Only to be seen on one/two key events of the year – ADHM, SCMM or maybe something equally big. Chances are you will find them at India Gate or Marine Drive starting 3 months before the event.
RCPs (Run-Click-Post)
They run so that they can post. Are always seen at Photo-Op big budget running events. Easily identifiable by “Let’s take a selfie first”.
The Virgins
They are usually nervous and want to do at least one half not realising that they will keep coming back for more. Often heard saying, “I just want to somehow finish it somehow”.
Sub 2 Chasers
This category has a huge number of runners who have done several halfs’ but haven’t yet achieved the magical Sub 2. Often heard saying, “Bas ek sub 2 hojaaye”.
The Blurs
Sounds like a rock band. And they do rock. These are the men and women who you look at in wonder as they zip past you in any race. They target – sub 1:30! Often heard saying, “Clocked 1:31 for 21km, damn I’m slow”.
The Unstoppables
They run on their good days and on their bad days, irrespective of injuries or how tough the previous event was. They simply don’t give up. Often heard saying “It’s just a sprain. I will rest after the run.”
The Running Monks
They have been there and done that and events don’t mean much to them anymore. They go into a trance with the very first stride and stay in a meditative state through the run. Usually lured by distances of 50kms plus.
The Crossovers
They are usually strong (because of silly brevets that keep doing) and participate in one or two running events in a year and at times leave runners feeling like wimps.
Top Gear
While running is important so is the eye-catching running gear. Usually seen in the trendiest running tees, tights and shorts. They usually possess a good knowledge of where to get bright headbands, comfy armbands and best ear phones from.
Contest Alert – Come up with a quirky category (with description) and win adidas goodies. Applicable – anywhere in India.
Contest Closed – Will contact the top 3 entries soon.
Winning enteries (in no particular order), chose 4.
1) Priyanka Mehta – “The true Marathoner”
One who thinks that every 2/3/5 or even 10 km run they attend is a ‘marathon’! They usually are super proud of their feat and unhesitatingly post on social media about their ‘ marathon ‘ accomplishment !
2) Soundarya – “Non-stop nonsense runner”
From start to finish this runner will talk non-stop. From world politics to cricket to the sad state of world affairs he will have an opinion on anything and everything and will not wait to hear what you have to say. He will continue talking post the run also as he stretches and pulls the hell out of his hamstrings and quad muscles.
3) Shantanu – “WOLVERINES”
They have been running as kids. Belong to interior villages and hamlets. Their race fee is given by their local Sarpanch or they borrow it from fellow villagers. They don’t have any support , nutrition , training and Gear but they are already heading with their prize money towards their villages while most of us are crossing the finish line .
4) Kazan – “Zombie Runners”
They are not the fittest runners you’ll find, but will always do whatever it takes to finish the distance. They start running with great rhythm, but towards the middle of the race, they start to slow down, and eventually pull their bodies like carcasses across the finish line, even if it’s long after the end of the race.
42 Comments
Keerthana SwaminathanNovember 23, 2015 at 8:13 am
Amazing blog 🙂
Probably you could add “running freaks” or “running geeks” – runners who come under all the categories you have mentioned . 🙂
Generally for people who loves Beer but afraid from Belly fat. So they run for just continue keeping their love for Beer without the fear of Belly fat . Participating in running events are just for keep motivating their self for their love 😉 In the course if they time between 2 – 2:30 hours then an extra beer jug are the prize for them 🙂
The Jargon Masters
These guys don’t eat, they “carb load”; they don’t drink, they “hydrate”; they don’t run fast or slow, they change their “candence”; they don’t breath in or out, they control their “VO2Max”. They talk about “vertical oscillation” and “impact forces”. Sometimes they can be very informative but at other times they scare the crap out of the Virgin runners…!
The “Race Runners”….
The runners who will be seen only where there is n expo; and a podium and a medal with the timing certificate to get… They will also buy all the photographs from Marathon photos.com
The Rustics
These are the ones you have dismissed as of no consequence as they fail your standard of English, running gear, or ambition but startle you once the race has begun as they effortlessly whiz past you!
