what makes somebody a runner?
Tue, 02/03/2010 - 10:03
What makes somebody a runner? is a runner someone that has ran since they were a teenager, someone that is tall, someone that is slim?
Wel if these are the reasons than maybe I am not a runner... I do enjoy running, I find it tough and challenging and spend some time playing mind games with myself for example convincing myslef I can make it to 5K, then 7K and sure if I've made is as far as 7K I can defiantly do the other 3k to make it 10K. Are these not the conditions every runner out there is subjected to or am I wasting my time and energy trying to make myself into somebody I'm not.
I'm in my mid 20's, I'm not tall by any means, i'll never have the figure of sonia o'sullivan no matter how hard I try (and god knows I try) but i do have determination sometimes to my detrement! I took up running about 18 months ago, it took me three months before I could run 5K without stopping and it was during this time a very goo friend of mine said those words 'I don't think your ment to be a runner' suddely i felt i had a point to prove and enrolled in the connemara half marathon and completed it in 2hrs 40mins. I was so proud of myself. It's now 12months later and my hope is to do it again this april but to knock off at least 10 and please god 20 minutes off last years time. However last night after a session with the physio once again i heard the words 'some people are not ment to be runners' and this time instead of having that fighting spirit i normally have i felt myself crash down instead. I look at the other people that took up running the same time I did, they are taller than I, they are slimmer than I precieve myself to be and they are faster. Have i just waster 18months of my life trying to reach a goal thats unachievable?
Tue, 02/03/2010 - 14:23
#2
For the silly answer, its someone who runs! Speed and distance notwithstanding.
I started 2.5 years ago in late thirties, and couldnt make it around a football pitch on the first day out, but stuck to it and have done everything from 5K to marathon and am in prep for the Connemara Ultra.
You have been to races and you see who is out running, everyone from 4ft to 7ft and all shapes iand sizes with short legs and long legs.
Being taller, with long legs can mean you get a little extra distance in stride and over a longish distance, that can make a little difference, but the biggest difference is in determination, which you seem to have in spades. Normally when out racing I pick a person in front of me and keep pushing until I catch them, then pick someone else and so on. Thats where you can drill into your will to push harder.
One thing I would say is that running is not something you should compare yourself to others, unless you are a super elite runner. There is always someone better, faster, stronger, all you can do is get better than you were previously, which is exactly your goal. you are trying to put up a PR for the distance. If you can knock off time from the previous year thats a significant improvement. I have taken 15 mins off my fist half marathon time after 2 years and thats great for me, even if the winners have had their tea, sandwiches and shower and are already on the way home.
If you are going to a physio for injury, then you are like every other runner at some point, you get injured. It happens in every sport (I pulled a muscle playing table tennis :) ) and is part and parcel, dealing with it is the only thing you have to focus on. thats usually a combination of some physical exercies, rest etc and more importantly, keeping a positive outlook. Hardest thing is to stay calm, while injured and resting, with a big race coming up. You have to tell yourself you will come back stronger.
Forget about what others think, if they are not a runner, then they dont know what it takes in terms of dedication, motivation and sheer physical exertion. I had a look at the half marathon results, 6 pages pf people finished after a time of 2:40 and a further 6 pages finished after a time of 2:20, so keep the chin up, you are doing well and improving !
Tue, 02/03/2010 - 21:06
#3
Shortlegs, the only question you should ask yourself is "Do I enjoy running?" If your answer to this is "Yes" then guess what? Your a RUNNER! 97% of us mere mortals are not natural runners, we can not run 4 min miles, or 2hr 10min marathons. What we do is get out and do something we enjoy doing.
To help us enjoy this a little more, we set ourselves these little goals such as yours, setting a PB in the Connemarathon, and WHEN you do make that goal it will feel as good as the winner of that race.
Dont allow anyone to stop you enjoying your running with their negativity! You have a great determination and spirt, and thats what makes you a great runner.
PS, im old, fat and lazy, but I will be joining you on the start line at Connemara, cause no one will tell me im not a runner!
