You've just started running within the last few weeks and you love it.
You love it for the way you feel when you're running and especially for the way you feel the rest of the day.
But there are so many other things that have you excited about running.
While it's been, ahem, a lot of years since I started running, I can still remember the enthusiasm and excitement I experienced.
See if any of this resonates.
First thing in the morning, just as you get out of bed, things are not the same.
There's some soreness and tenderness in muscles that haven't hurt before, but somehow, you feel looser and, can it be, younger? You notice that the stairs don't present a problem anymore, in fact your legs feel strong when you climb the steps.
You check the backs of your legs several times a day, because they must be different; they sure seem different.
Seeing someone with a shirt from a race, or even wearing old running shoes, you have to restrain yourself from going up to them and asking, 'Are you a runner?' You want to talk about running to anyone who will listen, and you're pretty sure your friends have already heard enough from you.
The rhythm of your shoes hitting the pavement was so comforting; wait a minute, you're in bed.
Unbelievably, you were dreaming about running.
It's a boring day at work and you find yourself thinking about your upcoming evening run.
In fact, that's all you can think about.
This rationalization about eating a little more because you ran this morning has got to stop.
Never the star in any sports you've played, you think you may be a little better than average runner, considering your current stage of life, and the fact that most people you know don't run.
Even if you're not very good, it really doesn't matter.
Your running is just for you.
Somebody mentioned that they had seen you running, and you were so proud you got goosebumps.
It was all you could do to casually reply.
Your family and friends are pretty sure the novelty will wear off, like it has so many times with so many other things, and your running will become something you used to do.
While there's a good chance they may be right, you're hoping you can prove them wrong this time.
Someone commented about running being hard on the knees and you got very defensive.
This new admiration arose for an acquaintance you previously mostly ignored because you know they once ran a marathon.
One part of your psyche wonders how long it will be before you're not considered a beginner.
Sure it doesn't make any sense, but you decide when you will run and then plan the rest of your day.
There is a little bit of guilt because you feel that you think, read, talk and dream more about running than you actually run.
You really feel guilty when you skip a run you had planned.
Yes, you are a new runner.
But if you maintain the enthusiasm you currently have, you will stay a runner.