Real runners

[wvjules]

Almost certainly false, but this story just sounds too good:

Some time ago, a reporter managed to get a side by side interview with the winner of a large marathon, as well as the last place finisher, who had crossed the line just as they were getting ready to take down the clock. The first place finisher has already cleaned up, gotten a post-race massage, eaten, and done a couple of quick interviews. The last place finisher is still covered in sweat, salt streaks, and vaseline.

The interviewer looks at the two, and says to the winner "You finished in two hours, six minutes, and thirteen seconds." Then to the last place "You finished in seven hours, forty-two minutes, and twelve seconds. Is there anything you would like to say to each other?"

The last pace looks at the winner, and says "You were able to finish the race in only two hours?" And the winner looks at the last place, and says "You were able to keep runnig for almost eight hours?"

The race doesn't get any shorter if you are out there longer - it's not as though the finish line gets moved up every twenty minutes or something. It just gets hotter, with less crowd support and often depleted aid stations.

OP (and others) - most runners are very supportive of other runners, regardless of ability. There are a few (and, IME, they all have race times within a certain margin) who frown on those who aren't as fast - ignore jerks like that, and just run the race at your own pace. Ultimately, the only race that matters is the one against yourself.

That story brought a tear to my eye!

I'm sure my feet would be greatful if I finished faster.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

OP -- You just cannot compare yourself to other people. My dh is alot faster than I am, he's currently training for the Boston Marathon. He came home the other day from running 20M on the route, and told me how mediocre he was because everyone else out there was passing him left and right. I told him he couldn't talk like that, because it made me feel like I shouldn't even try...just as there is always someone faster than you, there is always someone slower. When you diminish your accomplishments, you make those people feel even worse about themselves -- so just don't!

I have a friend who did her absolute best at the Princess, but she could not beat the sweepers. She was so upset -- and yes, I would call her a runner, too! You finished -- not everybody did, and you should be proud of yourself!

I have completed 5 Half marathons, and since my first one in 2008, I've taken 35 minutes off my time -- and I plan to just keep getting faster and having more fun! I may never get to sub 2:30, but that's ok. I am a runner -- I may not run as fast or as far as someone else, but I'm smiling, I'm moving, and I'm really excited when I can inspire someone to give it a try!

Maria

 

[Rose&Mike]

I have really enjoyed following this thread. Three half marathons later, and I am just starting to feel comfortable calling myself a runner. Yet, I am quick to encourage someone else. I guess the question is why do we hold ourselves to a higher standard?

And Maria--you are so right, by defining something as mediocre, it might make someone else feel bad.

The only really negative comment I have ever heard was from one of our old neighbors who thought he was a "real runner" but what his wife and I did was just "jogging". He was a jerk. But they moved, so it's all good.

I agree with everyone who said the majority of runners seem to be very encouraging and just love to see people out there working hard and doing their best, because at the end of the day, that's what it's really about anyway.

 

[windwalker]

I ran regularly for about 30 years. I used to be disappointed with my 5K time if I didn't break 20 min and 45 min for the 10K. I even won a few local races when nobody good showed up.

I quit running for about 7 years when I retired from the USAF in 1994, then started back when I turned 50. After a couple of years I tore my left achilles tendon and running after that was sporadic to not at all for several days because of the cronic soreness in my tendon.

We have some race walkers in the area and I decided to try walking. I felt like such a loser for a while then I had my first walk race. Wow, it was as tough as any run race I've ever done. I've been a proud walker ever sense. I thought the real runners would look down on me but when they saw how hard I trained and watched our walk battles that took place just before or after the run race.

Now my favorite race, when I'm training well is a walk race that starts 5 min after the runners take off and a few of us see how many runners we can catch and pass. I usually pass the first one around the one mile marker. when I'm returning after an injury layoff or recovering from a flu bug and not competitive I still like to race and just enjoy the day and the companionship of the other athletes.

