What a load of c**p.Why? 1. RED LINE A MARATHON. This implies that if you haven't done a marathon you will never be considererd a real runner? I have serious problems with that definition (despite having done one myself). 2. SERVE ON A RACE COMMITTEE How does this have any impact on a runner's ability or times? It may help someone understand the behind the scenes, but I fail to see how this helps someone understand the scene better. 3. LEARN TO SCORE A CROSS-COUNTRY MEET. If you're not going to do cross-country races, why bother? 4. LEARN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NAMES. See #2. 5. RUN IN A CROSS-COUNTRY RACE. See #3. 6. TRAIN FOR AND RACE A MILE ON THE TRACK. This one, maybe applicable. 7. GRAB SOME FRIENDS AND RUN IN A RELAY. How is this helpful? 8. KEEP A TRAINING LOG FOR A YEAR. This I do, and this is the only one I really say YES HE'S RIGHT. It's amazing the amount of data I get on my improvements and past training methods by analyzing that log. 9. WATCH BOTH PREFONTAINE MOVIES. Please. Watching a movie is going to make me a better runner? I have my own motivations; a movie isn't going to instill them in me. 10. SPEND BOSTON WEEKEND IN BOSTON. The prestige of Boston is earning a berth. The race is the icing on the cake. More to the point, see #2. My biggest problem and why I call this c**p? "Real runner". This should be "Real Elite Runner", or "Serious Winning Runner", or "Obsessed and Not Doing Anything Else Runner". To say that you are not a real runner because you don't run 50+ miles a week, bonk at mile 20, or run marathons is bullsh!t. To suggest you'll become a better runner by racing in races unlike your normal ones just to say you did it is bullsh!t. To say you're a "runner wannabe" because you don't follow these "rules" is bullsh!t. I take offense that because I don't know the who's who makes my training less that I'm not a "real" runner. I put in my road time, and I work really hard at improving. I'm never going to win a race, so I don't really care who does. I focus on my OWN performance. Again, this is c**p.
I'll never be a real runner according to this guy and I couldn't care less.
I don't know who the elites are either nationally, internationally or locally although I know a few local ones when I see them - just don't know names.
I redline every race I run - if you don't then you aren't racing IMO. I have never run a race just to finish. You don't need to enter a marathon to prove you can run 26.2 miles.....
I have a competitive side to me that keeps me racing but not all that interested in being part of the "run crowd".
I don't know who the elites are either nationally, internationally or locally although I know a few local ones when I see them - just don't know names.
I redline every race I run - if you don't then you aren't racing IMO. I have never run a race just to finish. You don't need to enter a marathon to prove you can run 26.2 miles.....
I have a competitive side to me that keeps me racing but not all that interested in being part of the "run crowd".
I for one am so sick of the "Boston" mentality of people. As if that is the be all end all of races. I do not care if I ever run it. Okay I am not fast enough to be in it but who cares.
To those that are fast enough congrats but some people who dedicate everything they have about it just seem to be obsessive about it. Gosh there are numerous other marathons to run.
I would rather run NYC with all the neighborhoods and people as opposed to boston.
The olympics are one thing but Boston
otherwise pretty good, except the red line thing. You can have all of that training.
To those that are fast enough congrats but some people who dedicate everything they have about it just seem to be obsessive about it. Gosh there are numerous other marathons to run.
I would rather run NYC with all the neighborhoods and people as opposed to boston.
The olympics are one thing but Boston
otherwise pretty good, except the red line thing. You can have all of that training.
Well said, copper. I have much respect for a certain runner here because she's done an ironman, despite her never qualifying for Boston.
sorry Cheryl if it seems we (i) am picking on you not what is intended. these are just my views. No, I'm fine, I didn't write it! I posted it so people could argue for or against it! We're good. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Runner X i tend to agree with more. I think i have 10 out of 10 there.
was making ans studying graph's just this week. I do RED LINE races, EVERYRACE is redlined. but that is my nature.
I think you mean MechEngDropout? :shrug:
I was going to post some epic disertation on this, but I've decided not to (for those that asked).
Let me just say that each person needs to decide for themselves what running, or anything else for that matter, means to them. This includes how much priority you place on it, what your goals are, and how you want to approach the sport. There is no clear definitions for what it means to be a real runner, serious, competitive, elite, etc. It really makes no sense to try to categorize those words.
I do find it a shame that more people don't seriously persue being competitive as a runner. However, that doesn't mean there is anything wrong with not doing that. For me running is my thing, but that isn't the case for most people. I do think it is unfortunate that the current running culture and society in general in the US discourages people from really being serious as a runner. Galloway and others have done a great job at making marathoning accessible to the public, but I do beleive this causes many people to fail to look beyond this really challenge themselves. The standard for what is expected has been significantly lowered in exchange for having more people experience the achievement of completing a marathon.
I was going to give my own list, but I really don't have a list of what it means to be a "real" or "serious" runner. My list is what it takes to be competitive at the highest level that you can.