Loved the illustrations and categories! I like Samudra’s category too…had to overcome some jargon masters myself…here’s one I’ve seen in my running group – Jolly Walkers – those who think they are running but its nothing but fast walking complete with their musical side to side hip sway and their oh-so-delicate foot roll at the ankle, never mind their swiggy shoulder dance!
Phase 1: They sit back and publicly criticise runners – “Running will ruin your knee, not good for overall fitness, etc, etc”. Phase 2: They see all the fun you are having, the weight you have lost and the fab pictures with good looking people on FB. This is when they get a bit green. Phase 3: They start running secretly. Phase 4: One fine day, they nonchalantly declare that they are also running (at a time faster than yours) and there is nothing to it.. Phase 5: You see them in ADHM.
You have the gadget king (or queen). Garmin, fitbit, mobile, strava – uploading, downloading, comparing, contrasting, and scaring the bejeezus out of those of us who are less-gadget-ed.
You also have the ageing aunties (& uncles, I suppose) who love to hang out with cool youngsters (hell, EVERYONE is younger these days). They do tend to mention their age a bit too much, to be honest…they would never, ever enter the senior citizens’ run, even though they qualify, and despite the wrinkles and aching knees, are secretly super proud of still being able to fit into a T shirt and run with kids.
That’s not fair! We aging grandparents exercise to keep as fit as possible so that we do not take to our beds with broken bones and displaced hips!!!!!!!
Allow me to introduce the “Race Runners”….
The runners who will be seen only where there is n expo; a finishing gate, a podium and a medal with the timing timing certificate to get..and a chance to whistle at Bipasha Basu and John Abraham.
They will also buy all the photographs from Marathonphotos.com
Really wanted to tag a few friends here…. But they will get very angry….
The Acrobats
These are the ones who put you to shame before the race starts as they lumbar up with contortions, leaps, acrobatics, and warm-up runs – enough to leave you drained of energy on just watching them. Makes you wonder if you are even going to finish your run.
And the posers… you may see them walking , more into talking and at aid stations but most of all wherever the photo shoot happens. Their best buddy is the photographer. Strike a pose anytime is what they do best. They look happy and cheerful all the time.
Uncle SCROOGE. For some reason they always have a scowl on their face. It could be tension during the run or just carried over from the office. Your ‘Hi’ greeting will be reciprocated by a grunt and you will rarely find them photographed. Their aim in life is to make running look like a big big service they are doing to humankind.
“Clumsy runners”
Yes they do exist. Though it sounds contradictory.
They are good runners but always need motivation to start running ,if that doesn’t happen they will put up certain excuses to avoid running.
hey Anu ,totally awesome ,how about the “THE MILE EAGLES” while people run for a PB or as an achievement these runners are more focused on the accuracy of the distance ,be it a 5k,10k,21k or a marathon .Like a eagle has a watch on its prey these runners would say ,ah my garmin says 5.2 how come the route marker shows 5k ,damn i ran an extra 200m and at the end of the race ,they are happy to have ran more than the race distance.Woooo!!! who says I ran a marathon I ran few more metres more than that 🙂
Hi Anu.
Enjoyed ur blog. Luved all descriptions nd illustrations…. M just 4 month old in running so don’t knw much abt runners. BT yea. Thr r some runners like me who take up running coz they simply luv to run/walk irrespective of the timing or distance. Nd choose to run to stay FIT….
One who thinks that every 2/3 / 5 or even 10 km run they attend is a ‘ marathon ‘! They usually are super proud of their feat and unhesitatingly post on social media about their ‘ marathon ‘ accomplishment !
The Motivators. The Passionate Runners who motivate everyone to take up running, including their reluctant Spouses.
