Salem, Oregon's
Running & Walking Club Site
Home of
Willamette Valley Road Runners (WVRR)
www.WVRoadrunners.org.

Are You
a Real Runner?
by Judy Martin

Sometimes, we hear new runners say, "I’m not a real runner," as if there’s a qualifying test.

If you’re a real runner, probably you….

1. Drink iced chai mixed with Gatorade.

2. Know the location of every port-a-potty and public restroom in town.

3. Keep several packs of peas in your freezer—even if you don't like peas.

4. Own more pairs of running shoes than the total of all your other shoes.

5. Can’t resist catching and passing the person walking in front of you on a sidewalk.

6. Know the symptoms for sciatica, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis—from listening to conversations at the Governor’s Cup.

7. Are greeted by name by the employees of Gallagher’s Fitness Resources (or GFR, to "real" runners!)

8. Receive birthday cards from your physical therapist and orthopedist.

9. Don’t recognize your Sat. morning running partners when you see them fully dressed at the grocery store.

10. Never again want to hear spectators shout "Almost there!" or "Lookin’ good!"—Unless you actually are.

11. Are relieved when Oregon’s rains begin, so you’ll be cooled off when you run.

12. Can recite your 10k times, including seconds, for the last 2 years.

13. Spot a good runner who seems to be in your age group, and recruit /her him for your Hood to Coast or other relay team..

14. "X" the t-shirt box on a registration form only if you really like the shirt.

15. Write on your calendar at least 2 running events a month.

16. Have at least one black toe nail.

17. Look forward to getting older if your next birthday puts you in a new age group.

18. Buy ibuprofen in bulk.

19. Know the distance of each segment of Minto-Brown trails and how to add them up to equal your scheduled training run!