Once you start running regularly, people invariably ask, “Do you run marathons? How many marathons you have run?” Does running a marathon make you a “real” runner? After more than 15 years of consistent running and racing, I can honestly say that I have no desire to ever run a marathon. Ever. None at all. Not ever. Am I still a real runner? Excerpts from this post first appeared in WomensRunning.com
I’m Never Running A Marathon- Am I still a real runner?
There is a lot of pressure in the running world to take on a full marathon. However, choosing not to take on the marathon distance does not make you any less of a runner. In fact, running a full marathon is not always the right choice for every runner. I have no plans to ever run a marathon here’s why.
I Love Running
Running is my passion, my escape, and my therapy all tied up in one amazing package. Running with my group is my social life. I look forward to each and every run and enjoy it with all my heart.
I don’t ever want to feel like running is a chore or that I “have to” run a certain number of miles. That would turn running into an obligation for me and I have enough of those. I also enjoy the flexibility of being able to jump in to a last minute 10K or relay race.
I Am Injury Prone
Boy have I learned the hard way that my body is not designed for marathon miles. I have had my share of overuse injuries when I’ve significantly increased my mileage. My body is pretty happy running a moderate amount of miles–and so am I.
[Tweet “Confession: I have no desire to ever #run a #marathon. Am I a real runner? #GlobalRunningDay #RunnerGirl]
I Love To Cross-train
As much as I love running, I also love to strength train, ride my Peloton, practice yoga and swim. I believe these cross-training activities make me a stronger runner and help to keep me injury-free. I don’t want to give up those activities that I love.
I run religiously three times each week, outside, all year round. I look forward to and appreciate every single run. I love training for and participating in 10K’s, 10 milers, half marathons, Triathlons, and Relay races. I have no desire, at all, to run a marathon ever. Am I a still real runner? You bet I am!
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I think running is such a big sport now that people kind of assume anyone who runs will run a marathon. With that being said, every runner needs to do what is best for them! It doesn’t make sense to sign up for a marathon if you’re injury prone like you said.
Yep definitely not something I ever see myself doing
Of course, you’re a real runner! But I totally get the question. Now that I’m slowing down and not doing any more marathons, I’m having an identity crisis of sorts. Am I still a real runner? Look at the pressure that social media puts on us!
Great thought-provoking post.
Yes and the pressure we put on ourselves too!
Of course I agree! “Most people “ don’t even know how long a marathon is and will ask questions like how long was that marathon after you tell them you ran a 10k. If you run, you’re a runner, simple as that.
I agree! There is a lot of pressure out there though
Heck, I know runners who never race at all. They’re still real runners.
I’m not sure I want to ever run a marathon, but I’m cursed with curiosity. 🙂
I have no interest at all. I think I would just end up hating the whole process!
What a great post! I know people that love to run but don’t run marathons! There is nothing with just enjoying a good run and not a run with lot’s of people 😉 lol
I agree! Thanks for chiming in
Huh…I guess I never thought everyone would assume a marathon is the ultimate goal. I bet it’s mostly non-runners who make that assumption. I will say, my first race EVER was the Chicago Marathon, and it probably took me a good three years after that to look at myself as a runner!
This is one thing that does annoy me about the running community. Everyone just “assumes” that you want to run longer distances and that’s not always the case! I know any runners that perfect the 5K/10K distance and I’m always amazed by their speed.
Running a marathon was on my bucket list so that’s originally why I did it my first one. While I do like distance running, I know that the half marathon distance is my sweet spot. My body just takes too long to recover from marathon training. I don’t know if I’m completely done forever with marathons, but I won’t do any more marathons this year, that’s for sure!
Yes people do assume that every runner wants (should want to) run a marathon. I am so impressed by everyone that does but I just don’t feel the desire
OMG I get this question ALL the time too and it honestly gets annoying! I love to run. I love half marathons. I have absolutely no desire to do a full marathon and I love that I don’t. I too love to strength train, do my yoga, and have my weekends to not worry about doing 20 miles…LOL!
Right there with you! Thanks for chiming in
I totally agree. Like you, I’m injury prone, and I need to focus quite a bit of time on strength training to avoid those overuse injuries. I finally seem to be having good luck with my ITBS (knock on every wood surface!!), and I’m happy doing 10k’s. I’m still out and running, but my body would not protest every run for a marathon.
Yes that’s exactly how I feel!
Yes!! Oh my goodness. I think about this topic a lot. I have NO desire to run a marathon and I’m on the fence about ever running a half marathon. For me personally, I feel like it is too many miles on my body. I run 3-4 days a week. I am a low mileage runner and I kick butt.
You’re right, people always assume people that love to run are marathoners. Uh…no.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts I completely agree!
I 100000% agree! I to have no desire to run a marathon but I consider myself a runner. I run 40-50 miles per week just for me. Love this post! Sometimes when I am interacting with other bloggers who are marathon runners I feel like I’m just an imposter but you have confirmed that I’m not the only “runner” who feels this way.
