What kind of runner are you? (or what kind do you want to be?)

Are you running to be fit and strong? Do you run races just to finish? Are you in competition with yourself…and maybe the person in front of you? If you answered yes to any of these questions  then you are a runner like me

I am what you might call a casual runner, or a “so-so serious” runner. I compete with myself. I don’t focus on breaths per 3 strides. (How does one count steps and breathe and run??) I don’t calculate VO2 max or increase my pace by 3% on interval days. I just run. I know when I need to run hard and fast, and when I need to run slow and steady. I try not to analyze it too much. I do follow a training plan when I have a specific goal in mind but for the most part I like to keep it simple.

Don’t get me wrong, I obviously love the sport (or why would I be writing about it) and I love reading about the latest and greatest updates on training, but I prefer not to complicate things with statistics and percentages.  

I want to inspire and motivate runners of all abilities, to be the best runner they can be. But let’s face it, I’m not going to the Olympics, or want to for that matter.  Personally, I would love to qualify for Boston, will I ?, probably not. :-/.  And that is okay.

Update: I did qualify for Boston. The lesson here is to never sell yourself short. Set your goals high and work hard towards them. 

We run to stay fit, feel strong, better ourselves, de-stress, and probably… eat more. Most of us are not out there to break any records, except maybe our own personal record (PR). We run our own race.

I started this blog because I want to share what I know and love (hate) about running, hoping to inspire others to run…walk, hike, cycle, do yoga… to just be healthy. I believe everyone can be a runner (and want them to be), but I get that some people just are not runners (and don’t want to be). So while this is primarily a blog about running, I want you to be the best you that you can be.

So back to the question….What kind of runner are you?

• Do you want to burn calories and get a cardio workout 2 or 3 days a week?  That’s great! You can continue to grow as a runner by including speed work or intervals. (see my post Running Jargon Defined). You don’t need to run 7 days a week to be a runner. You just need to run to be a runner. 🙂
• Do you want to run and be done?  3.1 miles is the perfect distance for you.  It’s definitely a doable distance for a new runner or for someone short on time. Find training tips at Run your first 5k in 6 weeks.
• Are you competitive? Maybe you should train to place in your age category. 5k’s and 10k’s are great for competing. Follow me for inspiration and recipes to fuel you throughout your training.
• Do you prefer to connect with nature? Try trail running! Check out Rock it Racing for trail runs in Southern California. For other areas go to Active.com for a trail run near you.
• Do you believe that slow and steady is the way to go? Long distance running may the thing for you. Follow me for up coming half marathons and marathons. My next race is the Boston Marathon! I didn’t think it was possible but apparently anything is possible!
• Are you hooked on the run/walk/run method? Studies have shown that this method is easier on the body and you can actually PR using it. For more information go to Jeff Galloway’s Run/Walk/Run method.  

                                                                            Or go to Amazon to get his book.   

As you can see there are many different kinds of runners and if you go to a race you will see that first hand. Runners come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Don’t underestimate the white-haired man or woman next to you, he/she could  finish before you! 🙂

Embrace the runner in you and know that it’s not about winning races, it’s about running your own race.  If you run, then you are a runner!

I hope you found something useful in this post. Please come back soon for more tips and inspiration!

Thanks for taking the time to read this. 🙂

Keep Running!