I am a runner damn it!!! Rant

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

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!

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.

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 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!

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.

I LOVE Running!!!

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!

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.

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.

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.

Yes you are a runner!

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.

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