How many times how you heard the question, so you’re a runner? I usually hesitate and answer kind of. I don’t really know why I don’t just say yes. A runner is a fast and serious person, very fast and very serious about every step. Right? When can you call yourself a runner? After the first step you take, after your first 5k run, after your first race… How many marathons does it take? Do you even have to run a race? Does it have to do with capacity or discipline?
The past weeks I’ve been bumping into blogs and articles about when is it ok to call yourself a runner. Some people say that you have to be fast and actually accomplish something, other says that as long as you get outside the door you can call yourself a runner. Do you have to run 5k in 20 minutes? Run a marathon in less time than it takes to walk to the neighborhood pizza place? Or is it ok to run slow? Does it have to do with how much you sweat or how tired you get? Can you call yourself a runner if you only run on treadmills and never outside? Is speed a factor? Or your looks? Do you have to look like a runner? And how does a runner look? I am not sure! I guess they come in all shapes.
A runner is a person who runs. And like it. Not always but most of the miles.
A runner runs, in all kinds of weather. You don’t stay in watching tv just because the weather looks bad. You don’t quit and go home because it’s raining. It doesn’t matter if you run 4 miles or 40 miles per week, you run. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you run (but if it is too slow it’s actually a walk). If you work, get your heart rate up and and wear a pair of running shoes then you’re a runner.
We all have different reasons why we run. Some run because their doctor said it’s good for the cholesterol, some people run to look awesome naked, to be able to eat more, some run to clear their thoughts, to be alone, to be good role model for their kids, to feel good, to get faster, to loose weight. We all have our reasons. I wish I could say that I had a really good reason why I feel like it is so necessary to lace my shoes and head out. I wish I could say that I really feel like I want to run superfast and get skinny, to be an awesome mom. I don’t have a good reason. I just like running and it makes me feel so darn good.
Get a pair of shoes and head out… and stay away from the treadmill!
And choose your distance for the day.
charlottebrekkan.com 
You don’t have a good reason? You just wrote your reason in the last sentence! “I just like running and it makes me feel so darn good.” That is a supergood reason. Who does not want to feel so darn good? I mean, it makes you who you are. If you don’t run you do not feel well, you are probably not a good mom (since you are angry that you did not get to run, been there), and you are not a good role model for your children. I say your reason for running is an excellent reason. Keep up the good work! Heja heja!
You are right Marie. I guess it is more lack of a goal since I don’t have bad cholesterol levels 🙂 What’s your reason?
I am taking a bread from running now (letting my shins and calves rest), but I have to do some kind of cardio work out or I am not a happy person. Why do I do it? It makes me feel so good, to stay healthy and in shape.
hoppsan…break! maybe it’s my subconscious telling me I really want bread 🙂