Tag: I am a Runner

Inspired by John Bingham’s RW column No Need for Speed, I’ve come up with this new tagging game which I’ve entitled, simply, “I am a Runner”.

To hear it from Bingham quote the late Dr. George Sheehan, beloved Runner’s World columnist, who once wrote that the difference between a runner and a jogger was a signature on a race application. As succinct as Dr. Sheehan’s definition was, it made the point. If you are motivated enough to train for and participate in an organized running event, then you are a runner. Anyone willing to risk public failure in order to be part of the running community – no matter what his or her pace per mile might be – was a runner. Period. (NNFS, 2007)

To Bingham, though, such definitions are meaningless, since those who call themselves runners already know why they call themselves runners. So starts our game on why we call ourselves runners. Here’s mine for a start:

I AM A RUNNER because I chose to be one. Not simply content with jogging, I assumed that by increasing my pace a bit than a jogger’s trot I would eventually maximize myself into following the footsteps, and footfalls, of the elite runners of this generation. Of course, at my age, I couldn’t keep up with that, but heck, I did some heavy running myself so that’s why I am far better than the ordinary jogger.

I AM A RUNNER because I name my runs. I call my long runs, long runs. I call my training runs, training runs. I call my race runs, well, race runs. Get the picture. Ask a jogger what he calls his runs and prepare for a blank, clueless stare.

I AM A RUNNER because I dress up in running outfits. Never have I done a run without my technical gear in tow. From shirt up to running shorts and socks and shoes below, all are my running paraphernalia for the day. Throw in my runner’s watch and iPod sports kit then I am more than prepped all the time to do my “named” runs.

I AM A RUNNER because I wear shoes that are really for running, and not for malling, or whatever. I am not akin to those who buy running and training shoes just to show off their gear. Nor am I one who wears shoes just because I need to. I wear my runners because I have to. They are my most important equipment. They have been with me through all my training runs and my racing runs. Where else should they be used for?

I AM A RUNNER because I get to spout some cool scientific stuff when asked to. I can use accelerated heart rate and fartlek runs in one sentence. There, you see. I know what it means to check my burn calorie ratio and time my tempo runs. I also know what “Dryfit” and “Coolmax” means. And Huaraches, Air Maxes, Adistars, Zooms, and Waves.

I AM A RUNNER because I take care of my body and I listen to it and feel what it demands of me. I take no chances of over-exerting myself but nor will I under-emphasize the potential of it achieving the maximum level of fitness. I keep my body in check. I respect it for what it is. I take no chances if it tells me to. I know that once my body gives up, then I am no more a runner.

I AM A RUNNER because I value the the willingness of the running community to embrace you whatever you are. I have seen and met all kinds of people, runners all, from all walks of life and denominations. I have run alongside the good, the bad, the smelly, the comic, the ingrate, the weirdo, the infirm. I have joined the company of real people as well as the shallow ones. I have nurtured the spirit of camaraderie and esprit-de-corps of this fraternity, and sorority, of runners. I have run with them all.

I AM A RUNNER because I know that if one day I finally stop, then I may not be the runner anymore. And what would I be and have become by then?

I AM A RUNNER because I run. I may not run fast, but heck, I can run the way I want to. And I don’t need to run fast to get to where am going, right?

I AM A RUNNER because I am free to do as such. And no one can take that away from me. As God is my witness, I am sure He, too, would have wanted me to continue running.

So, tell me your reasons, too. I tag The Bull Runner.