Long story to say, an athlete is an athlete if they are out there paying their dues and putting in the miles. Walk, run, jog or a combination it's the joy of effort and the attitude that makes an athlete not winning or losing.

Dave

 

[SAHDad]

Just thought I would add - I have walked 20 miles, and run marathons. In terms of difficulty, next day soreness, sunburn, etc - I'll take the run any day! Walking was much harder - sometimes, I think I am trying to run faster just to get the whole thing over with!

 

[VernRDH]

I do feel like a "real runner" though my inlaws would disagree. I have done 5 halfs, and have taken walk breaks in all of them (sometimes more than others). I have finished them all, with times ranging from 2:16-2:59 (the 2:59 was the WDW on Ice half, cut me a break please). But according to my inlaws, I have yet to "run" a half because I haven't run every step. Well my inlaws (whom I love) are blooming idiots. They both run, and to them if you walk you are "cheating". No cheating is I call up DH and have him pick me up and drive me 5 miles down the course.

I am planning to do the full marathon in 2013 at WDW, I will most likely use a run/walk strategy. And I will finish. And I will be proud. Cause my inlaws have never done a full. So there

 

[faith-hope-joy]

I wonder how all those running snobs will feel when they get injured or older and can no longer participate in a sport that they love without walking. Do they give it up completely? Or do they humble themselves and realize that the journey to the finish line is still difficult if you run/walk, walk? My 3:24 finish at the Princess wasn't easy. I ran faster than I normally do. I overcame an injury to get there. That medal means a whole lot to me. Eventually every running snob is gonna fall off their high horse into the reality that our bodies can't always do what we want them to.

I've been wanting to join our local runners club. They meet throughout the week for various runs. On Saturdays they have long runs with various paces. Their old website used to list the paces available. I fell into none of them. I figured that I'd have to wait until I got faster. While visiting the local running store the sales clerk asked me if I'd heard about the club. I told her my dilemma and that my average pace was 13mm. She kind of said, "oh..." and finished ringing up my order. That one little comment has made me even more afraid to join.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I do feel like a "real runner" though my inlaws would disagree. I have done 5 halfs, and have taken walk breaks in all of them (sometimes more than others). I have finished them all, with times ranging from 2:16-2:59 (the 2:59 was the WDW on Ice half, cut me a break please). But according to my inlaws, I have yet to "run" a half because I haven't run every step. Well my inlaws (whom I love) are blooming idiots. They both run, and to them if you walk you are "cheating". No cheating is I call up DH and have him pick me up and drive me 5 miles down the course.

I am planning to do the full marathon in 2013 at WDW, I will most likely use a run/walk strategy. And I will finish. And I will be proud. Cause my inlaws have never done a full. So there

Wow, that Jeff Galloway is a big cheater who encourages others to do the same If an Olympian is telling me to walk some, I think that's a valid strategy!

Dave -- I have been (and continue to be) so inspired by you! You encouraged me and made me think I could be an athlete. I thank you profusely, and I would never ever think someone who doesn't run is not "real". What are we, made of plastic?

Maria

 

[John VN]

I often wonder why people are hung-up on labels. Runner, jogger or walker what is the big deal.

I have a Garmin 305 and it has zones for running, jogging and walking. Below 9mm is running zone, 9:00mm to 14:00mm is jogging zone and 14:00mm and greater is walking zone. If you research the types of forms for running, jogging, race walking and walking, there are definite differences as there is likewise with a trot, gallop, canter, run, etc.

Be comfortable with what/who you feel you are because in the end that is the only opinion that really matters. Making the effort which ever way makes it real.

I agree with the effort required in race walking as compared to running that Dave writes about and that is why I only speed walk.

Good luck to all.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Just thought I would add - I have walked 20 miles, and run marathons. In terms of difficulty, next day soreness, sunburn, etc - I'll take the run any day! Walking was much harder - sometimes, I think I am trying to run faster just to get the whole thing over with!

I have to agree with you there! I tried walking at the 16 m/m pace on the TM and thought it was hard. I thought there was no way I could that for 3+ hours.

