to all the real runners

sunglasses_and_ocean_waves

I have no idea how to even run a treadmill. I don't even know what an elliptical is. :ohwell: I run roads, hills, the beach ... etc yet I have respect for treadmill runners since they're not only getting it done, they're doing something I don't know how to do.

aarnwine2013

This was interesting to read. I started running on the treadmill as I have one at home. I decided to run outside as I used to walk outside alot. I loved it! I go out on a Saturday or Sunday and run the Battlefield near my house. I believe it changed my life. I so look forward to my runs and I get really pissy if I can't go.

That being said, I do still run on the treadmill in bad weather. I still don't consider myself a runner. I'm not sure what would make me a runner. I have reached the point where I just want to be outside doing something.

I also don't think I care. I've lost 32 lbs since March, I feel wonderful everyday, I look better so whatever I'm doing, whatever name you want to call it, it works.

Cheers to all of us!

JTick

I consider them a runner. However, are they as fit as someone who road runs? Probably not. The elements and pounding on pavement and having to propel yourself forward make for a fitter, more experienced runner. I think we've seen threads time and time again that go "I run on a treadmill no problem, but can't run outside". They are different beasts, but it's still running.

ETA: I just get really sad when someone says they only run on the dreadmill. I mean, get outside and smell the roses! I didn't fall in love with running until I ran outside, and then I was hooked.

likitisplit

Honestly, I'd never really given it much thought.

I know there are those who think you have to have run a marathon to be a "real runner" , personally I prefer a more inclusive definition - to me it's a state of mind. If you think of yourself as a runner and you actually run ) indoors or out) then you're a runner.

agreed... on the marathon part. i get a lot of people asking me if i'm doing an iron man or a marathon, the holy grails of endurance sports.* when i tell them that i don't have immediate plans for doing either, they look at me funny. like, whats the point then?






*ultra-marathons are dumb.

Look at you, Mr. Judgy Pants.

I get what you are saying. I feel the same way. However, I put that sentiment into my back pocket and enjoy the fact that running is a big umbrella. I run on the road, but there are many, many ways in which I wouldn't be considered a "real runner" either.

Hornsby

To me, if you run because you enjoy it, you are a runner. I don't care your speed or where you do it. I, for one, hate running and would never consider myself a runner, although I do it for the hell of it just to push myself and probably do it faster than a lot of people that I would consider "runners". But I hate it, and am literally thinking about when it will be over from about 10 steps in.

I actually find the treadmill to be a lot more difficult form of running (mind numbingly boring) and always am slower on a treadmill, so yes, even if someone only runs on a treadmill, but they enjoy it, then they are runners. Just because someone else enjoys running outside and the scenery and the zen and all that stuff, doesn't make the person running on the treadmill and lack of care for their surrounding any better/worse.

Edwardshar

My two cents:

people who exclusively run on treadmills are EXERCISING.

people who run outside are RUNNING and therefore runners.


End of discussion.
:drinker:

People who RUN to train for sports are ATHLETES.

ayalowich

Yes. Treadmill people are not runners in my eyes. No issue or problem saying that.

It doesn't mean that people who run on treadmills are not runners, but if that is all you do, then no.

stealthq

I'm part way through a C25K program - tacked it onto lifting for my cardio - and I run on an indoor track.

I don't consider myself a runner, yet. Not because of where I run, but because I haven't completely decided whether or not I want to continue running after I'm through with this program. I'm a 'might-become-a-runner'.

I think I probably will, I'm enjoying the program a great deal, but I want to get to running for a decent distance before committing. If I do commit, I can promise that I'll be running indoors through the summer months at least, 'cause I don't do well in heat and humidity. I'm not going to take something that should be enjoyable and turn it into a hellacious experience just to be outside. No thanks.

camarkim

If you run, you're a runner. I don't think theres any need to further divide...

so you're saying that a marathon runner and a person doing three miles on three treadmill are the same?

"RUN: to go quickly by moving the legs more rapidly than at a walk and in such a manner that for an instant in each step all or both feet are off the ground." So, yeah, if you are running even a short distance on a treadmill or running a marathon, then, technically, yes, you are running. But more importantly, who the hell is anyone to judge anyone else as to what constitutes a "real runner?" I've run everything from around the block, to 5K's, to 10K's, to Half Marathons, including grueling trails, hills, mountains, in low temps and in 122 degree desert heat. And I've also run on the treadmill once in awhile during the training season.

But my accomplishments pale in comparison to some of the people on my running team who have done Ultras, Tris, etc. ( In fact, my coach is currently training to do the Angeles Crest 100 miler, AGAIN.) I've never heard him or anyone else say anything negative to anyone trying to get off the coach and get some mileage under their belts. But even that doesn't impress me as much as seeing one of my teammates doing the San Diego Rock N' Roll Marathon 3 DAYS AFTER A CHEMO TREATMENT.

The bottom line is...each person has their own struggles, including world class athletes. Do you think those elite guys at the front of the pack would think of you as a "real runner"?

No_Finish_Line

i'm not any kinda runner but my limited experience on the road and the treadmil left me with the strange impression that the treadmil was somehow more difficult

No_Finish_Line

If you run, you're a runner. I don't think theres any need to further divide...

so you're saying that a marathon runner and a person doing three miles on three treadmill are the same?

not the same but both runners.

what about sprinters? are they also not real runners?