Forums/

Newbies

Michelle D.
Michelle D. Sendmail

new to dm and relatively new to running

posted 4 months ago | Report

Hi there. I've been running on and off for years - always been pretty fit and active...got serious about running between my two pregnancies and got back into running last spring after my son's 1st birthday. My question is this - is anyone else hesitant to call themselves a "runner". Maybe it is my own issues...IDK, and I feel comfortable on this site saying I'm a runner, but if someone were to ask me, "hey, Michelle, are you a runner?" I feel like I'm more likely to say, "yeah, I run" or "I'm a jogger". Sometimes I feel like I don't fit into the "runner club".

Respond

11 posts

scroll to bottom
  • Ryan
    Ryan Sendmail

    I'm kind of the same way. I don't consider myself a 'triathlete' just because I enter in them and cross the finish line. Maybe because I'm not a pro or elite - if I were then I suppose I could justify the label. Until then, I consider myself someone who does triathlons (although people tell me I don't give myself enough credit).

    Not sure what the qualification for 'runner' is - is it someone who does something like a marathon? What about someone who does a marathon and then stops running - are they still a 'runner', as compared to someone who has been specializing relatively short distances (like the mile or 5k races) for years? I'd say people who do 5k's in stupid fast times like 15-16 minutes are 'runners' - but they have little need for the long runs like 20 miles that marathon prep calls for.

    So anyway, welcome to DM :)

    posted 4 months ago

  • Steve P.
    Steve P. Sendmail

    I'm 100% comfortable calling myself a runner, and always have---so should you. But early on, some of my friends challenged me about whether I could refer to myself as an athlete---they based it more on performance, not activity. But that's another discussion. I say, "Own it, runner" and then do just that.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Dave N.
    Dave N. Sendmail

    Here's how I see it: you can either walk or run. If you run, no matter how fast you go, you're a runner.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Wanda
    Wanda Sendmail
    in reply to what Dave N. said:Here's how I see it: you can either walk or run. If you run, no matter how fast you go, you're a runner.

    I agree.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Michelle D.
    Michelle D. Sendmail

    @Dave. Thanks.

    posted 3 months ago | edited 3 months ago

  • Kris M.
    Kris M. Sendmail

    I say this..if you are out there running regularly..call yourself a runner and feel proud of it!!!! Your running might change from week to week due to having young kids in the house, but if you're running weekly or even if you have to take a week off now and then..you're still a runner! Doesn't matter how fast you are. Shoot..when I go out on maternity leave soon I won't be able to run for a bit and then when I get the ok and I'm able to workout again I know it's going to be hard to have a regular schedule. However..I will still call myself a runner! Even now I call myself a runner and I've had to switch to more cross training..more biking and swimming than running.

    posted 3 months ago

  • Terry B.
    Terry B. Sendmail

    Welcome to DM. FR sent

    posted 3 months ago

  • Shera K.
    Shera K. Sendmail

    Hi - I am new too! Friend request sent :) I am very out of shape so I am not really a runner as much as a C25k newbie.

    posted 3 months ago

  • Gina M.
    Gina M. Sendmail

    It took me a long time before I gave myself "permission" to call myself a runner and still I'll be out running and someone will go by and I'll think "now there goes a REAL runner". What qualifies you to call yourself a runner? I like Dave's response "you can either walk or run. If you run, no matter how fast you go, you're a runner." That's one I need to remember!

    posted 3 months ago

  • Mark E.
    Mark E. Sendmail

    Here is a great thought on this topic from the local running group blog:
    "We get to run on the same course as the elites. We get the same start signal as the 70 year olds. We run just as far as the 20 year olds. We cheer each other along as we race. At the end of the race, we all congratulate each other and recognize our firsts, bests, and acknowledge our finish, even if it wasn’t a first or best. This running thing is for you, so make the best of it and allow yourself to stretch and see what you can do."
    Yes, you are a runner!

    posted 3 months ago

  • Jessica V.
    Jessica V. Sendmail

    I feel the same way! I've run lots of 5ks and several years ago I "completed" a half marathon and then later a triathlon. I haven't run since! Now getting back into running I've made bigger commitments. I have registered for another half marathon and I'm calling it my first "real" half marathon that I will train for seriously. Hopefully I can one day cross this hurdle and give myself the credit I probably deserve! Glad to hear I'm not the only one with these thoughts! Good luck!

    posted 3 months ago

Similar Discussions in General - Newbies