What kind of Runner are you?

The infographic accompanying this article provides a complete classification of runner types, what defines them, and what characteristics they most identify with.

Running, the trendy sport. The practice of putting on a pair of shoes and going out to eat up miles without asking why, let alone looking back. Running is a pleasure... at least that's what those who practice this sport say. The curious thing is that not all runners are the same, although they do share a passionate love for going for a run.

We reached this conclusion after analyzing them carefully, observing their habits and customs, and watching them closely in their natural habitat. That's why we have designed this classification of runner types, presented in a fun way. So, the infographic accompanying this text shows a complete classification of runner types, what defines them, and what characteristics they feel most identified with. We have highlighted 11 distinct subspecies of runners. You surely know more than one:

RUNNING VICTIM:

Runs because it's trendy... for now. We can't deny that running is currently popular. While some genuinely love running, others simply sweat it out with whatever sport is thrown their way.

FOFIRUNNER:

Goes for a run and ends up at the bar... the bar champion. They have the will to take care of themselves, exercise, and live a healthy life... but temptation is stronger. So, even though they go out fairly regularly to burn calories and move their love handles, the results of this effort are diminished when, after suffering mile after mile, their final goal is the bar counter. Lifting a glass is definitely their favorite sport.

BEGINNER:

Wants to, but isn't sure if they can... Running is a big deal... just thinking about running a marathon, even a half, is intimidating. It's more than 20 km! However, you won't be left behind... the beginner tries. One day they pluck up the courage and hit the asphalt... at first it's hard, you're out of breath... time doesn't pass, it feels like you're not moving forward... but in the end, it pays off, and a lot. Every day you experience a new advance, and with it an indescribable sense of accomplishment.

DISILLUSIONED:

They've always played a sport that, due to various circumstances, they can no longer participate in... all that's left is running. With age, playing team sports becomes increasingly difficult... Getting so many people together in the same space and time is almost a pipe dream. It's even hard to find a padel partner. A special mention goes to those who, as active players in a team, have suffered some kind of injury that prevents them from continuing to enjoy their hobby. Therefore, inevitably, they embrace running. A sport that allows them to get in shape whenever and wherever they want, without relying on anyone.

HEIR:

Runs because their parents ran, and it's in their blood. It's hereditary and unavoidable. You don't know why, but you can't stop doing it. You've always seen it at home, and you practice it naturally. You feel good about it. You were born a runner, and a runner you will die.

ROMANTICS:

A couple who do everything together, even run. It's said that love conquers all. In this case, both have decided to share their love for the sport as well. This leads them to go out and train, sign up for races, and even compete a little, from time to time...

It is often said that love moves mountains; in this case, it also covers miles.

ADVANCED:

A full-fledged runner, with more miles on their shoes than Route 66... This is a PRO RUNNER, in every sense of the word. One of those who takes running very seriously, with their training routine, proper diet, nutritional supplements, and, of course, super running shoes; essential for maximum performance.

TECH GEEK:

These are not my wearables. The fanatic of technological devices. Heart rate, balanced tension, distance covered, cadence rhythm... everything controlled thanks to their heart rate monitor watch with GPS. We cannot deny that having your progress controlled down to the millimeter, and seeing how you advance, is a shot of motivation.

These gadgets are so important that if one of them fails, they won't even consider going for a run.

MISS RUNNING:

Always looks cute, with tight outfits, and well coordinated, perfect for everything. She loves running fashion, the lifestyle of the latest sports brands, and everything well-planned. Leggings, sports bra and matching top, not forgetting a cap and shoes, with her Hickies, of course.

THE ETERNAL ATHLETE:

Just give him miles, and forget the stories. In his day, so much wasn't needed. This running thing has never been such a massive sport, nor has it been so "in." If we go back just over 5 years, those who had the habit of going for a run were athletes through and through.

It was even rarer for someone to sign up for competitions and take them very seriously. Now, it's rare to have a weekend without competitions, and what's more, they are massive.

THE BUDDY:

Escapes loneliness, runs solely to belong to a group. Another one who has joined the running trend, but for the social environment it entails. There are running communities that train together, sign up for this or that race, and share very special moments.

This running thing is contagious, and it's cool to share it. And you, what kind of runner are you? Surely you identify with at least one of these profiles, and you know other runners who perfectly fit the Tech Geek, Fofirunner, or Miss Running types. If so, share this infographic with them, so they can have a laugh too.

Classification by stages

There are probably as many categories or types of runners as there are runners, but it's good to know where each of us stands. Take this post only as a guide for each runner to reflect and place themselves within or closer to one category or another...

If you're just starting out in Running or are already a runner but still can't run for more than half an hour, you can consider yourself a beginner. Don't worry, this is undoubtedly the stage where you accumulate the most sensations and changes, so you should enjoy it to the fullest.

You will have to adapt and will experience discomfort and pains typical of this adaptation, but you will see how advances are very fast and your body will ask for a little more each time. You don't do intervals yet - it's not necessary - you go for a run 2 or 3 times a week at most, and little by little you'll consider running a 10K. If others do it, why not you?

If you are a runner who never misses their appointments, at least three times a week, and whose training plan includes interval training and other types of conditioning - gym for strength or stretching sessions - you will be starting to regulate and organize your training, so you can consider yourself a full-fledged runner.

You already know what training systems other more experienced colleagues apply and you are moving towards achieving similar goals. You have two or three road races on your personal calendar, maybe even a half marathon! To take another step, you should set a minimum number of kilometers per week and introduce different types of interval training (short and medium distances) to gain some speed and speed endurance, even if it's only once a week.

If you exceed three sessions a week and regularly do five sessions, including interval training in a couple of them, in addition to being methodical about general physical condition beyond running and diet, if you control training paces for both long runs and intervals, if you respect rest times and if you have regularly dared to do half marathons or even a full marathon, or if, in addition to all that, you are able to create long-term plans – per season – and vary your training according to incidents, you are an expert and fully confirmed runner.

If the stopwatch accompanies you in all your training sessions, if you already have your discipline and your defined event and you are a regular at the starting line of a competition, you do more than one training session a day, if your goals are competitions and improving your time in your event, if you introduce strategy into training as a means to achieve podium places or a notable improvement, if you meticulously take care of your diet, your rest, your health, your weight, and the rest of the activities in your life to optimize your results, or if you regularly do track workouts, you can consider yourself a high-performance runner.

You will probably suffer, like the beginner, discomfort and pain, but these will be caused by the intense training you subject your body to, but your rewards will go beyond enjoyment and satisfaction.

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