“A lot of people run a race to see who’s fastest. I run to see who has the most guts.”
- Steve Prefontaine

One of the most interesting things about running in a marathon, half-marathon, or even a 5K, is the different types of runners you see during the race. As a marketer, I tend to lump people into segments. Based on my experience and observations, there are three different runner segments.

The Real Deals

These are the runners that show up an hour before the race to secure a spot right on the starting line. Typically strong, lean and muscular, Real Deals’ natural habitat is made up of a combination of yoga, granola, GU, Gatorade, and Body Glide. Real Deals are often found twisting themselves into pretzels illustrating how to properly stretch an IT band while sipping coconut water with a lemon twist.

The Steve Post-fontaines

Polar opposites of the Real Deals, Steve Post-fontaines are people whose best years are long behind them and are trying to rediscover their inner athlete (with a small “a”) through running. I think I’m the prototype for this segment. Once a four-sport high school athlete, I am now relegated to sports that require no cutting or lateral movements – running, cycling, swimming,
and golf – not necessarily in that order. You can spot the Steve Post-fontaines by their shiny new running gear, the remnants of what was at one time a larger gut, and the frostbite from all of the ice massages.

The I Need to Look Good for My Class Reunions Every Five Years (a.k.a. INLGMCREFYs, pronounced “Ingle McReffies”)

Also known as recreational runners, INGLMCREFYs can be found anywhere pushing a jogging stroller, wearing awesome striped 80s headbands, or doing laps around your block. INGLMCREFYs are the core runner group and make up the largest segment – approximately 70 percent of the running community. Without INGLMCREFYs, the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Half Marathon would be polarized, with the Second Sole employees finishing a half marathon in 1:20 and then looping back to Bexley to run the last seven miles with me and the rest of the Post-fontaines.

There are some sub-segments within each of these categories… I’d love to hear what other type of runners might be out there. Feel free to post your comments below.

And finally, for those INGLMCREFYs and Steve Post-fontaines who simply guess at what goes into a proper diet during training season, I’ve asked one of our lifestyle health coaches from Nationwide Better Health to guest blog and give us some nutrition tips. Real Deals can skip the post, which launches next Tuesday, because they already have their daily caloric intake down to
a science.

“The man at the top of the mountain did not fall there.”
- Unknown

To me, the sound of the alarm clock at 5 a.m. is like fingernails being dragged across a chalkboard. It startles me out of my slumber, causes my ears to bleed and makes me wish I had gone to bed earlier the night before. But it also provides notice that I have a chance to get my fat butt out of bed and get my run on. I’d love to be able to tell you that I have the discipline to lace up my running shoes every time the alarm goes off, but sometimes I’m just not feeling it. It all comes down to motivation.

Motivation is an odd thing. I’m sure some runners run for the sense of accomplishment at the end of the race or because they’ve always run and can’t imagine not running. I wish I fell into one of those two buckets, but the truth is that I run for some combination of accomplishment, health and solitude.

Accomplishment

Nothing beats the feeling of finishing a run. I’ve run three half marathons over the last couple of years, and that feeling of crossing the finish line is one of the greatest natural highs anyone could ever feel. That said, I really get a similar charge out of a long training run.

There’s something about being up at dawn and seeing lights come on around the neighborhood an hour into a run. I really feel like I’m accomplishing something special. Plus, I feel great for the rest of the day. I’ve had weekend mornings where I’ve put in 8 miles and then met friends at the golf course for a 10 a.m. tee time. It’s kind of fun to be able to say that I’ve already gotten in a 90-minute workout before even reaching the first tee. Plus, it provides me with an excuse to play worse than bogey golf.

Health

I really started to get into running as I got older and my cholesterol numbers began creeping upward. My doctor pretty much scared me into running to maintain (gain?) a level of physical fitness. I’ve found that keeping a good training schedule and pushing myself has not only had a good impact on my blood scores, but I also see a corresponding drop in the numbers on the scale. The only downside to this is that I have to keep buying new pants, but I guess that would fall under the header of “Vanity” instead of “Health.” Either way, it’s definitely part of my motivation.

