This week in the news there were reports on the three deaths in the Detroit Marathon. These reports make running a marathon sounds very dangerous, but if you read a little more about the runs you’ll find that fatalities are rare. I’ve been reading up on marathons for a while now, and after watching the Chicago Marathon I’ve decided to add running one to my life list. I recommend watching one yourself if you get the chance to for some major inspiration.
Since I’ve started running again, and especially since watching the Chicago Marathon, I’ve been thinking about the definition of a runner.
It was at the gym not too long ago that I spotted a girl and turned to my friend and said, “Now those are some runner’s legs.” My friend looked back at me like I was crazy and said, “I thought runners were supposed to be skinny.”
I was shocked by her comment because in all honesty, this girl was in great shape. As a runner, I’ve always thought of runners as having a muscular, athletic build because that’s what I usually saw on the runners around me. Runners come in all shapes and sizes, and that is what got me asking the questions, “What (or who) is a runner?”
Personally, I have two different definitions- one for a runner and another for someone who runs.
A runner: Someone who lives and breathes running. This person looks forward to running and feels lost without it.
Someone who runs: A person who runs because they feel like they have to. This person dreads their daily run and can’t wait until it is over.
Those are pretty black and white definitions, and I definitely think there is some gray space in between there. The best part about running is that you can really start anytime you want, and if you put some effort into it you could become a runner someday.
A great way to start running is using the Galloway Method which basically uses a run/walk pattern to work you up to a higher level of running.
No comments:
Post a Comment