“You’re an athlete!”

She came riding by on her horse with a little grey dog running alongside of them.

“Wow, good for you! You’re an athlete!” she exclaimed.

I smiled through my mask and said “Hi” with a wave.

“A monster athlete!” she followed up with.

I have no idea who this woman was or what prompted her to hype me up and be my cheerleader. But, I was very grateful.

Running and I have been on the struggle bus lately. I go out for about 30 minutes about three times a week. I wear my GPS watch but I do not use the GPS functionality. I know I am nowhere near as fit as I was at the beginning of the year.

I have numerous half marathons and marathons under my belt, yet, recently I do not even feel like a runner.

To hear this stranger pump me up and be impressed was 1. very kind of her and 2. a pleasant surprise.

It gave me a burst of energy to run a bit faster as I made my way back to my husband and puppy — yes, we have a puppy now! — on the gravel road.

I am an athlete. I am a runner.

So, if you have any doubts about anything you are, I’m here to hype you up: YOU ARE!