New runner question?

I am a runner because I say I am.

You run: you're a runner.

I have never been able to run in my life. Body just wouldn't cooperate. I am not to the point that I can (and do) run. Today was my 6th run and I do 3k (3.2 miles) each time. I may not be fast. Started at 16 minute mile and am already at a 13.3 mile.

But my question to all of you runners... When do you consider yourself a runner? I feel like I am a tryer and feel a bit strange claiming I am a runner at this time.

But have bought the shoes and get up regularly at 4:50 and do my run. So I suppose I just might be.

Not that it matters but 3k is 1.8 miles, and if you leave the house and run even slowly, you are a runner, same with a dreadmill, anything faster than 5mph is running.

But have bought the shoes and get up regularly at 4:50 and do my run. So I suppose I just might be.

Even without the shoes, if you go out the door and do more than just walk, you're a runner. The fact that you feel the need to talk about it is proof that you're a runner. Us runners often find ways to interject running into the conversation. I think you're in the club for sure simply by posting this topic.

Started at 16 minute mile and am already at a 13.3 mile.

See, that's progress right there. I'm not terribly fast either so don't compare yourself to everyone else. I'm doing about a 9:00 mile during workouts but I work with some guys that do 7:00 mile workouts. It's not big deal. Everyone is encouraging and supportive no matter what your speed is. The only qualification is that you get out there and do it. You're doing it so be proud.


My advice, don't worry about speed. Just see if you can slowly creep up on endurance and distance. The speed will work it's way in automatically just as a side effect.

when you look forward to getting out for a run

:bigsmile: Do you enjoy it???

Do you want to do it???

Do you feel amazing when you are done???

THEN YOU ARE A RUNNER!!!! Who cares how fast you are.... you are doing it!

WTG!!!!!

I am a runner because I want to run. I have this burning desire. Rest days make me sad. I did not believe this at first. It was not until my first 5k that I realized that this was my criteria for being a runner. I suppose you will have a moment of realization, I had mine while running up the last hill toward the finish line. I almost cried on the route at that moment! ha.

Some people think that there is a difference in jogging and running. There isn't. Jogging is running. Sprinting is running. Both are running just for different speeds and distances.

You run: you're a runner.

Admit it, there's a secret handshake you're holding out on me.

I know what you mean, OP. I'm getting times comparable to the speed walkers at 5ks. But I still feel pretty badass. Slow, but badass.

As you should! Runners are badass! And we do not have a secret handshake....willing to share it with anyone....no touching aloud...you just put one foot in front of the other over and over again!

I like your post. I've often thought the same thing. I'm slow so therefore I cannot claim to be a runner. I "jog" 11min miles consistently. But, maybe perhaps I can claim to be a runner and not feel bad about it now...I love it! Keep up the good work girl! :bigsmile:

Congrats on starting to run! Its the best workout and if you hit the road, its FREE! No gym required.

FYI

5k = 3.1 miles
10k = 6.2 miles
1/2 marathon = 13.1 miles
Marathon = 26.2 miles


I am just about at the 1/2 marathon mark. I've been running for years. Although I recently actually called myself a runner. To me, it takes alot of endurance and training to really run miles and miles nonstop and with speed. Running on a treadmill in comparison to outside on the road makes a huge difference.Running on a treadmill for 10 minutes at 6mph in AC compared to outside in the heat/humidity/cold 8-10mph...huge difference.

And we do not have a secret handshake....willing to share it with anyone....no touching aloud...you just put one foot in front of the other over and over again!

Yeah, the secret handshake is a fist bump because there is no way I'm touching palm to palm with another runner at the finish line. I know what happens to those hands during a race. :noway: :laugh:

I have never been able to run in my life. Body just wouldn't cooperate. I am not to the point that I can (and do) run. Today was my 6th run and I do 3k (3.2 miles) each time. I may not be fast. Started at 16 minute mile and am already at a 13.3 mile.

But my question to all of you runners... When do you consider yourself a runner? I feel like I am a tryer and feel a bit strange claiming I am a runner at this time.

But have bought the shoes and get up regularly at 4:50 and do my run. So I suppose I just might be.

I'd say with some conviction you are a runner NOW. your pace will improve as you work on distance..dont worry about your pace. just getting out there and running 3k is a heck of a lot MORE than the general population would ever dream of doing.

you have built a very robust platform to build from as a runner..I really hope you persevere and take it form me..you will be amazed at what your body is capable of doing.

Good luck, fellow RUNNER!!

You run = your a runner

Great work, keep it up!!
I never used to be able to run and now i love running and run around 7 - 8kms daily

You have only run 6 times and you already run 3.2 miles a run? Holy crap! I had to run for 3 months before I got to that point.