There are three types of recreational runners. Well, may be four.
The first is what I call the serious speedsters. Not just fast or seriously fast, but very serious about their running and training. They actually abstain from wine, beer and cinnamon buns. Tough to believe, I know.
Percentage of conversation about running to non-running topics: 90:10. Are known to have high divorce rates. Get excited by comparing VO2 max thresholds.
The second category is men and women who, like the above group look good in tight stretchy fabrics that indicate underlying solid muscles not a rumpled pillow. They are aspiring speedsters and earnestly train to better their personal times on every outing. Occasional beers are allowed. But only after 30K runs.
Percentage of conversation about running to non-running 75:25. Spouses are known for their patience, are partially deaf or have a similar consuming activity of their own. Get excited by the latest Garmin GPS watch.
The third type are those runners whose training ebbs and flows with the season and races – typically getting back into the swing of things in January for a late spring 10K race or half marathon. Running definitely involves coffee and beer, typically the latter in the afternoon but not always.
Percentage of conversation about running to non-running topics 50:50. Because of a human-friendly training schedule, their spouses don’t realize they’re not downstairs or out shopping. Get excited by finding out the training schedule doesn’t involve hills that night.
Which brings me to the fourth group.
They don’t need ‘technical’ clothing that wicks away sweat because they don’t trust the word wicking. The cotton Duran Duran/Guns and Roses concert T-shirt will work just fine, thank you very much. Beers are most definitely counted as carbo-loading.
Percentage ratio of conversation about running to non-running topics 5:95. Spouses register them for a running clinic then change the locks on the house. Get excited about Internet ads that promise to blast belly fat.
All of which lands us at the start of another running season. OK, the first group of runners doesn’t have a season because they’re always running. Hmm, the second type of runner doesn’t either. But hey, there’s the rest of us.
It’s not too late to join a learn-to-run clinic with an eye on the Times Colonist 10k or one of the half-marathon clinics at Frontrunners or the Running Room.
If beer, wine or cinnamon buns are welcome in your training program, follow along with me.