The Leapfroggers – The self confident who believe in Leap Frogging, and sign up for a half marathon after doing a 3-5 KM jog in the park. Meet a lot of first timers in every HM, who have never done even a 10K event.
brilliant anupriya. i think one could match just about every runner to one of the categories and in some cases, some popular ones (like the author) belong to multiple categories too – the last one definitely 🙂
The intensivist
The runner who laps up information from all co runners.Researches endlessly and runs earnestly.the run is a personal challenge as they battle inner demons.Seem very placid unless someone says it is just a run when they turn vehement and abrasive.They are introverts intense and inflexible in their quiet resolve
From start to finish this runner will talk non-stop. From world politics to cricket to the sad state of world affairs he will have an opinion on anything and everything and will not wait to hear what you have to say. He will continue talking post the run also as he stretches and pulls the hell out of his hamstrings and quad muscles
The musician
His ear phones are bigger than his head and you will find it tough to identify this runner without the customary neon ear phones. From Pink Floyd to Honey Singh this runner constantly keeps you guessing on what the hell he must be hearing and being so happy about. You will be surprised that it might be some soothing Sufi music/ Rafiq hits rather than heavy duty hiphop/metal. Even if you run 20 kms with him he will refuse to remove it and say a word to you!
Running Guru:
The one who knows it all…Whenever someone runs past him, he will comment on posture and his all the stats..he can also predict the running time just by seeing the stride length!!
Inspired Cheer leaders (ICL)
Whenever you post your running pics on Fb or watsapp. .ICLs keeps commenting saying ..you are Truly Inspiring, great job, I am really motivated by your running posts, how you got this energy, I am inspired, you are role model .etc etc…and will never run..
The 6pm runner-
An IT folk who is a late riser in morning but ensures that he gets out of his seat leaving all work behind and start his run at 6pm on weekdays.
Category of runners who love to eat as much as they love to run..They run longer., so that they are entitled to engage their taste-buds longer as well..After all it’s about living life to the fullest!!
Hey Anu..as always..A superb blog. I find the category of “Analysts’ runners very intriguing. They will analyse each and every run with the same detailing..complete km by km pace analysis, speed, cadence, gradient, hydration, calories burnt etc etc. More than the run, this analysis is what gives them a high..
WOLVERINES
They have been running as kids. Belong to interior villages and hamlets. Their race fee is given by their local Sarpanch or they borrow it from fellow villagers. They don’t have any support , nutrition , training and Gear but they are already heading with their prize money towards their villages while most of us are crossing the finish line .
Complainers
They see a flaw in everything that morning. From parking to aid stations to announcements to traffic control. They run thinking how they could have organised the event much better than this.
YogRunners – who everytime focus on their BREATH and CONNECT themselves with the NATURE. Every stride people taking along, they don’t miss the feeling pleased being a part of positive energy and the aura around .
They Neva chase people or the time , they simply run to smile more at finish line .
They are usually amazed as they always have the best PB, which they only realise catching their deep breath after the run .
Dream Runner
Run for fun or Run for life.It is always a Do Or Die situation. Every run is a new movie sometimes trying to show a happy ending and sometimes fighter’s ending.whatso ever it’s a high in life .
A respect to other Co runners and self .keeping one young ,self disciplined and at the end singing yes I did it again
Zombie Runners
They are not the fittest runners you’ll find, but will always do whatever it takes to finish the distance. They start running with great rhythm, but towards the middle of the race, they start to slow down, and eventually pull their bodies like carcasses across the finish line, even if it’s long after the end of the race.
42 Comments
Amazing blog 🙂
Probably you could add “running freaks” or “running geeks” – runners who come under all the categories you have mentioned . 🙂
B&B (Beer & Belly)
Generally for people who loves Beer but afraid from Belly fat. So they run for just continue keeping their love for Beer without the fear of Belly fat . Participating in running events are just for keep motivating their self for their love 😉 In the course if they time between 2 – 2:30 hours then an extra beer jug are the prize for them 🙂
Lovely illustrations, Anupriya!
The Jargon Masters
These guys don’t eat, they “carb load”; they don’t drink, they “hydrate”; they don’t run fast or slow, they change their “candence”; they don’t breath in or out, they control their “VO2Max”. They talk about “vertical oscillation” and “impact forces”. Sometimes they can be very informative but at other times they scare the crap out of the Virgin runners…!
Dreamers:
These are people who always says I want to run a marathon but never does. You can hear them say, “I will run next marathon, sure.”
The “Race Runners”….
The runners who will be seen only where there is n expo; and a podium and a medal with the timing certificate to get… They will also buy all the photographs from Marathon photos.com
The Rustics
These are the ones you have dismissed as of no consequence as they fail your standard of English, running gear, or ambition but startle you once the race has begun as they effortlessly whiz past you!
