Who Are “Committed Runners?”

“Running in the Pack” defines a committed runner as anyone who has ever set and achieved a running goal.  For most runners the first goal is a small one, such as adding an occasional jog to an exercise and diet routine to lose five pounds, running a mile without stopping or running two times during a single week.

A big step in many committed runners’ journey is training for, entering, and completing a race.  This is where the running committment often turns into a drive to improve.  Completing a 5K race without walking leads to setting a time goal of 30 minutes, 28 minutes, 25 minutes…20 minutes!  Racing in a 5K leads to a 10K, a 15K,  a Half Marathon,  a full Marathon…qualifying for the Boston Marathon!

The best thing about the sport for most committed runners is they are only competing against the goals they set for themselves.  Only the rare few and truly talented runners compete to win races, or even place in their age group.  The vast majority of committed runners bask in the limelight of their own creation and can celebrate with other runners, not as competitors, but as fellow combatants against the clock and nature. 

Jeff’s Road to Committed Running is probably not all that different from other runners’ stories.  We hope you find it to be interesting, humorous, familiar and unique.   

“Running in the Pack” looks forward to reading many stories from committed runners visiting this website.