Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Signs You're a Serious Runner

To even things out, there needed to be a list for serious runners. At first, I was going to do one for runner snobs, the people who frankly take things too seriously. But I'll start with just what qualifies someone as a "serious runner." I cannot check off each point. I'd hazard to say if you identify with five you can consider yourself a "serious runner." There is no membership card, sadly.
  1. You have a watch that gives splits
  2. Your nipples have bled
  3. You've qualified for Boston or if you haven't yet would never get a number another way
  4. You have relieved yourself outside before a race (BrianG wants to require No. 2 for the boys; I find this a high bar.)
  5. You've taken an ice bath
  6. You've been hospitalized because of dehydration (I want desperately to think this is some kind of badge of honor. Something. Please.)
  7. You canceled your Runners World subscription because it's all about getting great abs
  8. You've said "only 14 miles" when describing a run
  9. You've lost a toenail
  10. You think running with an iPod is missing the whole point
14 miles, 1:51:05

16 comments:

Robin Seidner said...

The #2 for women: You've had chafe under the band of your bra or bra straps that burns when you run and/or bleeds.

Other than that, I can't say EITHER list applies for me. So, I must be in between, which is about right.

Unknown said...

#10 may be a generation thing. I hate running with an ipod, but didn't grow up using one...

Anonymous said...

The following apply to me:

You have a watch that gives splits
You've had chafe under the band of your bra or bra straps that burns when you run and/or bleeds.
You've qualified for Boston or if you haven't yet would never get a number another way
You have relieved yourself outside before a race (BrianG wants to require No. 2 for the boys; I find this a high bar.)
You've taken an ice bath
You canceled your Runners World subscription because it's all about getting great abs
You've said "only 14 miles" when describing a run
You've lost a toenail

*gulp*

John at Hella Sound said...

Seems like a mighty big gap between "Serious" and "Casual" runners--I don't qualify as either.

Brian Morrissey said...

Sue,
Never thought about that. You might be right, although I notice people of all ages with the ear buds in while they run.

Robin and John,
Hmm, maybe most runners do fall between the two groups. That would make sense.

Kim said...

LOL. I need the list for the "ultra runners".
1. You don't wear a watch for the 50 mile/100 mile race.
2. You have, of course, relieved yourself #1 and # 2 during the race.
3. You do ice baths.
4. You've been hospitalized. Well, not yet.
5. You've never subscribed to RW because of the drivel.
6. YOu've said "only" when you are talking about a 50K.
7. You never have 10 toe nails.

crossn81 said...

Great lists. I undoubtedly fall in the more serious side. I might rephrase #10 to something like - iPod can be a great companion for solo long runs - but isn't necessary for motivation.

crossn81 said...

Oh and a follow-up thought - I've heard a lot of talk about "serious" or "fast" runners not wearing a Garmin. This may be generally true but I saw a picture of Mary Akor wearing a Garmin 305 while winning Grandma's Marathon this year.

Greg On the Run said...

I can identify 3 of those in myself but only 1 in the list of casual runners.

nyflygirl said...

Guess I'm serious! Here's my list...

You have a watch that gives splits
You've had chafe under the band of your bra or bra straps that burns when you run and/or bleeds.
You've qualified for Boston or if you haven't yet would never get a number another way
You canceled your Runners World subscription because it's all about getting great abs
You've said "only 14 miles" when describing a run

Surprisingly, in 5 years and training for 2 marathons and countless half-marathons, I've never lost a toenail...

Anonymous said...

My nipples have bled, but not from running.

And I'm not talking about the few times a freshwater Sunfish mistook my nipple for a worm while hanging off the side of a dock when I was a kid (no, I'm not kidding - and no, my nipples are not the length of a worm).

Anonymous said...

Kim? You've dropped a steamer in the middle of a race??

Laura said...

1, 2 (bra band), 3, 6, and 8 for me. Whoo hoo, I qualify as serious! :)

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