We all have different reasons for running. What type of runner are you?
Runners are a complex and varied bunch.At any given club run, one could be thinking about a beautiful sunrise, one about smashing a PB, one about the latest pace watch, and another about days gone by. I’ve looked at the evidence, and come up with nine general categories. See which one you fit into…
WANNABE
It would appear you are the model running enthusiast: you’ve laminated your park run barcode, and the nifty card slots perfectly into your wallet; you often join the conversation on your running buddies’WhatsApp group; your running-club membership fee has been paid in advance; and you’ve subscribed to Runner’s world. Problem is, your running shoes are still sitting in their original box, never having been worn.
WHINGER
For you, running is away to escape your screaming kids, nagging husband, and that project deadline.You spend every training session complaining – to the unfortunate soul running next to you – about everything from the price of baked beans to that sly fox at the office who robbed you of your promotion; from those pesky cyclists who think they own the road,to your dog’s phantom pregnancy.
PORKY PIE (THAT’S COCKNEY RHYMING SLANG FOR ‘LIE’, IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING…)
This story is from the September 2016 edition of Runner's World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2016 edition of Runner's World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?
THE MIND OF MASSYN
IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.
TAKING CHARGE
OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.
MY RUNNING LIFE
ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.
