The longer I run, the more I get to know other runners. And I have started to notice they fall into certain categories.
1. The hardcore badass : This type of runner takes great pride in running through injury, pushing through the pain, and letting everyone who will listen know just how hardcore they are. They seem to wear their high threshold for pain like a badge of honor, and f-you if you aren't impressed. It's all about the miles, and how tough they can be. This runner sucks the joy out of running, for example " Man I had a HARD run this morning. One of my feet fell right off, but I just pushed through it. I'll fix it up with an ace bandage and be ready for my ultramarathon by Saturday."
2. The t-shirt collector: This is the person who signs up for 5K's and fun runs so they can wear the t-shirt around town. They plod through the race slowly, and walk most of it. Usually expectantly waiting for others to notice the race shirt and be impressed.
3. The overgeared: This person is the ninny who falls for every new running related contraption that comes out. They have more running gear than Luke's locker, but haven't ever run farther than 3 miles. Every time their motivation lags, they trot down to the local sporting goods store in search of something new to add to the collection.
4. The overenthusiast: I think at some point, most new runners fit here. They are so excited about the sport that it's all they eat, sleep and breathe. It's all they talk about, and it seems to be the pinnacle of their very existence. Their whole identity in life revolves around running, and anyone who will listen gets an earful of how wonderful their first 4 mile run felt etc. Sort of like adolence for atheletes. Luckily most of us mature past this phase and are thankful our friends put up with us while we're here.
5. The truly dedicated: Most of my friends who run fit here. They are dedicated to their weekly miles, and do so because they love it. They don't care if it's impressive to other people, they do it for themselves. These are the lifelong participants. These are the ones who are out there year after year slowly improving, and feeling happy in their own accomplishments. This is where I fit.
good summary and one that holds up year to year. We all bounce in and out of these 5 categories at some point in our time running. I've certainly been in #2 & #3 and to a lesser extent #4 in my lifetime and I am learning what #5 is about again and doing things for the right reasons in running, tris and in life in general.
ReplyDeleteFor the record - running is still my least favorite part of the tri race and the training. hoping to recapture some of the love you have for it this off season.