The statement "I am not a runner", is voiced by about half of the people looking to start an exercise program. Back when I started running in the 70's we said that if you were not training at an 8 minute pace or better you were a jogger, not a runner, back then "jogger" was a derogatory word. That was also the time when a recreational runner was doing 100 miles a week. The running boom of the 70's had all the baby boomers, mostly men, running crazy training schedules and abusing their bodies. Now as with everything else, time has changed the situation. I believe we have gotten smarter and know that fast or high mileage is not necessary to keep your body fit. We have also had the great pleasure of having the women join the running revolution. The addition of having the other half of our population join us in the sport of running has made the men slow down and think more about what they are running for.

The definition of a runner lies within each individual's own mind. Pace is purely a subjective matter when one is trying to maintain a training program for fitness. A popular train of thought is to get your heart rate up to 60% to 80% of its maximum (maximum heart rate can be found by subtracting your age from 220) and keeping it there for 30 minutes. If you can accomplish this by running at a slow pace or walking at a fast pace, the results are the same. Running burns a few more calories and takes a little less time. However, the program that you can stay with over the long haul is going to be the best program. If you are trying to increase your speed or distance, remember not to add more than 10% of speed or distance each week.

The people claiming not to be runners are looking for a shoe that will perform the best for their activity. Price does not dictate which will be the best shoe nor does the color. Several questions should be considered before purchasing the shoe. (1) What am I going to be using the shoe for: running a marathon, walking in a 3 day, 20 mile a day charity event, etc? (2) What type of surface am I going to be spending most of my time training on? (3) What is my foot type? The most important characteristic that you should be looking for is comfort. There is very little "break in" time and what you feel in the store is what you will feel at home or on the road.

The runner or non-runner wants the same things in a performance shoe and that is one that will work the best for their activity. Whatever pace you move at in your training, your mind and body will benefit and you can call yourself anything you want.

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