We get this a lot. When we talk to our non-running friends about
how we spend hours on weekends going in circles in Central Park, we are inevitably
asked, “So when you run, what are you thinking about?” Well, kids.
It depends. Before we begin to
dig deep into the psyche of a runner, let’s first define some of the typical
runners we see.
Level 1
Runner
A level 1 runner is somebody that runs for
fun. It might be to feel good, lose a
few pounds, maybe have a chat with a more experienced runner friend. Level 1 runner will have your typical Nike
running shoes that look cute, wear Lulu-Lemon tanks for girls and perhaps an
Under Armour for guys, and probably an arm band with an iPod/iPhone. Running is something you do when the weather
is perfect 65F, sunny, with low humidity.
A race is definitely not something they will do – but they are happy to
cheer those that do!
Level 20
Runner
With a few shorter distance races under their
belts, Level 20 Runner is more experienced.
They’ve moved on to more serious running shoes, like Mizuno, Asics, New
Balance, and probably experienced enough chaffing to start seriously consider
getting seamless bras for girls, nip guards for men. Not really into marathons, but half marathons
might be something in the near future.
Arm bands have gone out the window, but maybe a few days with tunes off
the ipod Mini will be good.
Level 50
Runner
We’ve entered the level of competitive
runner. This guy/gal would belong to
some form of speedwork class, and have collected enough metal alloys called
race medals that they’ve gotten a separate bin just for all the hardware. They have a niche that they like to race in –
either a short distance specialist with great 10K legs, experienced sub 1:30
half marathons, few good marathons, and maybe even into ultra distances. They wear compression gear and fancy material
tops.
Level:
Insane
Now these guys are the insane ones. They are weird, no matter how you look at
them. Running barefoot on asphalt. Topless in winter. Shorts in blizzards. They’ve gone off the deep end of running and
there is no turning back.
Obviously, there are many shades of runners
between each of these levels but this should give a non-runner an idea about
how not all runners are the same. So
what do these guys all think about when running?
Level 1
Runner:
O man, I can’t believe my boss just screwed me over like that. What the hell? Oooo here comes the tune that I like! This song really gets me going! Oh, hey, that reminds me, I should probably
call my friend and see if they want to go for a drink later. I’m burning so much calories, I’m sure I can
enjoy a cocktail or two safely!
(smile!) Go Team!
Level 20
Runner: How can I get faster? How is my cadence? How is my form? I want to be a better runner. This hill sucks. Why is that chick running faster than
me? Why is this dude stomping so loud? I can’t believe that chick just beat me in
the race last week. What am I going to
eat for dinner? Should I eat more carbs?
Level 50
Runner:
OMG, my calf hurts again.
WTF. I thought I took it easy
last week. I only did 50 miles! That’s 20 miles less than the previous
week. Crap. Am I going to PR at this rate? I really need a PR. OOOOO here comes the hills. Don’t slow down, don’t slow down, don’t slow
down!! God, this pack or Level 1s are
sooooooo in the way! I’m so going to
pass that fat dude. Turbo-sprint cadence
in three-two-one!!!!
Level: Insane: ... -.-. --- - - / -.-- --- ..- / .- .-. . /
.- / -... .-.. --- --- -.. -.-- / .. -.. .. --- - / -... ..- - / -.-- --- ..-
.-. / .- -. - .. -.-. ... / --- -. / - .... . / -- .-.. --- -.-. / .-- . -...
... .. - . / .- .-. . / .- .--. .--. .-. . -.-. .. .- - . -.. / -... -.-- / .-
.-.. .-.. / .- -. -.. / .. / - .- -.- . / - .... .. ... / --- .--. .--. --- .-.
- ..- -. .. - -.-- / - --- / .-- .. ... .... / -.-- --- ..- / .- / .... .- .--.
.--. -.-- / -.-. .... .-. .. ... - -- .- ... .-.-.- / -.- .. –
There you have it. We’re not that interesting.
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