When did you start calling yourself a runner?
exwilson
Posts: 154 Member
I've been running for around 2 years now. I've got 2 half-marathons under my belt (PR 1:56). Several 5Ks (PR 23:54) and I'm signed up for my first full marathon in October. I run at least 10 miles per week when not training. Right now I'm running 15-20 and it keeps going up as I start training. I love to run.
But I don't consider myself a runner.
So I guess my question is, when did you first starting calling yourself a runner?
But I don't consider myself a runner.
So I guess my question is, when did you first starting calling yourself a runner?
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Replies
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The minute I was able to run 1 1/2 miles with out passing out on the ground in a pool of my own vomit cough (running used to be my down fall during military PRTs).0
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After I ran my first marathon I felt like a legit runner.0
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Waiting until I hopefully finish a half-marathon in late July and go out and buy a 13.1 sticker and place it on my car. (Ran about 9 miles yesterday morning so I'm well on my way to getting there).0
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When I developed the discipline to go out and run even when I didn't want to.0
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I called myself a runner when I realized I had just placed 3rd for my division in a 5K. I decided I couldn't NOT call myself a runner after that, as it would be incredibly insulting to those who did not rank, who considered themselves runners. If they were runners, so was I. It didn't feel genuine to me yet.
I didn't really FEEL like a runner until started running double-digit miles comfortably though. The other day I posted on Facebook that I did an "easy 14-miler". My workouts sound very pretentious now. It's one thing to post on Facebook that I ran a whole mile without stopping, like I did in the beginning. People can relate to that. But only another runner can relate to the type of running I do now, and that's when I really felt like a runner... when it became pointless to even talk about it to people who don't run.0 -
When I reached 40 mpw for the first time.0
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... when it became pointless to even talk about it to people who don't run.
Soooooo true! That's why I don't really post about my running on FB but harass my MFP friends with it :laugh:0 -
I called myself a runner when I realized I had just placed 3rd for my division in a 5K. I decided I couldn't NOT call myself a runner after that, as it would be incredibly insulting to those who did not rank, who considered themselves runners. If they were runners, so was I. It didn't feel genuine to me yet.
I didn't really FEEL like a runner until started running double-digit miles comfortably though. The other day I posted on Facebook that I did an "easy 14-miler". My workouts sound very pretentious now. It's one thing to post on Facebook that I ran a whole mile without stopping, like I did in the beginning. People can relate to that. But only another runner can relate to the type of running I do now, and that's when I really felt like a runner... when it became pointless to even talk about it to people who don't run.
Haha
The humblebrag is definitely a sign of a runner (I only did 10mi at 8:30 pace so sloooooowwwww) 0 -
OH! Almost forgot to add these... when I started logging the miles I ran in my shoes, so I knew when to replace them.
And when my husband ordered me a pair of my running shoes as a present (you're a runner when people know to just buy you new gear for your birthday or anniversary LOL)
And when I started logging my miles per week, and my workouts had names (Oh, it's Tuesday Tempo Run Day!)0 -
I still don't. I don't have any idea at what point I ever will but I don't feel comfortable calling myself a runner at this point. It's totally personal to me and is not reflected in how I think of others who do feel comfortable calling themselves runners.0
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I called myself a runner when I realized I had just placed 3rd for my division in a 5K. I decided I couldn't NOT call myself a runner after that, as it would be incredibly insulting to those who did not rank, who considered themselves runners. If they were runners, so was I. It didn't feel genuine to me yet.
I didn't really FEEL like a runner until started running double-digit miles comfortably though. The other day I posted on Facebook that I did an "easy 14-miler". My workouts sound very pretentious now. It's one thing to post on Facebook that I ran a whole mile without stopping, like I did in the beginning. People can relate to that. But only another runner can relate to the type of running I do now, and that's when I really felt like a runner... when it became pointless to even talk about it to people who don't run.
Haha The humblebrag is definitely a sign of a runner (I only did 10mi at 8:30 pace so sloooooowwwww)
I love a good humblebrag from my running friends! It's weird how we're all just actually genuinely proud of each other's accomplishments, but our friends roll their eyes and wish we'd shut up already LOL0 -
I should rephrase my comment to this....
I became a runner when I could finally relate to this:
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I guess for me it was when people started asking me about running....and when I had to name a few goals in my life, 1 or 2 always had something to do with running.
Someday I hope to get to call myself an "elite" runner. haha...maybe...I COULD get there...maybe...0 -
I think I finally felt like a runner after I completed my first marathon.
But, I've been calling myself a runner since my first 1/2 marathon.0 -
There is a part of me that thinks I am not a real runner because I haven't ran a marathon yet.
