How Do You Know If You're A Real Runner?

I’ve been running for 43 years. September 29, 1971 was my first cross-country practice at Maine-Endwell. I was in 7th grade and on my first run EVER I ran 7.6 miles UP Struble Road to Robinson Hill- down Country Club to Taft, UP Taft and down Hooper back to the High School.
I remember being so sore in bed that night wanting to quit and, in an era when parents didn’t baby their kids, my mother told me that if I quit I was a wimp. Thank God she made me continue to run because within about four days I was no longer sore (this includes running my first race on my fourth day of running) and hooked- for life. Back then, running was different - everyone was hard core, serious. The first road race I remember was a “5 mile” race around the grounds of the State Hospital. The spectators were patients watching out the windows. There were about 50 runners and everyone was “good”. Everyone was a serious runner who trained and raced hard.
The running boom hit and numbers grew. How many people remember the Sun Run in Downtown Binghamton? Over 600 in the 5K; I have to admit it felt really cool to be a young kid and finish up near the front with all those people running.

This leads up to a race I was in sometime in the early 1990’s, a friend from high school was running and told me that he was “not a REAL runner like I was”. Well that got me thinking - Just what IS a real runner? According to him, he wasn’t a real runner (and I was) because he ran a time in the mid 20’s for 5K and I was somewhere around 17:00 + or -. I was at the front of the pack and he was at the back of the pack.
OK, if I was a REAL runner then what about the guys who were running 15:00? Did THEY make ME “not a real runner”? Then, what about the guys running under 14:00? Were the 15:00 guys not real runners? I watched the Olympics and one guy won the 5000 meter run. Was he the only “real runner” in the race, in the world?
The answer is (and I speak with over 40 years of experience folks) NO!!!! 
Truly, honestly, we are ALL real runners.
Do you go out and train when your schedule allows you to? Do you run the mileage your lifestyle lets you run? Do you enter races and run your best? Trying to beat your PR?
Then you are a real runner.
I was thinking about it the other day and here’s what I think: When you run there is a time when both of your feet are off the ground at the same time. When you walk one foot is always touching the ground.

So now that we’ve solved that problem let’s move on to our perceptions.

When I was younger I could run 6:00 per mile easily, I could do workouts of 400 meter repeats at under 65 seconds and even under 60 seconds and 300’s in under 45 seconds. Now, if I even approach 7:00 on a training run I’m excited (and by approach I mean get that fast). I do 400’s in 1:20 and 300’s in 1:00.
Am I any less of a runner now than when I as 25 years old?

No way - I still love it and feel great doing it.

Maegan Krifchin at Confluence Running

Confluence Running has these “Beginner Group Runs". Experienced runners run with newer runners. Our motto is “No runner left behind”. I really enjoy these group runs. Running along at 10:00-11:00 per mile and YES!!!! One of my feet is always off the ground!
Are these people real runners? They sure are. They are out there doing a very healthy activity and becoming “better”, so to speak. In the words of Maegan Krifchin, a Pro Runner from the Syracuse area, they are becoming the best “me” they can become.
We all have our own level- 12:39 for 5K, 15:00, 17:00, 21:00, 31:00. If you’re out there running, your best, becoming a better “you”, then you are a runner. 

A REAL runner.


5K, 10K, ½ marathon, marathon, ultra- it doesn’t matter the

distance, it’s the effort, it’s YOU being YOUR 

best.

Yes, you are a runner and you should think of yourself as a runner. I’ve been a real runner for over 40 years and I respect you, so you should respect yourself.  




About the Author:

Michael Cordi has been a dedicated track and cross country coach for years, as well as an active and enthusiastic member of the running community in Binghamton, NY.

June 12th 2013---New Ultimate Direction Gear (Scott Jurek Collection) In Stock

Now in-store we have some of the most functional lightest gear from Ultimate Direction to help keep you moving in the right direction. Our store employee, Cole has been all over the new Scott Jurek Collection wearing the gear in-store, testing it for the customers of Binghamton. Below, is his detailed review of his many findings on the Scott Jurek Collection from Ultimate Direction.