Wow, that Jeff Galloway is a big cheater who encourages others to do the same If an Olympian is telling me to walk some, I think that's a valid strategy!

Actually at the full, we watched Galloway run and cut corners off the course *ahem* So that's how he does it

I often wonder why people are hung-up on labels. Runner, jogger or walker what is the big deal.

I have a Garmin 305 and it has zones for running, jogging and walking. Below 9mm is running zone, 9:00mm to 14:00mm is jogging zone and 14:00mm and greater is walking zone. If you research the types of forms for running, jogging, race walking and walking, there are definite differences as there is likewise with a trot, gallop, canter, run, etc.

Be comfortable with what/who you feel you are because in the end that is the only opinion that really matters. Making the effort which ever way makes it real.

I agree with the effort required in race walking as compared to running that Dave writes about and that is why I only speed walk.

Good luck to all.

I have seen some of the race walking paces that Dave walks at. Some days he's walking faster than I'm running!

 

[Minnie Lor]

I ran regularly for about 30 years. I used to be disappointed with my 5K time if I didn't break 20 min and 45 min for the 10K. I even won a few local races when nobody good showed up.

I quit running for about 7 years when I retired from the USAF in 1994, then started back when I turned 50. After a couple of years I tore my left achilles tendon and running after that was sporadic to not at all for several days because of the cronic soreness in my tendon.

We have some race walkers in the area and I decided to try walking. I felt like such a loser for a while then I had my first walk race. Wow, it was as tough as any run race I've ever done. I've been a proud walker ever sense. I thought the real runners would look down on me but when they saw how hard I trained and watched our walk battles that took place just before or after the run race.

Now my favorite race, when I'm training well is a walk race that starts 5 min after the runners take off and a few of us see how many runners we can catch and pass. I usually pass the first one around the one mile marker. when I'm returning after an injury layoff or recovering from a flu bug and not competitive I still like to race and just enjoy the day and the companionship of the other athletes.

Long story to say, an athlete is an athlete if they are out there paying their dues and putting in the miles. Walk, run, jog or a combination it's the joy of effort and the attitude that makes an athlete not winning or losing.

Dave

Love it! Very inspiring. Thank you. Now if my husband would listen. He's retired USAF and former marathoner. He tore his miniscus and can't run. I think he could walk and walk fast. He's 6'4" so that helps - right?

I've got a local race in June. I'm doing the race but DH isn't but we're both going to the pasta party the night before. Jeff Galloway is speaking at the party. I'm also do Jeff's class the day before.

 

[cewait]

Love it! Very inspiring. Thank you. Now if my husband would listen. He's retired USAF and former marathoner. He tore his miniscus and can't run. I think he could walk and walk fast. He's 6'4" so that helps - right?

I've got a local race in June. I'm doing the race but DH isn't but we're both going to the pasta party the night before. Jeff Galloway is speaking at the party. I'm also do Jeff's class the day before.

It's actually more about turn over than leg length.

Adding to this... Disney used to have a race walk race within the event. It was a true walking event with judges and fouls and their own age grouped hardware. I remember running at about a 9 minute pace and having a difficult time getting around a walker. I was able to get up to her but could never get the room and clearance to get around. I ended up walking for a double walk interval and never caught her again. She was fast

 

[HockeyKat]

This thread is really interesting! Thanks for starting.

I wonder how all those running snobs will feel when they get injured or older and can no longer participate in a sport that they love without walking. Do they give it up completely? Or do they humble themselves and realize that the journey to the finish line is still difficult if you run/walk, walk? My 3:24 finish at the Princess wasn't easy. I ran faster than I normally do. I overcame an injury to get there. That medal means a whole lot to me. Eventually every running snob is gonna fall off their high horse into the reality that our bodies can't always do what we want them to.

