I am a runner damn it!!! Rant

mlb929

I run, I hate it but I do run.

I'll play devil's advocate - you have to love it to be a runner. Maybe you wouldn't be so defensive if you loved it. I do Yoga 1x per week, I do it to make me a better runner, it doesn't make me a Yogi, it makes me a runner who does yoga.

brandyk77

I run, I hate it but I do run.

I'll play devil's advocate - you have to love it to be a runner. Maybe you wouldn't be so defensive if you loved it. I do Yoga 1x per week, I do it to make me a better runner, it doesn't make me a Yogi, it makes me a runner who does yoga.

THIS

Yanicka1

I run, I hate it but I do run.

I'll play devil's advocate - you have to love it to be a runner. Maybe you wouldn't be so defensive if you loved it. I do Yoga 1x per week, I do it to make me a better runner, it doesn't make me a Yogi, it makes me a runner who does yoga.

LOL I really do not enjoy cardio. I love lifting heavy. So satisfying!!! but I believe cardio is good for my heart and since my mom and grand mother had their heart attack at 45, I do it still like I do my taxes. I don't have to like it but I have to do it.

carmenstop1

I love this topic! I am in the exact same place as you are OP. I struggle and sometimes think I will never be able to run a full 5k with out walk intervals...then I think what is the worst thing in that! I am not the only one like that, and at least I am out there moving and trying...not sitting on a couch judging!

auroranflash

I've been enjoying my treadmill intervals as of late... it's strangely.... relaxing. Last time I was done with a 30 minute bout, hopped off looking all frazzled, sweaty, red-faced, went to refill my water bottle, and one of the trainers walked by and said "Great work!"

sweetheart03622

I'm a runner. I run races consistently, I have training plans, I have tech clothes, and I have a running log. I also run at a 13+ pace. Try and tell me I'm not a run. I guarantee I'm more educated in running than most.

Screw them. REAL runners are just happy you're out there making an effort.

insatiable_need

I love this post and couldn't agree more. I hope you eventually learn to enjoy running, though. I have been doing c25k because I have always wanted to get into running. I'm only on week 2, but I already look forward to the "jogging" part. My heart actually speeds up just at the anticipation!

sweetheart03622

I run, I hate it but I do run.

I'll play devil's advocate - you have to love it to be a runner. Maybe you wouldn't be so defensive if you loved it. I do Yoga 1x per week, I do it to make me a better runner, it doesn't make me a Yogi, it makes me a runner who does yoga.

LOL I really do not enjoy cardio. I love lifting heavy. So satisfying!!! but I believe cardio is good for my heart and since my mom and grand mother had their heart attack at 45, I do it still like I do my taxes. I don't have to like it but I have to do it.

I kind of understand what they're saying though. I cook dinner, but I don't put my all into it, so I'm not a chef. I tend to my yard, but I'm not a gardener. I LOVE to run, I am a runner. Kind of a mentality thing. Speed and ability doesn't make you a runner - mentality does.

k80mac

http://healthy-chicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/runner.jpg

hopefully you can see that.

if you run, you're a runner. period.

bmoregan

I used to run non-stop. Then I picked up a heart-monitor/watch combo at an Airport. I wore it on my next run.
SHOCK! My heart-rate was well into the "danger" zone.
And I'd been doing it for some time, too.

So now I run-walk. 10k is just fine. Usually I try to beat an hour, but usually I fail.
Works for me... and my heart.

Aside: There's an ex-World cross-country champion that runs in the same park as I do. She appears to just float. I'm sure she could run a 2h30m marathon. Good for her. We're clearly meant for different running strategies.
Well, Vive la difference!

drezha

I saw someone here say it's personal - to me that hits the nail on the head to me. I couldn'tt care how you run or cycle - I've seen guys out on junker bikes that can tear me up (and yes, I'm a lycra clad cyclist with most of the kit!)

To me, if I have to walk when out running, I've failed. That's how I view it for me. I've only recently started running so I'm in no position to criticise anyone else and how they want to run - it's all personal.

Though as someone else has pointed out about yoga and running - I'd class myself as a cyclist (it's what the sport I enjoy doing the most, it's something I'm looking at taking more seriously - i.e. sportives to start then possibly some time trials) though I can now run 10Km - I wouldn't call myself a runner.

Yanicka1

I run, I hate it but I do run.

I'll play devil's advocate - you have to love it to be a runner. Maybe you wouldn't be so defensive if you loved it. I do Yoga 1x per week, I do it to make me a better runner, it doesn't make me a Yogi, it makes me a runner who does yoga.

LOL I really do not enjoy cardio. I love lifting heavy. So satisfying!!! but I believe cardio is good for my heart and since my mom and grand mother had their heart attack at 45, I do it still like I do my taxes. I don't have to like it but I have to do it.

I kind of understand what they're saying though. I cook dinner, but I don't put my all into it, so I'm not a chef. I tend to my yard, but I'm not a gardener. I LOVE to run, I am a runner. Kind of a mentality thing. Speed and ability doesn't make you a runner - mentality does.

I guess we can agree to disagree. I get up the couch, put on my running shoes, HRM, Camel pack and I go for a 5-10K. I am a runner.