Let me just say that each person needs to decide for themselves what running, or anything else for that matter, means to them. This includes how much priority you place on it, what your goals are, and how you want to approach the sport. There is no clear definitions for what it means to be a real runner, serious, competitive, elite, etc. It really makes no sense to try to categorize those words.
I do find it a shame that more people don't seriously persue being competitive as a runner. However, that doesn't mean there is anything wrong with not doing that. For me running is my thing, but that isn't the case for most people. I do think it is unfortunate that the current running culture and society in general in the US discourages people from really being serious as a runner. Galloway and others have done a great job at making marathoning accessible to the public, but I do beleive this causes many people to fail to look beyond this really challenge themselves. The standard for what is expected has been significantly lowered in exchange for having more people experience the achievement of completing a marathon.
I was going to give my own list, but I really don't have a list of what it means to be a "real" or "serious" runner. My list is what it takes to be competitive at the highest level that you can.
ten things
1. Run
2. Rest
3. Relax
4. Take a vacation
5. Race
6. Plan
7. Sleep
8. Eat
9. Drink
10. I can only come up with 9. Oh, I know! :naughty:
There is ten things every runner ought to do.
1. Run
2. Rest
3. Relax
4. Take a vacation
5. Race
6. Plan
7. Sleep
8. Eat
9. Drink
10. I can only come up with 9. Oh, I know! :naughty:
There is ten things every runner ought to do.
I think you mean MechEngDropout? :shrug:
i should read a little closer, i thought this was your typing, Plus on the entry review your right on the MachEng Dropout. i'll go to my corner and shut up now.
i should read a little closer, i thought this was your typing, Plus on the entry review your right on the MachEng Dropout. i'll go to my corner and shut up now.
i should read a little closer, i thought this was your typing, Plus on the entry review your right on the MachEng Dropout. i'll go to my corner and shut up now.
Are you a real poster?
Are you a real poster?
Mr. Hall is describing running as a comprehensive lifestyle which is absolutely fine for those of us that can embrace it. for others, such as myself who can not, at this stage of their life, even attempt to meet his criteria, it sends a clear, resounding message to my brain: YOU. QUILT. NOW.
ALL OF YOU!!!
EVERY ONE of you are "REAL RUNNERS"
However humble you aspirations, whatever your ability.
SEE YOURSELF AS A "REAL RUNNER"
EVERY ONE of you are "REAL RUNNERS"
However humble you aspirations, whatever your ability.
SEE YOURSELF AS A "REAL RUNNER"
ugh!
i guess i'm not a real runner....all those hours i put in each week amount to nothing.....
because for me, running is about the enjoyment, and all the nice benefits you get from it....
but because i'm not a marathoner i'm not a real runner....
that list is incorrect......
i guess i'm not a real runner....all those hours i put in each week amount to nothing.....
because for me, running is about the enjoyment, and all the nice benefits you get from it....
but because i'm not a marathoner i'm not a real runner....
that list is incorrect......
it's just a frick-fracking list. If anything, I think it's more of a guideline to the more "serious" that says "hey, you, do something different.....have fun". I did a 5k cc a few years ago in my late 30s, holey c**p.....it was hard. Holy c**p it was humbling. Someone asked what I "expected" before the race. I said "oh sub-20, no problem....blah, blah" Well, I ran cc in hs and obviously forgot how difficult suddenly changes in terrain could be for a person that is all about "even pacing" Did I learn something. Heck ya! Being on the prerace committee of a triathlon, I learned how tough it can be to deal with uptight, nervous athletes. (I got yelled at because they didn't like where I put their number, or how I wrote it on their legs).
I'm like Rob....I "knew" I was a runner before reading this list. However, I have to admit some of the items on the list that I did, that were out of the ordinary of lining up for a road race has given me different perspectives....some not all that good......ahem *relays*
if I'm to be on a relay with anyone on this site, I expect two things 1)be there, when I get there, and 2)don't cut the course. I've had the experience of having someone blow both of these in one race. (and deny, that he committed either). Nothing like being in an exchange zone for 4 minutes calling someone's name and he suddenly appears and says "where were you?" :umno:
Exactly why I posted this (a million years ago), just an awakening to all of us get out of whatever rut you're in, to remind you there are SO many aspects to this sport. I by no means have done all of those and don't think you have to have to be a "real runner" (what does that even mean?), but the idea to try all of them is a good one I think. :shrug:
(from Inside Texas Running magazine....discuss)
10 things real runners must do
By Harry Hall
10 things you must do!!! Do it and keep your own rules, tell your husband or boyfriend that he "must" do these things.
I run by myself, coach, motivate, train, and account to myself. I dont answer to you or follow your silly mandates. I run anyway I want, never plan on volunteering, read books nor watch your movies.
I run because I like to run and I run well. I could care less about who runs with me or who supports me. Crowds in a marathon do nothing for me nor can they stop me. If keeping your commandments makes you and your followers happy, stay off my path.