What's A "Runner"?

This spring, Olympic runner and renowned author, Jeff Galloway, made his annual visit to Fleet Feet Mahwah to help us kick-off our 2009 marathon training program. If you've seen or met Jeff in person, you know that he is one of running's biggest advocates. Years ago, Jim Fixx, Bill Rodgers, Frank Shorter and Joan Benoit-Samuelson helped make running popular as an athletic event to us here in America. Jeff Galloway helped make running popular to the MASSES worldwide. As you'd expect, his books are best sellers and he is a very positive minded person in his approach to life, not just athletics.

Prior to Jeffs' appearance at Fleet Feet Mahwah, an acquaintance of mine and an ex-college runner, was struggling in their training for an upcoming marathon to the point that it was very likely they would miss their race. I've never been one to give up easily so I naturally suggested to this person that they come to meet Jeff to get his take on what to do to try and "rescue" their race.

Jeff provided a host of strategies that this person could employ to remedy their situation and offered strong hope that reaching the starting line was a definite possibility. Jeff's method, which includes mixing walk breaks into running, is controversial to some, but if his advice is followed, it is ALWAYS successful.
So, after Jeff left, I asked my acquaintance if Jeff was able to help. The answer I got was "Not really!" When I asked "Why not" the response was "Well, what he didn't understand is that I'm a runner!" Hmmmmmm!

That response stunned me momentarily because I couldn't believe how anyone could consider personal advice from an Olympian as not coming from, or helpful to, "a runner," because Jeff practices what he preaches personally. None the less, it got me to thinking, just what constitutes a runner?

It reminded me of a past participant in our marathon training program who, after a 14 mile training run, was sitting in her car in the parking lot crying. I approached her to see if everything was alright and she said "yes," and told me that the reason she was crying was that she was happy because it was the longest she's ever run. Jokingly I responded, "well friend, just make sure that you have a good supply of tissues each week because you're going to run a lot more than 14 miles!" We both chuckled a bit and it was then she told me that it was a year and a half ago prior that she had her last chemo therapy session, as she was a breast cancer survivor and that when she was diagnosed, she had no idea she'd live, no less see a day when she'd run 14 miles! I was totally unaware that she was a cancer survivor. I gave her a hug and told her she'll feel even better when a race volunteer places a medal around her neck when she finishes her first marathon. As hard work would have it, that November, she finished the Philadelphia Marathon, in about 4:40. Is she a runner? Damned right she is! So is my friend Bobby who I wrote about in my last blog as well as countless others who have battled various challenges and come up a winners!

That's the beauty of our sport! The sport of running isn't only about, or limited to, high school or college standouts! Nor is it limited to elite athletes from the USA or a foreign country. No way! Our sport is made up of everyday people who, for whatever reason, decided to tie on a pair of running shoes, and hit the roads! It may be to train for a 5K, 10K, or race of longer distance. It may even be just to go out and get some exercise, fresh air, or grab a little sunshine and listen to some tunes! Bottom line, it doesn't MATTER WHAT the reason! You're a RUNNER!

At Fleet Feet, we meet and talk to runner's and walkers of various abilities, and sizes and shapes! To us here at Fleet Feet Mahwah, you're ALL hero's and we love you! Our lives are blessed BECAUSE of you!