Ultimate Direction Jurek Grip Bottle

 

For most runners in the summertime, lakes, streams, park water fountains, sprinkler systems, neighbor's pools become your oasis while logging those long summer miles in the hot summer sun. Famous Ultra-marathoner, Scott Jurek decided that why always have a bottle that is too heavy and creates hand cramps over the long haul.  Why not have the most minimal water-bottle strap on the market that will never loosen over the countless miles.   

 

***Enter, The Grip; it is a bottle that should encourage proper hydration benefits for those running out in the summertime without all of the added weight seen from other hydration hand-helds. This 20 oz bottle weights in at 3.25 ounces with a full bottle included which is incredibly light weight.  The kicker valve allows for a NO-Spill experience and the handheld strap is made of the same fly-stretch film material as their packs which is super light and durable. Having a Velcro strap, ensures a customizable fit without the hassle of the bottle loosening while out on the run. For $19.95, the price is right for the bottle which is one of the cheaper fancy handheld bottles out there on the market!

 

My thoughts: This bottle is great for the beginning trail runner, ultra-marathoner, and even the runner just looking to stay fit and hydrated out in the summer heat.  When having less weight, this will be the perfect bottle for those not used to a handheld water bottle but will be pleasantly surprised at how nice it feels in-hand and how functional it can be.  For those serious trail, marathon and ultra-running athletes, pairing the Grip bottle with the Essential fuel belt is the wining combination for long training efforts and for peak performances. 

 

***Remember, constant hydration leads to optimal performance! One of the best lessons I have learned from my training and racing is that efficient hydration is critical to optimal results and quicker recovery from runs.  I almost always run with a handheld in weather 60's and above and always when near 70 and above.  The more you sweat, the more you need in terms of replenishment and having a bottle can sometimes mean the difference in averting heat stroke or a trip to the hospital. This summer, be safe out there and remember to hydrate!

 

 

 

 

The Ultimate Direction Scott Jurek Essential Fuel Belt!

 

Initial Thoughts:  I am a skinny kid and my waist just does not fit any kind of belt system well. I always have to crank the draw-cord all the way to the far-side where the remaining piece of the strap is smacking me in the face for most of a run. This is why I do not like waistbelts.  This belt, is A WINNER!!!!!  You have to BUY ONE!!!! I was so excited to see one of these belts and truly was impressed with the whole package.  The name for the belt fits perfectly, "Essential". This belt not only is essential but it can easily fit all of the running essentials without all of the crazy weight of most belts.  You can hold more than ever expected. You can hold a cell phone, car keys, salt caps, multiple gels,  multiple GU Chomps, all in a light-weight belt. It is really amazing how much you can hold!  This belt can be used for summer training, winter, spring and fall. Whatever the time of year, the Essential will work wonders.  

 

Breakdown: 1 water resistant pocket--Great for the car keys or the cell phone, and credit card

1 Stretch Mesh Pocket-Great for gels, chomps, all energy food and even some cash.

1 Pill-Pocket--Great for Salt Caps or Nuun Tablets

 

Combined with the Jurek Grip, you have the lightest weight products imaginable and an insane amount of carrying capacity.

 

Overall Thoughts: The Essential is what the name dictates, its essential.  Used for training, running errands, marathons and longer races that may require you to carry nutrition products such as gels or chomps. This belt is the BEST OUT THERE!!! For $29.95 this belt is worth every single penny!!!!!! Check it out! At 2oz this belt weighs next to nothing!

 

Ultimate Direction Scott Jurek Endure Belt

 

Thoughts: These belts follow the same styling as the Essential belt but have deeper pockets for a higher carrying capacity and two 10 oz bottles that provide hydration when needed. Not to mention a ribstop cord for holding a light wind-shell jacket or an extra shirt.  The main pocket can hold energy food to more substantial items such as a camping pot for cooking.  It retails at $39.95 and weighs in at 8.5 oz with full bottles.  For those that like hydration on the waist, this belt is so light but has so much function to it!

 

 

The Overall Scott Jurek Collection from Ultimate Direction: Closing Thoughts~ The lightest collection available for all your hydration and nutrition needs. Ultimate Direction did such a great job. For all your summer needs as you train for you fall half or full marathon, come check out this new gear, it will surely surprise you the way it has surprised me.