?” The infamous follow up question was inevitably, “Did you run the ½ or the full?” I’m confident that every attendee, including myself, at the Girls on the Run training was asked this set of questions a dozen times.
After returning from an extended business trip that included a Mini-Marathon, I couldn’t get the word “just” out of my head. The most frequently asked question during day 1 of my conference was, “Did you run yesterday?” The infamous follow up question was inevitably, “Did you run the ½ or the full?” I’m confident that every attendee, including myself, at the Girls on the Run training was asked this set of questions a dozen times.
I dwell on the word Just based on my answer to the burning question above. I must have recited the same statement countless times, “Just the half.” I ran just the half. I realized each time I spoke these three simple words; I chipped away at the significance of my accomplishment just the day before. Had I not just run 13.1 amazing miles with 30,000 other runners?
Luckily a fellow conference attendee and friend pointed out the fact that there was no purpose in “justing” my accomplishment. Later in the day, this same friend left me a surprise. A post-it note that simply said … “YOU ARE NOT JUST. You are awesome and beautiful.” Thanks Amanda for reminding me that I am not “Just.” There is nothing wrong with challenging yourself to move beyond society’s definition of just. I also have to remind myself, there is nothing wrong with loving who you are, what you do, and celebrating just 1 or 13.1 miles.
Thanks to my friend Amanda for cheering for me at the finish line of my Jan. 2011 Mini Marathon in Phoenix AZ, and more importantly for reminding me that I didn't Just run 13.1 miles. Amanda, you are never Just - I think you are amazing!
This is awesome. I find myself saying this word a lot. You are right, it does belittle your accomplishments...and why? Every step I take to a happier, healthier me is a great step and a conscience decision I make everyday. I could go home and sit and eat but I don't anymore and I should be proud of that. Excellent and uplifting post Heather!
ReplyDeleteLove it!! Since I'm still saying the full is never going to happen...its a great reminder to quit saying just the 1/2--13.1miles is a great accomplishment!!! You Rock!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this! I'm going to re-post it on my blog... :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! As I have aged my time gets slower & slower. So many times I have thought about not participating in a race when I here someone say they a a slow runner at a 8 or 9 minute mile when much slower. Never ever again! I am not JUST...I am doing what I love and it is good for my health!
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