AIBU to call myself a runner?

[RunMumRunMum]

I'm 52, recently got back to running after an injury. I've never been fast, around 65 mins for a 10k in my 30s. Now I can plod around a 5k park run in around 34 mins and honestly I'm delighted with myself. I feel good, I love it, it makes me happy and I can work excercise around everything else. However I was at the doctors recently and mentioned a sore knee and when I told him I ran 3/4 k twice a week and 5k some weekends he told me I 'wasn't really a runner'! So share with me - what are your 5k times? Can I call myself a runner? (lighthearted because I totally do)

No. To call yourself a runner you need to join the International Association of Runners. You will need to be nominated by two existing members, undergo a rigourous assessment process including physical (not just involving running), mental and spiritual elements. You will then be required to go on a weekend away with 12 other applicants where there will be a series of challenges.

Of the 12 on the weekend two will be selected. These two will then have to race across a random distance (anything from 100m to an ultra-marathon). The winner will then be invited to pay a £15,000 joining fee and a £10,000 annual subscription and only then can you call yourself a runner. Good luck.

You are a runner and that time is good for a 5k if you have only just started again.

30 years ago I could do 5k in 19.25, now I take 33 minutes. We're both still runners.

Anyone that runs is a runner, regardless of pace. Running is hard work and I get very frustrated with elitist mindsets that say you have to be of a certain standard or do certain events to be classed as a 'proper runner.'

Well done for getting out there, and I hope your knee injury clears up very soon!

You run yes? Then you're a runner. Your GP is, in fact, a knob

I say that both as a runner (with faster 5k times if it's even relevant which it's not) and a doctor.

Bollocks to anyone who says otherwise

You’re significantly faster than me, and I’m a runner.

Jo Whiley told me I was a runner in about week 7 of C25k. I'm taking it!

What a rude man!

Yes you are most definitely a runner!

I’m a runner 5K is about 35 minutes. My husband is a runner 5K in 19 minutes. If you run/trot/jog you’re a runner.

You should have asked him if he does any more doctoring outside his cushy 9-5 gp practice. When he said no you should have said he wasn't really a doctor.

I disagree with your GP, mostly because I have been running exactly at your speed most of my life and I consider myself a runner! I will never win a race but I truly enjoy going out a couple of times a week for up to 5k and enroll in my local 10k every year.

What a dick. It

Only men can be runners don't you know op. Stupid man he is.

You couldn't make it clearer you're not a doctor if you tried...

Cushy 9-5 job? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Are you aware of the concept of sarcasm?

I run but I wouldn’t call or refer to myself as a runner tbh. It’s not to do with speed, I run a sub-20 minute 5km. I suppose it’s that I don’t see myself as the same as people who are really into their running, do several marathons a year etc. The same as I cycle, but am not a cyclist.

You run, so you're a runner.

From the GP's pov, they'll be used to seeing people complaining of knee problems who are running 60+ miles a week though. I have doctor friends and they are so desensitised they dgaf about an illness unless death is actually imminent.

You’re definitely a runner!

Did the GP mean though the distances aren’t really enough to cause dodgy knees / other issues? (This time of year he might be inundated with marathon injuries).

If you do it regularly, you're a runner. He's talking shit.

you run.

You are a runner

I can currently manage about half a mile once a week

I am also a runner

I was similar to you and used to run about 3/4 times a week-one doctor said 'if you were doing serious running ...' the next said 'since you're a runner ...' I just guessed doctor a ran a lot and doctor b didn't, but I'm chuffed he thinks of me as a runner. (Advice: find another doctor-caveat: Don't, good doctors are hard to come by!!)

I would say it's about frequency not speed, and someone running 3 times a week I would consider a "runner". It's hardly like you are holding yourself out to be a professional athlete.

When I am in good shape my 5k lies just below 30mins currently (I am late 30s). When I was younger and fitter I managed one close to 25, but that's the best I have done!

I am 50 and my 34 mins for 5km is my quickest time

I call myself a runner though I'm sure some 'real' runners would call us shufflers!

Oh and on the knee, do strength work on your legs and glutes. Sorts out a runners knee.

I know nothing about running and was reading this thinking wow that's strict criteria until I realised you were kidding 🤣