to all the real runners

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They are both runners. They're running. They're just different kind of runners. Fitness runner. Recreational runner. Jogger. Marathoner. Triathlete. Different, yet all runners. I feel no superiority to those who run inside all the time. Hell, maybe they're smarter. I get bit by dogs, run into ditches, cat called, and injured WAY more frequently. Of course, I can't seem to run a straight line on a treadmill, and I get bored to death. Even a mile on a treadmill and I'm ready to quit. In conclusion, I am rambling. Just be glad people are moving! We're all moving faster than those on the couch. I like the support I typically see in the running community for any kind of runner. It's great!

first off, i'm a triathlete, and i specifically tell people i'm not a runner. or a cyclist. or a swimmer.

Well , certainly then, my pardon. I might say you are all three of those things, but if that's what you prefer, then that's what you are I suppose. This whole thread has simply left me confused. I was unaware such hierarchy existed. Who is most badass? The triathlete? The marathoner? The iron man? I say yes.

there is a hierarchy, even amongst the distance athletes. many iron man triathletes say you're not a real iron man until you do Kona.

in the book "born to run" one runner interviewed is dismissive about the marathon, saying that you can barely warm up properly in the race.

Well you learn something new everyday, yes? You know who I think may be the most badass of all? People with running strollers. Man those things are a *****. Hate. them. I was so so glad when my son got too big and I was able to run loops with him along on his bike. And the double ones? I bow down to those folks. Seriously.

show previous quotes

They are both runners. They're running. They're just different kind of runners. Fitness runner. Recreational runner. Jogger. Marathoner. Triathlete. Different, yet all runners. I feel no superiority to those who run inside all the time. Hell, maybe they're smarter. I get bit by dogs, run into ditches, cat called, and injured WAY more frequently. Of course, I can't seem to run a straight line on a treadmill, and I get bored to death. Even a mile on a treadmill and I'm ready to quit. In conclusion, I am rambling. Just be glad people are moving! We're all moving faster than those on the couch. I like the support I typically see in the running community for any kind of runner. It's great!

first off, i'm a triathlete, and i specifically tell people i'm not a runner. or a cyclist. or a swimmer.

Well , certainly then, my pardon. I might say you are all three of those things, but if that's what you prefer, then that's what you are I suppose. This whole thread has simply left me confused. I was unaware such hierarchy existed. Who is most badass? The triathlete? The marathoner? The iron man? I say yes.

there is a hierarchy, even amongst the distance athletes. many iron man triathletes say you're not a real iron man until you do Kona.

in the book "born to run" one runner interviewed is dismissive about the marathon, saying that you can barely warm up properly in the race.

Well you learn something new everyday, yes? You know who I think may be the most badass of all? People with running strollers. Man those things are a *****. Hate. them. I was so so glad when my son got too big and I was able to run loops with him along on his bike. And the double ones? I bow down to those folks. Seriously.

A friend of mine, RunnerElizabeth, runs half marathons with a stroller. She's kind of a badarse.

do you ever find yourself in a conversation with someone who says they run, only to find out that it's only on the treadmill? do you immediately dismiss them as not being a real runner?

i'm not talking about jumping on the treadmill when the weather is too extreme to run outside, or for a warm up to cross/strength train. i mean the people that drive to the gym or go to their basement/garage/spare bedroom to only run on a treadmill 365 days a year.

No, but I'm not pompous.

Who gives a ****, just run.

This ^^

I have a lot of respect for people who run on the treadmill, it's tough. When I'm on a trail, I am 3 miles in and the only way for me to get out is by running. Well, I guess I could walk, but that would take FOREVER, it's already slow enough when I run it. When running on the treadmill you can hop off and leave at any time. Easy peasy. It takes a lot of determination to stay on that thing.

Ummmm wasn't it gone? :huh:

HAHAHA @ the OP. Arrogant much? A runner is a runner is a runner. I run outside and on the tm. I just think it's funny (insert sarcasm) that you think you are better than others.

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Fortunately, when I'm on the treadmill I can put in my headphones and fire up my ebook and just run in blissful ignorance of everyone who's apparently judging me for running on a treadmill.

But you know what?

1. I live in a place that's ice-and-snow covered and completely frigid for 2/3 of the year. Running through a foot of unshoveled snow or unsanded ice isn't a lot of fun for me.

2. I also live in a very urban area where running outdoors involves a lot of traffic, strangers, etc. unless I drive somewhere else.

3. At my latitude, there would be a lot of running in the dark for much of the year...and, again, lone woman in the city in the dark is something I avoid as much as possible.

4. I like to run with music...and having my headphones blaring isn't safe for outdoors either between the traffic and the people.

Add those 4 safety issues to the fact that I don't really enjoy running and just do it for my cardiovascular health...and I'm perfectly happy to just set my pace (and bonus! I know exactly how fast I'm going) and my incline (varied, but always at least a bit to compensate a bit for the treadmill-belt-propulsion) and just run while I zone out with my headphones, paying zero attention to the world around me.

It's way less excruciating than spending that time jogging at red lights, watching out for the nearby gang of teenage boys with bag-covered bottles, getting frostbite on my face in the -40 windchill and wiping out on snow-covered ice, and getting harassed by creeps on their balconies as I run by. But I'm happy to leave those experiences to "real" runners in exchange for a peaceful, safe workout.

Okay. We're all runners.

But if you have never EVER, EVER run outside....

You're not a REAL runner.

I ran after the cat once when he got out. Does that count? :bigsmile:

I run on treadmill in bad weather, and outside whenever the weather cooperates - I live in Central Alberta - so weather is kind of unpredictable.
I consider myself a runner, and although I don't have aspirations of running a marathon, i will usually run a couple of 5-8k runs every summer just for the enjoyment of getting out while the weather is nice.
I have had 2 ACL reconstructions on both knees and have intentions of running until the knees will no longer allow.....
Treadmill or outside - should not be exclusive - everybody has different reasons for when / how they run - respect to all of them

Yes, I am. I can't think of any perceptible benefit of further subdividing the subculture of runners by making it some kind of exclusive club only accessible by those who meet the ever-changing requirements of it's other members. Im sure every single one of us who considers ourselves to be runners would find that there are other runners who don't think we qualify. And for what cause? Exclusivity?

+1

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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.

This! This! This!

Yes! Yes! Yes!

I have talked to a few people who have told me they run exclusively on the treadmill... I think they are "real" runners, I just feel bad for them a little bit because the fresh air and scenery is NOTHING like running indoors on a machine. They said.... your poor thing, your knees will hate you... I thought... you poor thing, you must be bored!