I have had many of the same feelings and I “run” a running group!
You are most definitely a real runner. Although I have successfully completed three marathons, I have absolutely zero desire to ever do one again. I HATED the training and I HATED how it affected my relationship with running. After each one it took me a long time to recover that relationship. You are very wise to realize that it’s not for you. I on the other hand had to find out the hard way three times that marathon running and I aren’t a good fit 🙂
Yes those are exactly the reasons why I don’t want to take one on. Thanks for sharing
Abso-frickin-lutely you’re a real runner 😉 Like you, I’m content with where things are right now for. I’d love to be faster, but I am not that obsessed with it to sacrifice the time, energy, and potential risk for injury in adding all the extra training (aka-mileage) to work for it. Also, I’m not a racer…and I feel like I get a lot of eye rolls from runners who deem every race an “in-it-to-win-it” endeavor. I have learned I don’t need that kind of “validation” (?) to fuel my love for the sport. Rock on, Girlfriend! You have a lot more going for you than the bulk of us runners…you’re a tri-athlete!
You are such a sweetie! I feel the same way you do. At this point, I can’t risk getting an injury. I know I am not winning any races ever and I am ok with that. Now that’s another blog post!! 🙂
I never had the urge to run a marathon. I did a half and got pretty injured after that, so I think it’s safe to say a full is off the table for me!
Seems like a lot of people feel the same but sometimes you would never know it!
Yes, I definitely think you are a real runner even if you never run a marathon! They are not for everyone, and its important that you know your limits. As long as you are happy that is what counts!
Yes of course!
I’m not a runner, but I do agree that if you run, you’re a runner, no matter what races you do. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks Abbey!
You definitely do not have to run a marathon to be a runner! Heck, you don’t even have to run a race. As long as you’re lacing up and getting in some miles and enjoying it, you’re a runner!
I completely agree!
This is a great perspective – you are definitely still a runner! While I love the marathon distance, I in no way, shape or form think it equates to being a runner. Just getting out there and running consistently makes you a runner. I feel like during pregnancy I haven’t been a “runner” because running has been so off/non consistent, but deep down, I know I still am one!
That is the great thing about running-it’s always there for you when you are ready to come back to it
To each them all! It’s like saying you can’t be a foodie if you don’t want to eat at 5 star restaurants. Or be into fashion if you don’t have a subscription to vogue. Not every triathlete does an ironman not every doctor specializes or student goes to grad school. I loved running my marathons, but I never thought I would! I still would have been a runner regardless! Stay strong in what works for you!
Thanks Suz! Always appreciate your perspective on things
Preach it! I totally agree. My max distance is 13.1. I keep saying I’m not doing any more but the friendship aspects trumps the mileage. Sometimes I have to fight to remember I am a runner even though my hard or long day distance may be an easy one for someone else. Thanks for confirming that there’s no definition of a runner – except one who puts one foot in front of the other.
I am all about the friendship aspect as well. Thanks for sharing your perspective and keep putting one foot in front of the other
I love this! I keep getting asked the same thing and while I don’t mind longer runs with a fun group, I don’t really see myself enjoying 26.2 miles in a race. For some reason I think a trail 50k sounds ok — but probably because you can stop at the aid stations to chat, regroup, and get snacks. 😉
I think we all get asked about this at some point!
I definitely don’t think you need to run a marathon to be considered a “real” runner! Me on the other hand–since I don’t run anymore, I don’t consider myself as a runner! 😛
ah yes there’s that!
Wow, I love this! I’ve long battled with the Can I? Should I? of running a marathon. I still don’t know, but this makes me feel a lot better. You’re a real runner and a great one!
Right back at you!
A real runner is someone who runs. Full stop.
Usain Bolt is never going to run a marathon and you can’t tell me he’s not a real runner.
I’ll be honest and say that I felt the same way. And I did run a marathon. It was far from my favorite, and I will say that I have no real desire to run another. If the opportunity arose, I might consider it (especially for something like NY), but I am more than happy to put that chapter behind me.
However, everyone is so different. Some people crave the distance (and then what’s next? You’re not a real runner unless you run a 50K? A 100 miler? Stop it) and some people specialize in shorter mileage. As long as you are putting one foot in front of other, in rapid-ish succession, you’re a runner.
You are absolutely still a real runner. You’d also be a real runner if you go on runs simply to stay fit and never raced. I’ve run 40 marathons and enjoyed the training process (Saturday morning long runs with friends) more than the actual races (although shiny new PR’s and BQ’s were always nice). It drives me nuts to hear runners complain that they have a long run planned for the weekend. My thought is that if you don’t like the long training runs, why run a marathon? Sounds like you’ve got it figured out and I respect you for that.
Of course you are! But I wish you’d run a marathon with me. 🙂
You are totally a real runner! I don’t understand why some people have such narrow definitions.
