What Defines a Runner?

I think of a runner as someone who has running as their ultimate goal. My SIL is a basketball player, and she runs sometimes just to keep her fitness up. I don't think of her as a runner because thats not what she is working toward. Its not a bad thing, it just is. I don't think it matters if you're getting ready for a race or just trying meet a time/mileage goal. Or whatever shoes you wear. I've never heard that one.

If you lace on the shoes and sprint off, you're a runner. Any brand of athletic shoes!

I rock out to yoga booty ballet in my living room once a week. I have no idea what I look like but it's fun! I love to dance even if I have two left feet :)

I still remain uncoordinated but I have lots of fun.

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It would be perfect! But sadly, it doesn't always work that way...I think we need to live our lives the best we can, do what we enjoy, and not worry about others think...

Zumba! I hear great things about it! And have been trying to get to a class for months. But it's never at the right time. One of these days my uncordinated feet will try to dance to the beat :)

I think there is an elitism in everything! I would love it if people would see each other equally as God sees us but then this would be a perfect world wouldn't it?

I'm not a runner but a Zumba-er and a walker. Love them both.

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I am very thankful to the sales clerk. She is a sneaker expert and was able to save my shins from falling off and my knees cracking at every step.

It's funny when I think of Elitism in sports to me it should mean the best of the best on how far and fast they run. It's not what they are wearing on their feet but how they move which makes them an Elite athlete at the top of their game.

But after trying on the Nike Free 3.0, it couldn't be more of a falsehood.
I started running last year and have dipped into barefooting, as well. Love.it.
There is elitism in all sports, it's part of the competitive nature of sport, I think.
I wear the shoes that the running store lady chooses based on the list of ailments I give her, and when they look and feel right, I thank them. {to put it simply}
I don't care what anyone thinks. I'm a mom. I run. I'm a runner.
Good luck in your 10K!

is making a come back. But I'm too old to try it. My knees and ankles need all the support they can get!

Kudos to the purist! But I think it's silly to claim if you only run barefoot you are a true runner. I firmly believe if your heart rate is pumping and you run on average basis then you are runner :)

You are off to a great start. I remember how hard my first mile was but I stuck with it. It does get easier! I now love that I'm going a little further in distance and get to explore parts of the neighborhood that I never new existed before....

I think if you work hard, sweat, and run. You can call yourself a runner. I know there are elitists out there so I just thumb my nose at them ;)

getting back into running! I hope you stick with it! There is something special about an old pair of shoes, they are broken in just the you like them, and they have lots of memories from the miles you put into them.

What about those who run barefoot? They might say anyone who wears shoes is a non-runner! People and their silly preconceived notions!

I have two 10km back to back and excited to complete them. I'm nervous but I know if I stick to my running schedule I can do it. Just like the little engine that could :)

You are right dedication and form are what makes you a runner. If you enjoy what you do - do it! I don't think a label defines you.

I just read your post and I can't believe someone had the nerve to say that...Congrats on your marathon! That is amazing goal to accomplish regardless of time or training miles. I believe running is about your personal best and meeting your own goals! And if you run, you are a runner :)

I just wrote a post about what defines a runner: http://culdesacmom.blogspot.com/2011/04/in-with-ol... . I do think there is elitism in every sport, but I'm new to running, so I haven't heard the Nike shoe comment before. Sounds silly to me! I agree with you...if you run, you're a runner! :)

Pamela from Musings of a Cul-de-sac Mom
http://culdesacmom.blogspot.com 

I recently started running in my quest for a healthier lifestyle. My current post http://bit.ly/iaVnWU is about my journey in running. I have the same old sad shoes I've had for a few years, so it goes to show how much they've been used!

I have heard the same stuff about nikes. While I prefer asics all the way, I certainly don't think anyone who feels comfortable is another brand is any less of a runner! I think it is the dedication and form that makes you a runner.
Good luck on your 10k next month!

LOVE this post. I totally just had an encounter with a rude commentor on my blog www.runningwithsass.com ( http://www.runningwithsass.com ) and we discussed this VERY topic. I think if you run, you are a runner! period!

that marketing has become such a part of peoples lives that they can only identify who they are through what they wear. I think we should do a blindfolded sneaker test to see if you can differentiate between sneakers? I bet it would be tough!

I thought you "were" a runner... What a shocking realization that despite all your runs, now, because you bought a "non-runners" sneakers we (and you) learn that you aren't. Amazing.... What a difference a sneaker makes, huh?

If this wasn't so funny, it would be so sad.... I wonder who came up with this idea - another sneaker manufacturer? Sadly, I think there is elitism everywhere.