What Kind of Runner Are You?

1. The Pro Runner

For the pro, running is their passion and their paychecque. They prefer the term “athlete” to “runner”. When it comes to training, goals are often set by the coach. Each training session is especially designed so that over hundreds of hours of training a few seconds may be shaved from the pro’s fastest time. Long-distance pro’s often cross the finish line before the majority of the spectators have finished their Sunday morning latte and made it down to watch the race. This is a shame for potential spectators because the pro is perhaps one of only 0.01% of the population that looks good in lycra pants/ very little shorts. The pro would rather have a massage, snack and nap rather than play Killer Uno. Often heard using the words: “prize money, travel, Olympics, sponsorship…” and “yes coach”.

2. The Challenger

For the challenger, running is a battle. Challengers hate it when people ask them if they jog. They don’t jog; they run. They set their own goals and their greatest hurdle is to keep them high enough to keep them motivated but low enough to be achieved. Each training session has a purpose. There are long runs, speed sessions, hill workouts, progression runs, recovery runs… The Challenger is the group most likely to curse spectators in a distance race, especially if they know they’re off pace. Occasionally, they dare to wear lycra or scandalous shorts on race day but often put on 13% of their body weight within 8 weeks afterwards when they stop being so obsessed with diet and nutrition. They have no idea how anyone would have time for Killer Uno between the commitments of work, training and keeping up a bare minimum of social appearances. Often heard using the phrases: “it’s not painful, just uncomfortable,” and “I can’t believe it… only 97 days until the next marathon.”

3. The Rec Runner

The recreational runner keeps running as a regular part of their life because they enjoy it. They run at the beach, on trails, at the park or just around the block. More likely to train with friends, the rec runner appreciates the bagel, coffee and conversation after the run as much as the training run itself. They will probably sign up for the annual fun run in their city, dragging along as many family members as possible. They’re more likely to “run for a cause” and love a good crowd atmosphere. (Also more likely to use beer as a carb-loading strategy pre-race as well as for re-hydration afterwards.) Many runners in this category are naturally talented runners and may post better times than the challengers. (They just don’t care so much…) The rec runner wouldn’t mind seeing Killer Uno incorporated into a running event…perhaps a game at every mile just to add some fun and variety? Often used hearing the works: “weekend run, trails”… and “Yay! A relay?! Sounds fabulous! Of course I will sign up!”

4. The Non Runner

The non runner is offended that the author seems to be poking fun at Killer Uno. They often enjoy sports, watching the State of Origin religiously. The non runner may also be into sports themselves- soccer, surfing, gym, yoga…. they simply have no desire to run. The non runner secretly wonders when the pro will get a real job (yes, but what are you going to do after London 2012?). They have no idea of why the challenger sacrifices so much for such a seemingly small returns. And think that maybe the rec runner would prefer something a little less sweaty?! The non runner is happy to skip the morning workout, and meet up for the 9:45am coffee and bagel afterwards. Often heard using phrases such as: “Yeah, I went for a jog one day….” & “so how long is a marathon anyway…?!”