Can I call myself that?

Other than swimming as a young child, I was never consistently involved in sports as a older child or teenager. I can not say that I was happy with my weight, but I really didn't need exercise to maintain my weight. I did run and work out before my wedding and was in great shape, but after the wedding that fell by the wayside. So two kids later and 60 pounds heavier, WOW, I needed to do something. 60 pounds sure can creep up fast. In January of 2006, I started Atkins induction and purchased a treadmill. Of course in the back of my mind, I thought I would never be consistent in the long run and I would fail. The treadmill exercise was painful at first. I started to see results, a 10-15 pound weight loss my mid February and that was motivation enough. I went off induction and reduced the fat intake and increased my intake of wheat and whole grains. I kept on with the running, increasing my running time on the treadmill. I signed up for the Loveland Rat Race 5K to keep myself motivated, it gave me a goal. I ran that race at a 34 min. finish. I did not stop running, (a walker did pass me : ) .... ). I was happy I finished, but found the desire to do better in my time. I then signed up for the Lady's Distance Classic on 8/5/2006. I finished this race in 31 minutes. Again, I found the desire to have a better time. Since then, I have continued to run. Through the summer, I found that running outside if far more enjoyable than running on the treadmill. This is something that I can do for myself, it is only competitive against me, and I get time to myself away from my children. (I also loved to run and look at my neighbors homes..in the lit windows sometimes...and see what their decorating looks like...)
Since August, I have increased my mileage, and run my first 10k at a 10:10 pace. I now have the desire to run faster, and further. I have joined running with a group at Fleet Feet Sports, and will join their training for the Heart Mini Marathon 15k for 3/2007. It is funny as you pass other runners on the street they nod, say hi like it is a little club. I enjoy being a part of this club, and I think I can honestly say I am a runner! It comes with benefits.... I am now 40 pounds lighter and although I haven't returned weight wise to what I was pre-wedding, I fit into a smaller clothes size than I did then.