A few years ago when I was running 40 miles a week and racing every other weekend, I was proud to say I was a runner. There was no doubt in my mind. I knew my 5K, 10K, and half marathon PR like it was my phone number. I could easily keep up with anyone who wanted to run with me.
Currently, I’m not so sure I’m a runner. I’m running half as much as I was - and that’s on a good week. I’m almost 3 minutes per mile slower than I was. I haven’t run a 5K, 10K, or half in who knows how long. I try to rationalize that by the great luck I’ve had with injury after injury over the last year. First my knee, now my hip. But with all the rationalization that’s going on, I still don’t feel like a runner.
At this point if someone asked me “Are you a runner?” I don’t know how I would answer. I want to say I’m a runner. A part of me still thinks I’m a runner. But then there is the other part that sees where I used to be and where I am now and says there’s no way I’m a runner.
There’s just something about being able to say “Yeah, I run” that makes you part of an exclusive group. It’s a group of people that do something that most people hate doing, something that most people find too hard…and they do it for fun. I mean, how many people can say that they ran 10 miles this morning – and can still walk.
So, all this being said, what is a runner? Is it someone who runs a 30+ miles a week? Or Someone who can run a sub 7:00 min/mile? Is it someone who races? Can you be a runner and train on the treadmill? Or do you have to run outside? Do you have to do specialized workouts? Or can you just run?
Or, is being a real runner just having the love to go out and run? Not necessarily to compete, or get faster, but just because you love to run.
I’ve come to the conclusion that whether or not your “technically” a runner, just doesn’t matter. If you want to be a runner, fine, be a runner. Call yourself a runner - do it proudly. And don’t let anyone tell you your not.
I have always thought about this question. People always ask me this. I don’t know! I run when I feel like it, sometimes its 3 miles every other day or I’ll go two weeks with out long distance running and just cross train instead.
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter´s last [type] ..Enchiladas with Michelle and BGF
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Oh man, I have struggled with this SO much over the years. When I’m running a lot, it is one of the main ways that I can identify myself. And when I don’t run, I feel like I have no identity. Ya know? It’s silly because I’m always active but when I’m not running I feel like my fitness isn’t good enough, even when I’m more well balanced in my health.
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Jill {irun ieat} Reply:
July 18th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
I know exactly what you mean! It’s like running makes you one of the “cool kids.” For me, there’s just something about being able to say “I’m a runner” that is different than just saying “Yeah, I lift weights and go to spin.” Saying you’re a runner sounds so much cooler.
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I just found your blog through Teri – and I love this post!! I can completely identify with it. I am training for my first marathon. I’m still fairly new to running, so I’m sticking with a novice plan – run 4x/wk – and I’m averaging 20+ miles/wk right now. I read about all these other people running 40+ miles and I feel like I’m just not legit, ya know?! But I decided that I am a runner anyway.
Becky´s last [type] ..The Comforts of Home
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Jill {irun ieat} Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 9:01 am
If you’re training for a full, you’re a runner! No doubt about it. I’ve never run a full, but I’ve trained for a couple, and even the training is harder than what most people will ever do.
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Love this post! I saw you on Teri’s Weekender – so glad I did. I haven’t been running long, but I agree with you completely. It took a while for me to even get in that state of mind, to say that I was a runner when I wasn’t exactly putting down crazy mileage. Now, though, I feel way more confident and proud of the miles I do run – I’m training for a half marathon in September and I’ve never felt better!
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Jill {irun ieat} Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 8:59 am
That’s so awesome you’re doing a half. The half is my favorite distance – it’s long enough that it’s tough, and it’s not too long that you can’t do a couple a season.
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You called out so many fantastic points. Running is the only sport where you don’t need a ton of fancy equipment, but you need yourself.
If you love running, like I do, you want other to run also. I encourage everyone to try running, or walking super fast if that’s how they want to look at it:)
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Yeah you ran in RAGNAR. You’re a runner.
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Just found your blog and read this and had to comment . . . I’ve been running for 5 years and I am just barely getting to the point where I feel like I can call myself a runner. And I run a lot. I ran through two pregnancies (all the way to the due date at 9ish minute miles), have done two full marathons, a half, a Ragnar, a couple of 5ks and some other races, but until I was running 30+ miles a week had a hard time thinking I was “a runner.” BUT if anybody else I knew told me they went running a few times a week, no matter the pace, no matter the distance, I would totally say they were a runner. I have no idea why I can’t hold myself to the same standard as other people.
lizzie´s last [type] ..The Ultimate Goal
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Jill {i run i eat} Reply:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Ok, you are totally my hero! I’m hoping to be able to run through pregnancies. (If that day ever comes) I completely understand where you’re coming from – but really, how could you NOT be a runner?
What Ragnar did you do?
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I Wanna Be a Runner | i run i eat // Apr 26, 2011 at 7:19 pm
[...] A while ago I posted about what a runner is. I concluded that post by saying that if you wanted to call yourself a runner, go ahead and call yourself a runner. I also mentioned in that post that at that point, I didn’t really consider myself a runner. [...]