NaeNaeJanae

Anyone who gets out and "runs" even as little as a block, on a consistent basis is a RUNNER! I don't care who says different!!
You go girl!!!!

bcattoes

Wow, so even if my speed 'techinically" is a fast walk on MFP but I am doing what I consider a run, i'm a runner???? WHOOOO FLIPPPIN' HOOOOO.

I AM A RUNNER!

The difference between running and walking has nothing to do with speed. When walking, the foward foot touches the ground before the back foot leaves the ground.

tara7302011

No punching puppies! Your a runner, your a runner!!! LOL :smokin:

prettygirlhoward

I LOVE Running!!!

Still_Fluffy

I've run 2 marathons and plan to run two more this year, I do them by run walking and I AM RUNNER!

sisierra

you get your run on gurl! studies show that sprint intervals are just as good if not better than jogging constantly. as a matter of fact, straight running temporarily weakens your immune systems and makes you lose muscles, whereas sprint intervals builds muscle and burns more fat. Let haters know!

ahulse23

I'm glad I read this too. I've been doing the C25K and found myself correcting myself when I say I went running or jogging. I'd stop and say "jog/walk", but I will stop doing that. I like the intervals and have been surprised at how much I like jogging. I was intimidated at first, especially seeing all the runners in my community, but now I'm right there with them. I have a great friend to exercise with who keeps me motivated. This post and the replies have also been really uplifting.

happypath101

Thanks for posting this! I've been thinking about running and for inexplicable reasons, it's VERY hard for me. But, I play a lot of team sports which are endless sprints and runs up and down a field. I've joked for years that I can run as long as I'm chasing a child or a ball. LOL! But, why is it so hard to get outside onto a beautiful trail and run?

One strategy is that I gave myself permission to just move - if I feel like running, I run; if I feel like jogging, I jog; if I feel like walking; I walk. I recently found out that if I walk for about an hour at a brisk pace, then I can run for about 30 minutes straight. Weird?! I don't know. I need a LONG warm-up. I need to time to get into the right head-space? I have no clue. But, I'm trying to just accept this about myself and never worry about that other person on the trail that didn't see me run, or that only saw me run for a minute. It doesn't matter. What matters is that I exercise and I enjoy my exercise.

peej76

Do you know what else I hate? When you are showing off your participant's medal after just completing your very first 1/2 marathon and your asked " Did everyone get a medal?"......REALLY?????? Do not cheapen my experiece!!!!! I did do walk/run intervals! For 21kms!!!!!!! Did I just "run" my very first 1/2 marathon? Why yes, yes I did!!!! Good job to runners everywhere, if you run, you are a runner!!

brandyk77

you get your run on gurl! studies show that sprint intervals are just as good if not better than jogging constantly. as a matter of fact, straight running temporarily weakens your immune systems and makes you lose muscles, whereas sprint intervals builds muscle and burns more fat. Let haters know!

Um..no it doesn't. where on earth did you ever read that? there is a reason why people who compete at high levels log over 100 mile weeks....because it makes them better runners. Have you seen Deena Kastors arms? That chick is ripped and puts in a ton of time on the road and in the gym.

and FYI: we aren't speaking about sprint intervals....they are talking about run/walk intervals.

pmad37

Then I am suddenly feeling pretty good about me....walking a little taller......

kortni0915

I do this too. I'm doing a half marathon in a couple of weeks and I'll tell people I'm running the half marathon and then go back and correct myself and say, well I'm running it with a lot of walking too.

MinnieInMaine

I thought this quote would be appropriate!!

“If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.”
― John Bingham

This is the exact quote I thought of when I read the thread title. Gotta love that John "The Penguin" Bingham!

I've had friends who've called my running "jogging" or just pick up the "walk" part of my run/walk exercise posting but I don't take it personally. I may never be a marathon runner but I know the difference between a walk and a run and I sure as hell do my very best!

ashreynolds09

Yes you are a runner!

kaetmarie

I'm a runner too! Exactly, by the sounds of it, like you are. Way to take a stand for us!!

picassoadagio

That's funny because I recently ran a half marathon and still don't consider myself a runner... mostly because I am only rarely in the mood to run and because I'm still pretty slow.

I am NOT a runner, damn it!

This is me.... no matter how long it takes me to get to the finish line.

Lsadlier77

First of all can I say thank you, as your post has motivated me to get off my bum and go for a run later.

I am a run/walker and I proud of it :happy:

VeganInTraining

Do you know what else I hate? When you are showing off your participant's medal after just completing your very first 1/2 marathon and your asked " Did everyone get a medal?"......REALLY?????? Do not cheapen my experiece!!!!! I did do walk/run intervals! For 21kms!!!!!!! Did I just "run" my very first 1/2 marathon? Why yes, yes I did!!!! Good job to runners everywhere, if you run, you are a runner!!

I have been guilty of this. Not because I was trying to say it wasn't a success but they said "my finishers medal" so my thought was "oh, everyone gets one?" She got all upset before I had a chance to say "that's cool, running that far is an accomplishment." I can't wait to get my first finishers metal and I think that anyone who runs a 1/2 marathon (heck even a 5k) deserves one. It's a big deal!

and OP, yes, you ARE a runner! and keep on running