Hi. My name is Ellen, and I am a penguin.
In my current quest to return to a healthy life, increase my level of fitness, and start running again, the first thing I’ve had to embrace is that I’m a penguin.
I always have been and probably always will be.
And chances are… most of you are, too.
In running circles, a “penguin” is someone who runs, exercises, or simply moves, for the pleasure of it – not interested in winning a race, not motivated by the competition, and certainly not in the lead. Rather a penguin moves along, enjoying the view, celebrating the company, and soaking up life. If you are wondering if you’re a penguin, I found a great checklist on John Bingham’s running site.
You might be a penguin if…
• you have to politely (for the third time) tell the men in the police car moving behind you that No you do not wish to ride.
• you wear your jog bra on top of your singlet. This is especially true if you are male.
• during a race, you keep turning around to see if there is still anybody behind you.
• the rest of the pack is out of sight before you’ve run 100 yards.
• you meet both the hare AND the tortoise running back towards you doing their cool-down after a race.
• the only reason you don’t drop out of a race is that you’re embarrassed that the police in the car behind you (closing the course) will see you.
• as you’re rounding the corner onto Main Street and the finish line, you overhear the announcer on a microphone to the crowd of 500 saying “we are ASSURED the young lady IS coming in!”
• you recognize all the regular runners on your favorite route from behind.
• you get passed on the uphill by a runner pushing a double baby jog stroller.
• you shoot a 24-shot roll of film during a marathon.
• you make arrangements for a late checkout at the hotel.
• you are more worried about the porta-potty lines than the start line.
• your support crew talks about meeting you for supper, not lunch.
• you have to memorize the route because you know that you will lose the back of the pack.
• the truck picking up the cones is pressing on your behind.
• as you pass a course volunteer they ask you, “How many are behind you yet?” and you say “Behind me? Behind? Gosh … I think two … Unless they turned around!”
• the awards ceremony is over before you cross the finish line.
So, now that summer is here, if you’re trying to get back into shape, strap on your sneakers, embrace your inner penguin, and get moving.
For more great tips on fitness, penguin-style, check out John Bingham’s column in Runner’s World.
Works for me.
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