I get everything I need from running so why torture myself.
No. I doubt I will run a marathon.
And we are still teak runners.
Why torture ourselves in deed!
I’ve always been of the mindset that if you run then you are a runner regardless of what distance you run – and for that matter whether you choose to race or not. The decision to run or not run a marathon is a highly personal one but has absolutely nothing to do with whether you’re a “real runner”!
thanks Michelle! I completely agree
It’s true what you say about running becoming a chore when you’re preparing for a marathon.
Earlier this year I had a lot of long runs on my plan and towards the end, they did feel more like an obligation than something I looked forward to. Right now, I’m happy with my shorter runs!
Exactly! I don’t want to feel like my passion becomes a chore
Totally agree- you don’t need to run a marathon to be a runner! You don’t need to race or run long distances either! Doing something that you don’t want to do will take the enjoyment out of it or risk injury, and may cause you to stop running all together!
Yes, exactly how I feel!
100%!!!! You are a real runner!!!! I’d love to run a marathon. But my husband who could probably run a 3:30 Marathon has no desire whatsoever to run a marathon and like you he loves balancing running with other things (in his case, he is an avid mountain biker).
There is definitely a built in pressure to do it in the running world but its not for everyone.
While I love running marathons, I don’t love all the long-long runs towards the end of the training cycle. Knowing my body can withstand the distance (and knowing I’ve done these long runs many times before) does not make them any more “easier” either. Like you, I love doing races of different distances, and I love all my cross-training vices, so I’ve never really had a hardcore “26.2-focused” training cycle. That’s what works for me, and that’s what I want…though it’s not the traditional way of doing things LOL
Exactly, I am not ready to give up all of the other activities I love.
Definitely still a runner. I go through ups and downs with running. Right now I’m enjoying just running for the sake of getting out there. 🙂
It does feel good to do that!
Yes, it’s funny how running a marathon seems to be some sort of weird requirement. When my husband and I got together, he trained for and ran a couple marathons with me, I guess just because he felt like he “should” (he was already a runner when we met.) Since then he’s announced that he’ll never run a marathon again- it’s just not his thing. But he still runs all the time! Everyone has their own thing going on.
yes they do and that is one of the reasons why I love running. So many ways to enjoy it
Yes! If you run, you are a runner! Period, end of story! It doesn’t matter how far, or how fast! 🙂
I agree! Have a great day
I’m a run/walker…. I’ve never been a full on runner I enjoy running in spurts but not running the whole time.
That works too!
Of course you’re a real runner! I know runners who never race and they are real runners too. I’m with you regarding wanting to have time for all the other things. Keep running whatever distance you want!
That is the plan! Happy running to you
I am injury prone too which will probably keep me from running another marathon. I’d rather run healthy than push it and have to take time off.
that is exactly how I feel!
Yes! Still a runner. I feel like a marathon would be be good if you got to the point that you needed a new goal in your life.
Could be for sure!
Good for you!! If you run, you’re a runner, simple as that! I’m not a runner though i love long brisk walks and occasionally jog, but i will never run, walk, or skip a marathon, zero aspirations of that LOL!
Same here and that’s okay for both of us
Such great tips, I have never rain a marathon before but my mom has a couple times! I run about 7 km a day which is still good 🙂
It is very good! Happy running
In the beginning I used to feel that way, too. But the marathon is such a huge commitment – it goes so far beyond running, just like all the reasons you listed. I think it’s wise to know where your passions and interests lie, and to honor them.
Thanks Jen I agree!
I’ll bet the non-runners who ask you about marathons don’t even know how long a marathon is. And of course you’re a real runner. All real runners know that!
I agree!
I was curious to control-f to see if I was in the comments, but this was just before we “met” when Coco brought me to the linkup. How fun on being published too.
Although I ran my one, I still feel mostly the same as you. I don’t regret doing it, even with the resulting IT Band issue, but it’s not something I ever feel the need to do again. I was a runner before I began training and still am. It was so much fun to meet a friend MOnday and just run what we felt like. No need to worry about pace or mileage. And for me personally, giving up the weekends was hard. Not that I have a late night social life, but it’s nice to be able to meet friends for dinner and not worry about it being too late/heavy because of an early run, or too late after getting up at oh dark thirty.
I just had a conversation yesterday with a friend about whether I’d truly “never” do one again, and I’m not sure. No interest, but I didn’t until NYC for my 40th made sense, so maybe there will be another occasion. But no time soon. My body and I like 8-10 mile runs (with the occasional half), not 16-18 milers.
I totally agree you don’t have to run a marathon to be a “real” runner! The funny thing is that most people asking how many marathons you’ve run don’t even know what a marathon distance actually is, lol! I admire those who regularly run marathons, but to me it is such a huge commitment, not one that I’d want to do more than once every few years!
It is a huge commitment for sure
Yes! If a marathon defined a runner, then several professional runners would not be runners, which is silly. If you run, you are a runner!
I agree!