Loved the illustrations and categories! I like Samudra’s category too…had to overcome some jargon masters myself…here’s one I’ve seen in my running group – Jolly Walkers – those who think they are running but its nothing but fast walking complete with their musical side to side hip sway and their oh-so-delicate foot roll at the ankle, never mind their swiggy shoulder dance!
The Joneses (keeping up with the runners)
Phase 1: They sit back and publicly criticise runners – “Running will ruin your knee, not good for overall fitness, etc, etc”. Phase 2: They see all the fun you are having, the weight you have lost and the fab pictures with good looking people on FB. This is when they get a bit green. Phase 3: They start running secretly. Phase 4: One fine day, they nonchalantly declare that they are also running (at a time faster than yours) and there is nothing to it.. Phase 5: You see them in ADHM.
You have the gadget king (or queen). Garmin, fitbit, mobile, strava – uploading, downloading, comparing, contrasting, and scaring the bejeezus out of those of us who are less-gadget-ed.
You also have the ageing aunties (& uncles, I suppose) who love to hang out with cool youngsters (hell, EVERYONE is younger these days). They do tend to mention their age a bit too much, to be honest…they would never, ever enter the senior citizens’ run, even though they qualify, and despite the wrinkles and aching knees, are secretly super proud of still being able to fit into a T shirt and run with kids.
That’s not fair! We aging grandparents exercise to keep as fit as possible so that we do not take to our beds with broken bones and displaced hips!!!!!!!
Allow me to introduce the “Race Runners”….
The runners who will be seen only where there is n expo; a finishing gate, a podium and a medal with the timing timing certificate to get..and a chance to whistle at Bipasha Basu and John Abraham.
They will also buy all the photographs from Marathonphotos.com
Really wanted to tag a few friends here…. But they will get very angry….
The Acrobats
These are the ones who put you to shame before the race starts as they lumbar up with contortions, leaps, acrobatics, and warm-up runs – enough to leave you drained of energy on just watching them. Makes you wonder if you are even going to finish your run.
And the posers… you may see them walking , more into talking and at aid stations but most of all wherever the photo shoot happens. Their best buddy is the photographer. Strike a pose anytime is what they do best. They look happy and cheerful all the time.
Uncle SCROOGE. For some reason they always have a scowl on their face. It could be tension during the run or just carried over from the office. Your ‘Hi’ greeting will be reciprocated by a grunt and you will rarely find them photographed. Their aim in life is to make running look like a big big service they are doing to humankind.
Wow !!!
“Lone Wolves” who avoid groups & run solo quietly and often underplay themselves.
“Name Callers” who adopt exotic names & acronyms for their running avatars, e.g., momontherun, psychia, etc. 😉
Change “Top Gear” to “Ramp Runners”
“Elitist Racists” who would not run anything less than 50 km & look down upon as lesser mortal those who do !
“Clumsy runners”
Yes they do exist. Though it sounds contradictory.
They are good runners but always need motivation to start running ,if that doesn’t happen they will put up certain excuses to avoid running.
Hilarious Anupriya…thoroughly enjoyed the illustrations with the captions!!!
hey Anu ,totally awesome ,how about the “THE MILE EAGLES” while people run for a PB or as an achievement these runners are more focused on the accuracy of the distance ,be it a 5k,10k,21k or a marathon .Like a eagle has a watch on its prey these runners would say ,ah my garmin says 5.2 how come the route marker shows 5k ,damn i ran an extra 200m and at the end of the race ,they are happy to have ran more than the race distance.Woooo!!! who says I ran a marathon I ran few more metres more than that 🙂
Hi Anu.
Enjoyed ur blog. Luved all descriptions nd illustrations…. M just 4 month old in running so don’t knw much abt runners. BT yea. Thr r some runners like me who take up running coz they simply luv to run/walk irrespective of the timing or distance. Nd choose to run to stay FIT….
super funny.loved it.
The true ‘ Marathoner ‘ !
One who thinks that every 2/3 / 5 or even 10 km run they attend is a ‘ marathon ‘! They usually are super proud of their feat and unhesitatingly post on social media about their ‘ marathon ‘ accomplishment !