But then again, I have a Pinterest board dedicated to running quotes, so...0 -
Probably this past winter... Had a mild epiphany when I realized I was running after work in the dark... with a headlamp... and spandex tights... with temperatures below freezing... and flurries flying in my face so I had to squint to see ahead of me... and I was loving it.
Still remember it. Was like running through that starfield screen-saver I had on my PC in the 90's.0 -
When I was able to run without feeling like I was going to die and when it became part of my routine.
However, I don't consider myself a very good runner, but I do consider myself a runner.0 -
I started calling myself a runner about 3 months into my running - I had finished C25K and was part way through B210K.
I realized that I didn't need the training plan to make me go out and run... I wanted to do it because I loved running.
At that point I decided I was a runner, though I still had my doubts.
About 5 months later, I finally really believed it myself. Training for my first HM, I got up before dawn, went outside in a light cold drizzle and even though my mind was saying "Go back inside and go to bed", my body - my legs - just started to run and I went and completed the 4 mile run.
I felt so awesome that day.
Threads like this always give me an opportunity to post my favorite running quote:
"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."0 -
When I moved beyond a yearly slow 5k to (still slow) 10k, 10 milers and 1/2 marathons.0
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I started running to lose weight. I started at about 270 and since then have completed 2 half marathons and doing a full in November. I still feel uncomfortable calling myself a runner because I still have fat I need to lose.0
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Lol ummm I don't really know this answer. I guess when people started asking me... "Are you a runner?" I usually had some lengthy explanation like "well I run but I don't run like marathons or anything" type of BS. But the more I was asked this question, the more comfortable I just felt saying "yes" & getting on with it. As soon as I started responding yes, I Probably started referring to myself as a runner.
In my view, anyone who runs, is a "runner". It's like anyone who eats drinks could be called a "drinker".. But are they "drunk" "alcoholic" "social drinker" etc is the important follow up question.
I'm a marathon manic.. So I guess you could say this running thing has gotten out of control 0 -
I think the most I felt like a runner was in the winter, training for the half in Feb took serious dedication. AT the time I was doing a 2.5hr each way commute, leaving home at 5:30am and not getting back until 7pm. I'd then get in, get changed and head out for a run. It dawned on me one evening when I left for an 8 mile LSR - in the dark, in the rain, in the cold - that I must either be mad or I must be a runner.
I'm still not sure which it is, although saying "I'm a runner" is (marginally) more acceptable socially than saying "I am mad".0 -
I'm still not sure which it is, although saying "I'm a runner" is (marginally) more acceptable socially than saying "I am mad".
Most of my non running (and a few of my running) friends tell me I'm mad on a regular basis. They are synonymous. :glasses:0 -
When I realised I was modifying my schedule to ensure I had time for my runs, and just how cranky I got/get if something interfered with my run at the last minute.0
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Threads like this always give me an opportunity to post my favorite running quote:
"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."
I love that quote.
I knew I was a running from the first day I laced up those shoes and had the intestinal fortitude to run out in public no matter what I looked like or what others thought of me passing by.
Now, addicted to running, yes to many things I've read here:
I don't like to be called a "jogger" there is no such thing.
I get cranky if I don't run, if I feel cranky and can swing it, I will go run.
I alter my waking times in order to fit the things in that need to get down during a day or to do things with my son for the summer.
All my friends at work know I run and send new runners in my direction.
I'm sure there are more........*sigh*0 -
Threads like this always give me an opportunity to post my favorite running quote:
"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."
There was a day when I was doing the Couch to 5K program when I realized that I loved running and there was just this sense that there my "inner runner" was being set free at last, after years of being smothered in an overweight and sedentary body. O my g....that was an awesome day.
Then this spring, after a few years of not running, I kept feeling this urge to run. I mean, I'd be walking through work or the supermarket or whatever....and I just wanted to break out into a run. It was like that "inner runner" was screaming, "Let me out!"
Wait. This sounds totally bonkers, doesn't it? But someone said something in this thread about being mad, didn't they?
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My biggest realisation that I was a runner was tonight when I was doing the dishes and saw the note I left my OH on Sunday.
'Gone to running thing
be home between 2 -3pm'
I got a call at 4pm that arvo asking where I was. When I said I did one more even that planned, all I got was an 'Oh ok;' And I wasn't even in trouble when I got home.
When 'Running thing' is an easier explanation than what is actually happening and your OH accepts it. You're definitely a runner!0 -
I started calling myself a runner when I just felt like I had to run. I felt weird on the days I didn't run and always felt great after a run. Running is very much a part of me now.
It boosts my spirits, helps me relieve stress, keeps me in shape, I could go on and on.0 -
When I decided that I loved to run. When I wasn't doing it for exercise or because I was training for something. When it became a part of me and I identified with it. This was before I completed my first half and at this point in my life, I have no intentions of ever attempting a marathon.0
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When I joined a running club, on the advice of people on here ( thanks dave)0