I've been wanting to join our local runners club. They meet throughout the week for various runs. On Saturdays they have long runs with various paces. Their old website used to list the paces available. I fell into none of them. I figured that I'd have to wait until I got faster. While visiting the local running store the sales clerk asked me if I'd heard about the club. I told her my dilemma and that my average pace was 13mm. She kind of said, "oh..." and finished ringing up my order. That one little comment has made me even more afraid to join.

That really sucks!! I am so fortunate to have a Galloway training group in my area. Pace groups are from 7mm to 15mm and we train 2min/mile slow (per Jeff's recommendation) so you could easily keep up with the 11:30 or 12mm.

I'm slow and I walk a lot (my half times range from 2:49-3:33), but my medal is the same as the sub-2 hour folks. When people ask me how I did, I say I finished!!

 

[Honeibee]

You ARE a real runner. The difference between a jogger and a runner is an entry form! IT's all about vision.

I love you, Coach Charles.

 

[wvjules]

This thread is really interesting! Thanks for starting.




That really sucks!! I am so fortunate to have a Galloway training group in my area. Pace groups are from 7mm to 15mm and we train 2min/mile slow (per Jeff's recommendation) so you could easily keep up with the 11:30 or 12mm.

I'm slow and I walk a lot (my half times range from 2:49-3:33), but my medal is the same as the sub-2 hour folks. When people ask me how I did, I say I finished!!

That's what I say!

 

[Villains_Rock]

I am a newbie to the run/walk Galloway method. After I had my baby something flipped a switch inside of me and for the life of me, my body cannot cool down properly. I found that the walk breaks allow for me to keep my pace and not overheat. The best of both worlds! However...I do feel like I'm being chuckled at by the "real runners" at my gym. There are a few of the guys that run all day every day. They are on that track when I get there and I'll do 8 miles and they are still at it when I leave! But yeah...when I move into the walk lane for my one lap out of every 7 I feel a bit ashamed. I know I shouldn't, but after years of running and running a full marathon with no walk breaks it's hard for me to revert to a run/walker. Kinda stinks...

 

[bunnyfoo]

I am a newbie to the run/walk Galloway method. After I had my baby something flipped a switch inside of me and for the life of me, my body cannot cool down properly. I found that the walk breaks allow for me to keep my pace and not overheat. The best of both worlds! However...I do feel like I'm being chuckled at by the "real runners" at my gym. There are a few of the guys that run all day every day. They are on that track when I get there and I'll do 8 miles and they are still at it when I leave! But yeah...when I move into the walk lane for my one lap out of every 7 I feel a bit ashamed. I know I shouldn't, but after years of running and running a full marathon with no walk breaks it's hard for me to revert to a run/walker. Kinda stinks...

I was reading a TV trainer's blog who said he ran a half marathon doing r/w intervals and finished in under 1:40. I think it was 3/1 or something like that. Even speedy runners need the break

If you want to do the intervals together for the Goofy in January I'd love a running partner

 

[Villains_Rock]

Vivky - I just finished a Word Calendar with a modified Galloway training plan. I think it's do-able. I can't seem to fit more milage in due to my son. Either way I just want to finish. Not looking for great times or anything. I am planning on walk 2 min / run 2 min for the half. Running at about an 11.30 mm pace and walking close to a 15 mm pace. The full I was thinking of shooting for running 4 / walking 1. About the same for pace...dependant on how I felt. Do you really want to do this Goofy thing? We can totally walk/run it together if you want!! Not sure if this is too slow for you...you got soooo speedy over the last two years!

 

[Villains_Rock]

I see where you said 3/1 intervals...was that for both or the full? I wanted to save myself a little on the half and take it easy...lots of pics with characters etc. 2/2 and 4/1 is kinda the same as 3/1 right? LOL...let me know what you think....

 

[escape]

I'm a Goofy marathoner. I run, walk, crawl, sashay, jump, skid, skip, dance, hop....anything to get to the finish line. Running is just one of my many talents.

Oh, I'm feeling snarky today!

On good days, I do a 2 minute walk, 30 second run. I may not be a full-fledged runner but I can say that I am a marathoner!