“Riters” – runners who write, or blog. and it is no coincidence that true runners are writers too.
Hahaha. Such a funny post. And I can see myself in one category and couple of friends in each. Perfectly summed up.
The Motivators. The Passionate Runners who motivate everyone to take up running, including their reluctant Spouses.
The Leapfroggers – The self confident who believe in Leap Frogging, and sign up for a half marathon after doing a 3-5 KM jog in the park. Meet a lot of first timers in every HM, who have never done even a 10K event.
brilliant anupriya. i think one could match just about every runner to one of the categories and in some cases, some popular ones (like the author) belong to multiple categories too – the last one definitely 🙂
hilarious
The intensivist
The runner who laps up information from all co runners.Researches endlessly and runs earnestly.the run is a personal challenge as they battle inner demons.Seem very placid unless someone says it is just a run when they turn vehement and abrasive.They are introverts intense and inflexible in their quiet resolve
Non-stop nonsense runner
From start to finish this runner will talk non-stop. From world politics to cricket to the sad state of world affairs he will have an opinion on anything and everything and will not wait to hear what you have to say. He will continue talking post the run also as he stretches and pulls the hell out of his hamstrings and quad muscles
The musician
His ear phones are bigger than his head and you will find it tough to identify this runner without the customary neon ear phones. From Pink Floyd to Honey Singh this runner constantly keeps you guessing on what the hell he must be hearing and being so happy about. You will be surprised that it might be some soothing Sufi music/ Rafiq hits rather than heavy duty hiphop/metal. Even if you run 20 kms with him he will refuse to remove it and say a word to you!
Running Guru:
The one who knows it all…Whenever someone runs past him, he will comment on posture and his all the stats..he can also predict the running time just by seeing the stride length!!
Inspired Cheer leaders (ICL)
Whenever you post your running pics on Fb or watsapp. .ICLs keeps commenting saying ..you are Truly Inspiring, great job, I am really motivated by your running posts, how you got this energy, I am inspired, you are role model .etc etc…and will never run..
Value for money runner
Will run the longest distance in the event … To get the best bang for the buck … 🙂
The 6pm runner-
An IT folk who is a late riser in morning but ensures that he gets out of his seat leaving all work behind and start his run at 6pm on weekdays.
“Run2Eat Runner”
Category of runners who love to eat as much as they love to run..They run longer., so that they are entitled to engage their taste-buds longer as well..After all it’s about living life to the fullest!!
Hey Anu..as always..A superb blog. I find the category of “Analysts’ runners very intriguing. They will analyse each and every run with the same detailing..complete km by km pace analysis, speed, cadence, gradient, hydration, calories burnt etc etc. More than the run, this analysis is what gives them a high..
WOLVERINES
They have been running as kids. Belong to interior villages and hamlets. Their race fee is given by their local Sarpanch or they borrow it from fellow villagers. They don’t have any support , nutrition , training and Gear but they are already heading with their prize money towards their villages while most of us are crossing the finish line .
Complainers
They see a flaw in everything that morning. From parking to aid stations to announcements to traffic control. They run thinking how they could have organised the event much better than this.
YogRunners – who everytime focus on their BREATH and CONNECT themselves with the NATURE. Every stride people taking along, they don’t miss the feeling pleased being a part of positive energy and the aura around .
They Neva chase people or the time , they simply run to smile more at finish line .
They are usually amazed as they always have the best PB, which they only realise catching their deep breath after the run .
Dream Runner
Run for fun or Run for life.It is always a Do Or Die situation. Every run is a new movie sometimes trying to show a happy ending and sometimes fighter’s ending.whatso ever it’s a high in life .
A respect to other Co runners and self .keeping one young ,self disciplined and at the end singing yes I did it again
Well categorized….can recall someone or other for each…and myself for couple.. 🙂
VERY GOOD ONE, ANU !!!!!
As always, enjoyed reading it. Thanks!
Zombie Runners
They are not the fittest runners you’ll find, but will always do whatever it takes to finish the distance. They start running with great rhythm, but towards the middle of the race, they start to slow down, and eventually pull their bodies like carcasses across the finish line, even if it’s long after the end of the race.