It doesn’t matter if I’m facilitating a 5K Learn to run clinic or a Marathon training program; there is usually one runner who doesn’t think of them self as a runner. The scene goes something like this:
F542: “Great work everyone; excellent run...you dug down deep and went the distance. It’s that type of dedication and focus that makes you all RUNNERS!”
Trainee: “Oh, I’m not really a runner; I just like to get out and burn off a little stress.”
F542: “Really, after all the kilometres you’ve run you don’t consider yourself a runner.”
Trainee: “Not really; I’m a fifty minute 5K runner; not an elite by any stretch...me, no I’m not a runner.”
F542: “Hmm, so you mean to tell me you signed up for a 5K clinic, have been running 3 times a week with the rest of us for the past 7 weeks, bought stability shoes, a new jacket and wear a real technical Tee...but you’re not a runner; really?
Trainee: Yup, I just like to get up and go; and the people here are great!”
So the question begs to be asked; what does it take to be considered a runner?
Well you first need to look at your situation objectively. If someone was to ask: Are you an Olympian? The majority of people I know would say No...However, if someone asked: Are you a runner? That would be a different story all together. Many of the people I know think of themselves as runners; why; well they have firsthand knowledge of at least 4 of the following:
1. Put on a pair of running shoes and specifically go out for a run; not while evading capture, running from rabid dogs or trying to catch a bus; but rather they set aside time to go for a run at least once a week.
2. Wear a dedicated pair of running shoes to run in; not a pair of street runners, but an actual pair of run-sport specific shoes.
3. Know the difference between cotton and technical running fabric to the extent that they chose to run in tech gear and leave lowly cotton wearing for chores around the house.
4. Know what a Garmin Forerunner is...
5. Run a set route and have given it a name; i.e. the Lake Loop, the Mall Mile or the Heartbreaker Hill route; you get the picture...
6. Know what Body Glide is...
7. Know what Runner’s Nipple is all about; please refer back to Item 6.
8. Have a bib with numbers and not crusty Pablum on it...
9. Have been to a Wellness Expo to pick up a race kit.
10. Have a least one piece of runner swag.
11. Don’t laugh and snigger when someone says: FARTLEK
12. Don’t say: Hill, when someone says: Hill repeat...(think about it; it’s funny...really it is)
13. Know the difference between an IT Band, a laptop and U2.
14. Wince when you hear about someone else’s’ Runner’s Knee or Shin Splints.
15. Owns a runner’s utility belt and water bottle.
16. Knows that sports Gel isn’t for your hair...
So I ask you: Are you a RUNNER?
