Sunday, January 8, 2012

Are You a Real Runner?


The other day, a few friends and I were discussing if we are “real” runners or not.  We were discussing whether taking walk breaks excludes us from the runners club.  This left my confidence shaken and got me thinking—am I a real runner or am I just a poser?  Yes, I have all the gear.  I dress like a runner.  I know all of the runner jargon.  I show up at the events.  I finish the events…but no, I don’t run the whole time.  Does that make me not a “real” runner?

This all started when one friend told a story of talking with a coworker.  They were discussing how they both had run half marathons.  The one coworker asked my friend, “but did you run the WHOLE time, or did you stop and walk some of it”?  My friend had indeed stopped to walk some of it.  Her coworker scoffed as if she was better because she ran the whole time and my friend did not.  That comment made her question herself.  When she brought it up to us, I immediately told her of course she was a real runner—she put the time in and ran as much of it as she could, so yes she is a real runner. 

As much as I believe that my friend is a “real runner” the occasional doubts still live in me about whether I am a real runner or not.  I have been at this for about a year now.  Does that make me a runner?  My speed is not all the great—does that disqualify me?  I usually run about three days a week.  Is that enough to qualify me?  I have a subscription to Runner World Magazine—that has to qualify me, right?  Well, I have decided that I am a real runner.  I am a real runner because I tell myself I am.   If Jeff Galloway (Olympic medal winner) uses the Run/Walk/Run method, then it’s good enough for me!

What makes someone a runner?  When did you first feel like you are a runner?  What do you think of the distinctions some runners make between those who run the whole time and those whose who take walk breaks?

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

12 comments:

  1. Good post! And my response? If you run, then you are a runner! :D

    Some people just like to act so high and mighty....next time you talk to her, ask her if she knows Jeff Galloway ;)

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  2. If you run, you are a runner. I considered myself a runner the very first day I started running and five years later, I am still the same runner, just faster.

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  3. "If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if it is your first day or you've been running for 20 years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card. You just run."- John Bingham
    I love this quote because I am almost embarrassed to call myself a runner. I am though, and it helps me when I think about it. Yes you are a runner!!! How many people do you know that are planning to run 13.1 miles for fun!?

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  4. What makes someone a runner? There is no set rules,limits or definitions. Since I am a nurse (who happens to love running) I volunteered yesterday at the disney marathon for the medical tent. I can tell you I cheered just as hard for the people I saw walking or going a little slower as I did for the guys sprinting by. And I did not think any less of them because to me they inspired me also. They had the guts to sign up and do the race that most people don't. So next time that girl sneers at your friend someone needs to inform her that "real" runners cheer each other on not put one another down.

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  5. When I went to buy my first pair of "real" running shoes I was talking to the sales guy about training. I mentioned that I was going to run a half marathon with my sister who was the "real runner". He said, "We're all runners. There's no fake runners or novice runners... We're just all runners." That's stuck with me since. I take walking breaks too and I think that's just fine. I'm respecting my body and my needs and I think that's important. We're all runners.

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  6. I'm slow. I take walk breaks. And I call myself a runner. Because I am. I'm up at the butt crack of dawn to hit the road for a long training run, pushing myself when I want to quit, registering for and crossing the finish line at races, and racking up mileage just like anyone who doesn't walk. So yeah, I consider myself a runner! :)

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  7. Thank you for your support! We are all runners in my eyes. While it is something that I struggle with--feeling like I belong--it is a place where I get more comfortable every day.

    runnerwannabe--I love that quote! I need to keep that in my pocket and read it when I have doubts.

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  8. Yes, you are a runner! To be honest, I feel like I lack an ability to run, walk and pick back up with my running. It just doesn't work for me and I personally beat myself up over it. But that's my opinion for me it also doesn't mean I have NEVER walked on a training run or in a race because I have. Everyone has their own way of doing things and they do NOT have to be the same. You run, you put in the training runs, you go out there and race - you are a runner!

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  9. I always feel like I have to explain myself - yes, I ran a half marathon... but I really ran/walked. I hate that about myself! I finished 13.1 miles, however I got there I was upright in the end, running across that finish line. We ARE runners, we just have to give ourselves permission to believe it!!

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  10. The fact that you get yourself out of bed/the house in the cold, lace up your shoes and get out there...makes you a runner!! Keep up the work! You are a great runner and an inspiration to many!

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  11. I love all these comments! I started running in August and the Princess Half will be my first race. I've had these thoughts roll through my head too, but when I ran/walked 10 miles Saturday I felt great during and after and I went faster than when I just run. I was thrilled to have a time that is on pace to finish the race in their allotted time. I may be slow, but I'm determined. I'll see you there!

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  12. Thanks for your blog--I just found this today and it's a big blessing to me! I've had all these same thoughts/doubts in my head lately--mostly about what other (friends)/runners will think of me if I take walk-breaks. I'm a 41 mom of two and started running July2011--Now a few of us "newbies" are training for our first Half. On long runs, I found myself walking at times and was so hard on myself for doing so. Today I decided to experiment with structured run:walk ratio (10min:1min) since that makes more sense and holds me accountable better than just walking when I 'FEEL' like it. Once you start walking it's way too easy to give yourself permission to keep walking so if you have to be accountable to your watch it does help. Today our 12mi training run turned into a 13.5mi and my legs feel great. None of the other 3 gals I ran with did this with me--I'd fall behind slightly during the walk intervals but eventually catch back up to them. Admittedly I'm a fast walker. They'd never say it to me, but I think since they won't try the interval approach, they must see it as a weakness. I feel like I'm trying to convince them it's legit because I keep bringing up Galloway and his accomplishments & the fact that he does the Run Disney Training plans. Oh well, it should be about God, myself and the miles--nothing else. THANKS again for your encouragement!

    Just so nice to see this input from everyone about the topic.

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