Peadar
Tue, 02/03/2010 - 22:25
#4
Hey Shortlegs
I loved reading your story - Its great to hear how far you've come
Like one of the guys said it helps to pick runners to focus on and work towards in training or races but just with myself I think my biggest opponent is me. Dont worry about comparing yourself to other runners. At the end of the day it sounds like you love and enjoy your running and if it helps you to live better and get more from life then run - Oh but make sure and get your injury sorted with your physio first !!
I found this
"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
Best of luck for Connemara
Eilis
Tue, 02/03/2010 - 22:59
#5
God shortlegs like it says on the Connemara FAQ if you have to ask then your a runner! You sound like a runner, not everyone can win the race but does that mean the rest of us arnt enjoying trying our very best? I am nothing like Sonia O'Sullivan either but then here's the thing she is in return nothing like me! We are all unique and thats what makes us interesting. That's what keeps us persuing our own goals! I'll never be a racehorse I'm a donkey but I love running so because I'll never win a race will I stop? I sure as hell won't! I'm happy to keep on going and if I have a bad race, bad day, bad run I come here to like minded people and soon I'm back on track! I'm also aspiring to do the Ultra and really doubted myself and my ability to do it and was ready to throw in the towel, my non running friends think I'm mad and should give up but then one person believed in me and that was all it took, then other runners plied on the support and now I can't wait. Everyday people will qusetion why you do what we do "run" but very few understand its simply because we love it. Tall short small fat what does it matter so long as we enjoy it. I recon you will do very well in this race you seem to be like me a bit tell me I can't and I'll show you i did! Good luck with your running and keep on enjoying it, See you in Connamara yvonne
Wed, 03/03/2010 - 09:17
#6
Hi All, Just want to say a huge thank you to all of you for your comments and inspiration. Your right I need to stop comparing myself to other people and be proud of the goals that I achieve.
This time yesterday I was about to hang up my runners, but late yesterday evening I read your comments and I felt so much better. I set the alarm for early this morning and in the pouring rain I hit the road beofre work for a very enjoyable run.
Thanks again, really appreciate the words of encouragement, best of luck to you all with your training and see you at connemara ; )
Wed, 03/03/2010 - 21:07
#7
Shortlegs, I started to walk, then run, last year. I weighed 139 Kgs and was very unhealthy. I now weigh 105 Kgs and am on target with my long runs for the Half Marathon. Every time I go out running some young buck goes bounding past me. Sometimes they are older than me (I'm 41) and still go bounding past me. I don't care. I do 10 minute miles on my long runs and at the mo I am happy with that. Sometimes I even pass others out. Thing is, we're all different. Don't care what the others are doing. Your biggest challenge will always be against yourself. Your hardest critic will always be yourself. If you enjoy it, do it. When I'm out on a run and I hit a personal wall I force myself to smile. Then I think about last year when I was only walking and tell myself how good I'm doing now. Whether you're a runner or a walker doesn't really matter, as long as you are happy and enjoying it. My goal is to finish the Half marathon. If I do that I'll be happy. If I get in and around the 2 hour mark, better again. Fair play to anybody that gets up off the couch and does their thing, be it table tennis, soccer, hurling or running. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and set your goals. In the end it will make you happy. Regards, Oisín
Thu, 04/03/2010 - 14:49
#8
Great Reply Oisin
Sat, 06/03/2010 - 16:04
#9
Hi shortlegs, I started running also last year and had to put up with all the negative remarks and the demeaning looks of disapprovement. I run for me and my health which is all that matters. My wife and kids love the fact that they now have a happy stress free husband/dad to live with and also the fact that we have found a new way to socialise as a family. I have been told on many occasions that i am not a runner, yet i am the one that has ran a marathon and finished it. The one thing that matters is your only judge should be yourself and only yourself, so enjoy your running and forget the begrudgers. Best of luck in Connemara, i am entred for the full marathon and hope to enjoy the day out and hopefully better my dublin time of 4.23. James B
Sun, 07/03/2010 - 21:35
#10
Short legs go for it! I bet I have even shorter legs than you. Being female and 5'1" doesn't give you long legs. I'm not that fast either but always love when I pass one of those long legged runners. I did the half marathon last year in 2 hours and 6 minutes. If you enjoy running then you are a runner.
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No way shortlegs, we are all runners we just go at different paces. To go from running 5k to a tough half marathon is good going. We all have doubts you just need to keep plugging away and you will get there. All the best.
Liam