James, in response to ‘When do you get better?’ February 4, 2009. A proper runner does such a thing exist?
I think a proper runner is the man or women getting off the sofa and giving it a go. Ok, they may not set the world alight with sub 6 minute miles, but they are making a difference to their life. By getting out regularly and giving it a go, the health and mental benefits are well documented and researched. Should that not be enough to classify you as a proper runner, by getting out there and doing something? Let’s not forget anyone can get out and run no matter what ability or level, all that is required is a pair of running trainers.
Too much of the club mentality is fixed on minute per mile pace and race times – what happened to enjoying running? There’s nothing I enjoy more than getting lost in my running; no watch, no GPS, no music (each to their own on this debate), just fresh air and losing myself in a different world. A world that improves my fitness, aids my mental state, improves my sleep and improves the quality of my life.
As you mentioned, I’m not asking for personal reasons – for me; I can run sub 7 minute miles at both 10k and half marathon level, with impressive pb’s worth shouting about at any running club. However, what I find more rewarding is encouraging a friend or colleague into the sport and ultimately, the activity I love. Giving them a gentle introduction into running, is something both parties find rewarding. They get off the sofa and gain the benefits and I gain satisfaction from helping them achieve something, no matter what their pace.
With regards to pushing harder and becoming a more competitive runner, at some level I could probably fall into this category but everyone has their own personal aims and objectives, whatever they may be. What’s important is you benchmark what you’re doing against your own personal objectives. The only person you’re competing with and challenging is yourself. Again, this benchmark leads to what classifies a proper runner but my point is – why do we need to classify this?
My advice, just go out there and enjoy your running.
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About the author
Name: Kirk Dodds
Age: 27
Lives: Norwich
Occupation: Marketing
Years running: 7 years
Favourite running shoes: Mizuno Wave Creation 8, they are the daddy.
Pet hate: Bananas before a race - they make me feel sick when running!
Greatest achievement: Great North Run 2008 in 1 hour and 30 mins, knocking 13 ½ minutes off my previous pb and last year’s time.
My running career started slowly, about 7 years ago, when I realised my general fitness was poor plus, if I’m honest, I was carrying more than a few extra pounds. My weight suffered from fluctuations - mostly related to the football season.
So I did the usual thing; off to the gym where I realised I wasn’t too bad on the old treadmill. But I also realised running on a treadmill is no fun, and in my book, it’s cheating, so I opted for the great outdoors. I started off with small, slow runs and gradually built them up. I was enjoying running and my secret was out. It was time for a challenge – and my first half marathon. I entered the Great North Run and some family rivalry surfaced as my old man regaled me with stories from his good old running days and the pb time he set in the Great North Run of 1hour 58 mins - when Hi-Tec Silver Shadow were top of the range running shoes! My training increased, and for the first time became more structured, and come race day I am pleased to say I managed a time of 1 hour 56 mins. Two minutes makes a world of difference when it comes to family rivalry.
I liked the first challenge and wanted more, and so my passion (some say obsession) for running was born. I’ve now taken part in numerous races ranging from 10ks to full marathons. The challenges still exist, the times maybe a little quicker, but the family rivalry continues, only now it’s my brother that I step up to the start line with.
This season has been successful with my first marathon; the act of finishing was an achievement in itself (4 hours 4 minutes), as well as a much improved 10k time of 41 mins and 11 secs ( 4mins off last season) and finally a half marathon time of 1 hour 30mins and 56 secs (13 ½ mins off last season).
I look forward to next season in which I will set myself new challenges; dipping under the 40 minutes mark for the 10k and 1 ½ hour mark for the half will be the biggest.
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Tags: benchmarking, enjoy running, proper runner, running improvement
