For some time now friends and acquaintances have referred to me as a "runner", and it has always bothered me a little bit. I've been running for a few years now, but I still don't consider myself "a runner". Don't get me wrong, I would love to think of myself as a runner, but I just don't feel like I'm there yet. I guess this is because I've seen various ideas and definitions of what a runner is and don't feel like I fit the description.
What makes a runner? -Physically
In Jeff Galloway's Book on Running, he describes a runner as the final stage in an evolution. Similar to going from primate, to Neanderthal, to Cro-magnon and finally Homo-sapien, he goes from Beginner, Jogger, Competitor, Athlete and Runner. The way he describes each, I feel like I'm only somewhere between jogger and competitor.
In some training systems I've used, such as the Garmin Forerunner's Training Center, it groups various paces into walking, jogging, running and sprinting. I believe the pace for actual running is between 8 and 6 minutes per mile (a pace I rarely hit on any run over 5K). So most of the running I do is termed as "jogging".
People also tend to think of "being a runner" and "being successful at races" as synonymous. If you're a "runner" you're probably fairly competitive at your local races. Well I've run several races over the past few years and only placed in my division once or twice. A while back I thought I might consider myself a runner once I met certain distance goal, but I've since run marathons and even a 50 miler. I still don't feel it! Maybe time goals would validate my runner status (still in the works).
What makes a runner? -Mentally
Is being a runner just a state of mind? If I feel like I'm a runner, then I AM a runner? I wish it were that easy, but I know a lot of people who run around the block once or twice a week that I certainly wouldn't call runners. Maybe that's just the elitist in me talking, but I like to think the title of "Runner" is something you earn through hard work, dedication, and strength of will. In that sense, maybe I just haven't convinced myself that I've worked hard enough to mold myself into one.
I've heard the term "soul-surfer", and maybe being a runner is similar in that it's more spiritual. People who are connected to running, and make it an integral part of their lives. People who run to sort out problems, answer difficult questions or contemplate life. Personally, I've figured out lots of problems while running, and it's such an integral part of my life that I've canceled big engagements so I wouldn't miss a training run. "Sorry, I can't come to your big annual party because I have a 25 mile run in the morning and I need my sleep." I still don't feel it!
Final Thoughts
It could be mental or physical attributes that makes us runners. Maybe it's a combination of the two working in harmony to create that easy-going, competitive 30 something guy you recognize at all your races, and who's the life of the fast group in your running club. Maybe in a few more years I'll be a more mature runner and be able to answer this question with more certainty.
5 comments:
I kinda think that distance and frequency count you as a runner, and the whole thing about what kind of mentality you're in, like you talked about at the end. All things in life don't seem the same to you as they do to the people that observe you from the outside, it's just one of those things. I definitely don't count myself as a runner though. PS how'd your experiment with the key words go? ;)
Man, you've got so many blogs now, don't know where to comment:) I'll be posting whatever smart ideas I get. May be I should take after Julie and post on the side bar a proposed week work? But that's too much computer...
Good going for you though!
I think the following list would constitute someone as a runner:
You run in more than one pair of shoes. You know the mileage of your shoes. You have a blog about running. You can run 50 miles non-stop but your friends have to make at least 2 stops on a 50 miles car ride. The list goes on but speed doesn't really count. If it did then the only real runners would be the 100 meter runners. Everybody else is behind them.
Good post! I guess only you can decide when to call yourself a runner, but I think the majority of people would consider you a runner. Congrats on the 50 miler.
I know exactly how you feel. I've been called a runner as well, and I don't consider myself one yet. I've been "running" (I, too, mainly "jog" according to Garmin Training Center) for around a year, and due to various obstacles have an especially hard time taking that label on. A few people, upon learning of my evening 'hobby' have asked, "you're a runner, Lori?" to which I generally respond, "Well, not yet, but I pretend." I think it's all a combination of mentality and devotion. I recently read an article that stated those of us who have maybe only recently started physically running have likely been runners all our lives but have only now taken a strong desire and put it into action.
You're a runner dude. Get used to it. :)
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