What is a runner?

Due to these recent posts (1) and (2), I've decided to share my own little commentary on this idea of labeling oneself a runner.

I've never given it much thought before as to whether or not I am a runner. I mean, OBVIOUSLY, I'm a runner!!

But when did I become a runner? I'll get to that in a minute. For now, a digression...

See, the marathon has gotten so much publicity that many non-runners associate that particular race with running. {Many times I've been asked by non-runner friends how I did in the marathon when they inquire about any race I ran.} Also, the marathon is a business. People make heaps of money whenever a marathon is involved. So therefore the hype. And therefore the connection by the general public between runners and marathons.

Perhaps the marathon is up on a pedastal because of the multiple months of training that (should) precede it. When I have properly trained for the big 26.2, I've had to compromise other areas of my life (ie Probably should pass up that fifth beer...) and friends and family can't help but notice the changes. Plus, many marathon runners tend to talk everyone's ear off about anything and everything relating to training and/or the big day (guilty). So it's generally no secret. And it is a fairly big accomplishment by any standard (running 26.2 miles...)

But anyone who knows anything about running knows that there is so much more to running than the marathon. Races of any distance provide a bouquet of challenges and rewards. For intstance, I typically want to lay down and die somewhere between miles 2 and 3 of a 5K, which is why I don't race many of them. When I do, I get to report "fast" splits in the sevens. That is reward enough. Races can be thrilling, memorable, and exhausting, not unlike the marathon. Whether you are a "casual runner, serious runner, regular runner, sporadic runner, accomplished runner, etc," or any other "subjective determination," you are still a runner.

But besides racing and marathons, what makes someone a runner?

To consider that, I need to go back to my original question: When did I become a runner? The answer: The day I decided I was going to run. It's not like I hadn't run before September of 1997. I ventured out on the roads many times before that for many a painful run (wheezing, blisters, sore muscles, irrational fear of sidewalks..). But one day that September--the actual date escapes me--I ran 2 miles in 16 minutes or so at the South East Recreational Facility, and from that day forward, I was a runner. I never entertained the notion that I'd have to achieve something particular (a marathon, a certain weekly mileage, even a race) to be a runner. I just ran. And even when I didn't run (ie injury, laziness, busy, didn't feel like it, taking time off etc) I was still a runner. Following the advice of the "experts," I ran for almost two years before marathoning occured to me. And I ran for almost eleven years before the idea of questioning my status as a runner occured to me. So rather than look to outside forces for the answer to this question or making comparisons to what others are doing, decide for yourself. You will know.

In other news, I went on my first real ride this Monday. I biked the course I ran on Saturday (sadly, the run was somewhat easier than the bike). An interesting thing happened when I was about three quarters of the way home. Several loud, thunderous booms exploded in the sky...coupled with some intimidating lightning. Then there was another echoing boom. And rain. Large raindrops--like quarter-sized fell on me and my new bike. Bummer. I biked as fast as my tired legs could go. And despite the rain, I felt great! Though it's totally possible to bike in the rain, I'm going to try to avoid it in the future. I'm a fan of dry roads when it comes to those thin little tires.

Yesterday was a great morning run of seven miles. I love how Central Park is packed at six am! And the cool air! Love it! Today was another early run. This time only 4 miles--kind of a recovery run/junk miles/what have you. One thing on my mind lately is the commencement of my marathon training program for nyc 2008. Mostly, how to train smart and avoid injury. Until then, I plan to live it up as a runner (on summer vacation ;)).