Pacifier – Forced to Run
This type of runner doesn’t like to run – they are running because someone is forcing them to. I have seen a lot of pacifiers running for youth club track teams and high school teams. Their parents are forcing them to run for the fitness benefits. Other pacifiers may be running because they feel their spouse or friends are forcing them to or they need to run to meet work requirements.
Likelihood of lifetime running success – zero to dismal
Socializer – Peer Group Runner
A runner of this type runs for a sense of belonging. They may have a group of friends that run and they want to fit into the group. Maybe there is a running group at their place of employment and they don’t want to be the only person not running. This type of runner also does not enjoy running, but does like the camaraderie and social aspect of running.
Likelihood of lifetime running success – low
Improver – Running for Lifestyle Change
A common reason for running is for a positive change of lifestyle. This type is running to reduce stress, improve their overall health and take steps to improve their lifestyle. An improver probably doesn’t really like running but does enjoy the improvements it makes in their overall health and stress levels.
Likelihood of lifetime running success – low to moderate
Achiever – Goal Based Runner
It has become a common practice for individuals to begin running as a way to meet one specific goal. By far the most common goal for an achiever is to finish a marathon. Achiever’s set a running goal for a variety of reasons including lifestyle change, weight loss, fitness and health. Most achievers are new to running. Some may fall in love with running and continue for a lifetime while others may really hate it and never run again.
Likelihood of lifetime running success – varies from low to high depending upon success in meeting their goal and how much they enjoyed the process.
Loser – Weight Loss Runner
For beginning runners, weight loss is a very common reason for running. Running burns a ton of calories so most losers will enjoy a lot of initial success. Because of that success many losers move to more autonomous running reasons. Some – but not all. Some others may not enjoy the process and quit before reaching their weight loss goals and others may reach their goal, but then quit running.
Likelihood of lifetime running success – moderate
Gainer – Fitness Runner
This is a very large group of runners. A gainer runs for the health and fitness benefits. This type of runner may or may not enjoy running, but they definitely like the fitness benefits they gain from running.
Likelihood of lifetime running success – moderate to high
Racer – Competitive Runner
A competitive runner runs for the thrill of competition and the love of competing against themselves and other runners. This type of runner likes to run, but loves competition.
Likelihood of lifetime running success – high to very high
Lifer – Pure Runner
A lifer runs for the pure joy of running. This type of runner probably also likes to compete, but they are not driven by competition. They run because they love the feeling of pushing themselves to new and higher levels. They enjoy the feeling of pushing their bodies to the limit. They love the freedom of running, the thrill of running fast and the peace of a long easy run.
Likelihood of lifetime running success - insured