Solitude

I don’t think anyone who knows me would be surprised to hear my Myers-Briggs scores indicate that I’m an extrovert, but I still need some solitude every now and then. This is the primary reason that I have eschewed training with a partner. I think having a running partner would definitely help me get out of bed at 5 a.m. more often, but I feel like having a training partner would prevent me from using an early morning run to clear my head, plan out my day and just enjoy the silence.

What motivates you to run? Why are you running 13.1 or 26.2 in October?

To get to the finish line, you’ll have to try lots of different paths.”
- Amby Burfoot

Last year when I first started running, I spent the majority of my time on the treadmill. I was slow (still am), didn’t enjoy running in the cold (still don’t), and didn’t want to go running with a bunch of people who would likely leave me in the dust (I’ve gotten over that one). After moving off of my treadmill and onto other courses, I’ve really come to appreciate the value of a good running path. I thought a good way to kick off my first training blog of the year would be to share my thoughts – pros and cons – of different routes for the neophyte who is starting this year where I was in early 2009.

The Treadmill in My Basement

Where it all started… I used to use my treadmill to hang wet laundry, but now my wife and I are putting enough mileage on it that it might be time for an upgrade. The big advantage of using a treadmill is that I can watch baseball games while I run, which is fun because the Reds are awesome this year. Also, the treadmill is perfect for runs that require controlled paces and distances, like intervals.

But there are a few things that limit how much I enjoy treadmill running. First, depending on when I run, sometimes the only thing on TV is a soccer game. Don’t get me wrong, I love to watch soccer. But I’ve made the mistake of starting my run at the beginning of a game. It’s disheartening to run for 45 minutes and feel like death, and then seeing Landon Donovan on TV at halftime of a game looking like he hasn’t even been challenged. The other downside? Two words: gripple trouble.

My Neighborhood

It should be easy for any of us to just step outside and start running. I have a pretty well-defined path that I follow through my neighborhood, so it’s easy to track mileage and prepare for changes in terrain.

The big downside to neighborhood runs happens on holiday weekends when the trash pickup is pushed back a day in the week. Several of my neighbors leave their trash at the curb for an extra day. It’s not pleasant when I can identify whose kids are still in diapers and who threw away a big part of their fish dinner earlier in the week just by running past their driveway. A second risk in my neighborhood is dogs. A couple weeks ago I was less than a mile into a planned 4-mile run when a vicious poodle nearly gnawed off my leg. My neighbors will tell you it was just a nip on my calf that barely drew blood, but to me it felt more like a shark attack. It was bad enough that my wife had to stop watching The Bachelorette with her friends to dress my wounds (read: “put a band-aid on it.”)

Blacklick Woods Metro Park

My first outdoor route… I love the running trail at Blacklick Woods. It’s relatively easy, well-marked, and safe. And the full loop is four miles, which is a good distance for my short-mileage run. The only negative about the path is that there aren’t a lot of hills, so if/when I run a course with a big change in elevation, I won’t be as prepared as I could be unless I branch out to other parks. Also, running a four mile loop means that on a 10-mile run I might get lapped by someone training for a 1:30 half marathon.

Olentangy-Scioto Trail

I’ve only run on the Olentangy-Scioto trail a couple of times, but if you work downtown or live close to the trail, then it’s a great resource for your training. It’s also especially great for cross-training on a bike, as it runs from German Village all the way up to Powell Rd. You can get in a 30-mile ride without any traffic issues. For me, the only con is that the closest connection point from my house is 12 miles away. If I’m going to use the trail, then I pretty much have to get my runs in after work, which isn’t easy on a humid summer day

I’m always interested in other people’s routes. What recommendations do our readers have for good places to run?

Also. if you’re in town this weekend, we hope to see all of you out at RunFest on Saturday, July 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Frog Bear & Wild Boar, located on the corner of Nationwide Blvd. and Front St. in downtown Columbus. There’s no admission and the event is open to the public. Best of all, there will be lots of free stuff – food, giveaways, live music, running-related exhibits, activities and more. Plus, you’ll be able to witness the unveiling of a brand new NBHCM event logo. Just come to hang out, have fun and kick off your training in style.