Three categories of runner on letsrun

I concur. Labels are a terrible moniker to put upon people. Obviously not everyone who runs or competes in other sports is going to be world class. But they're out there doing their own thing, not bothering anyone. That should be embraced by their community. But no, they are looked down upon by their smug peers as second or third class citizens. People who start threads like this should be beaten half to dead with 3/4 inch track spikes. You all are a bunch of know everything but know nothing losers. Just dry up and blow away all ready, you stupid bunch of pi$$ ants!

Recreational runner here. Running is my hobby. Since the 80's. I give a sh.. on others classification which is usually coping with lacking self confidence and happiness. Happy to be grown up.

Yes, there are three categories.

Those who are paid to race.

Those who pay to race.

Those who don't race.

Or looking from a coach point of view

1. Professional, invited maybe paid to attend meets, will get free sway and likely prize money

2. Hobbyjogger. Of course there are two types of these runners.

the first are those who run for fun and regardless of their paces want to run their best time.

And then the second are the princesses, the entitled , envious and high maintenance runners which mock those slower, create devastated threads, have an excuse when they don’t do well, blame someone for not getting their times, could be type of shoes, tracks, PEDS, despite not looking at their own training or mental fortitude to run when it gets tough.

I like that…well summed up.

I think that some who have replied don’t quite get the true purpose of this post. I don’t like labels. I find it quite demeaning and disgusting that some on here label others as “hobbyjoggers” just because they don’t meet some arbitrary standards ( in their opinions. True snobbery in action.

Therefore I created the new category “athlete wannabe” to turn the tables somewhat. Coupled with the definition I wanted to give some a taste of their own medicine. And lo and behold, some have been triggered by that. Go figure.

Except that the first category comprises. 0001% of runners. Last stat I saw had 18 million race finishers a year in the US. How many get paid to run?

Well if it makes you feel better we can expand that category to those who not only get paid to run, but also to those who’s lifestyle is enhanced by running competitively, scholarships for example, which I did mention previously.

Even if the category is a small one, it’s still a category. I said earlier that the athlete wannabe category was the largest on letsrun.

Fair enough. I guess a lot of guys here are post collegiate runners who hang around mainly with runners, and as a result overestimate the value the rest of the world places on distance running times.

I took up running as an adult and never had any illusions that it would be an income stream. I’m just thankful it’s such an inexpensive sport. I barely spend a grand a year on races and gear.

Spending a grand on races is easy. Just travelling to 2 marathons a year can do it.