What Makes you a Runner?
I often wonder about these titles or labels that people give us. Lately, my pondering has been about running. At what point can you refer to yourself as something. At what point can others refer to you as something? (If you stick with me - I have included a few tips at the end for injury-free running!)
How does Google Quantify a Runner?
I googled “how to know you are a runner” and so many interesting things came up…
You track your mielage.
You have an opinion on running shoes.
When its easier to jog short distances than run them.
Skipping events so you can run.
You know how to fix your own injuries.
etc.
None of those are actually quantifiable… they are just thoughts and opinions and it is what comes up when you google “how do you know you are a runner?”
Another way to Decide if you are Runner?
I guess labels are based on opinions. If so, wouldn’t that mean you can form your own opinion? For me, I think about how I qualify the activity, I would apply it to a person I don’t know (this helps me take my bias out of it), and I think about the qualities one may possess in order to do that activity. But really…. this is just my opinion - you should make your own!
What is Running?
Good ol’ dictionary.com defines running as “galloping, racing, moving, or passing rapidly.” Essentially, anything faster than walking.
Qualities of a Runner (for Sport)! - According to Ashley
Someone who:
Has a goal - general or specific, small or large.
Has gear they can run with.
Has a general idea of distance.
Looks forward to going for a run.
Trains on a fairly consistent basis.
Am I a Runner?
By the definition of dictionary.com, I run.
I can put a checkmark beside each of the qualities I think of when I think of a runner.
So I suppose that does make me a runner.
So why do I not feel that way? Why do I feel like an imposter?
This is a conversation I have with so many clients - they say they are not something, but they are! I can see it! I can hear it! Maybe we need to be kinder to ourselves. Maybe we need to make a plan and have a goal. Maybe we need to define and quantify terms. Maybe we need to think about what it looks like and feels like for us to reach those goals.
Be kind to yourself, because we are our own worst critics.
Thanks for sticking with me through these musings! As promised, read below for tips for injury-free running!
Tips for Injury-Free Running
Stay hydrated!
Eat nutrient-dense foods.
Give yourself a good warm-up.
At least 5 minutes of full-body movement.
I like to include:
Double and single-leg hops on the spot.
Single leg bounds (use your arms to make it full body!).
Gentle calf stretches.
Neck and arm range circles.
Start with a slow jog.
Increase distance by no more than 10%/week
This is important to keep in mind if you are starting out OR if you have taken time off from running.
If you are first starting out, you may be starting at 1k. 10% of 1k is 0.1km. It sounds like a small number but it will add up quickly! You got this!
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Some days you have a goal and you just want to get there. Listen to your body. If you feel tired go slow or decrease your distance. If you feel pain and can’t shake it with a change in your technique - end your run. Try again tomorrow.
Seek treatment as needed.
Do something different
Training should never just be one type of running.
Play around with different speeds, distances, terrain, and of course consider cross-training!
Questions about running? Shoot me a message!
**I have been running consistently since June 2020. I ran a 5k race in 2020 and was supposed to run the 10k WFPS run in 2021. The WFPS run was canceled so I ran TWO 10k’s back to back (the second with a time of 64 minutes and 54 seconds). I am currently training to run a half this summer.
