10 characteristics of an overachieving runner

I have to admit that I use the Internet to support more habits of mine than just running. I am a lifelong learner and continually read articles that are business oriented to help with another aspect of my life.

So, to find myself on Forbes.com is not all that odd. As I read  TJ McCue’s “13 Things Overachievers Do,” my thoughts immediately turned to runners I know, the runner I am. So here you go — 10 characteristics of  an overachieving runner.

1. They laugh.
They may be laughing at themselves or with others. Think about it — do you chuckle to yourself  as you sign up for another race while trying to figure out what you signed up for last week?

2. They steal stuff.
I’m not talking about you stole someone else’s running shoes because you liked them. But think about it. I stole the idea for this piece. You find a race someone is running and it sounds great to you, too. You decided to follow your friend’s footsteps and run the race along with them. You find a training plan online and you use it.

The thing about all this “stealing” is that you don’t mind. You happily let someone else take your idea of a race, of 13 races in 2013, of a plan on how to train. You know you will have another idea soon.

3. They  love lists.
This really resonated with me. I make lists that include everything from the races I want to run in a given year to the training plan I am going to use once registered to what flavor energy gels I have on hand so I don’t get too many of one flavor.

I am such a list maker when it comes to training plans. I have my training plan in Google calendar so that I get daily reminders. Top that with the fact that I also have an excel file that I update weekly so I know how much I am lacking or if I am hitting my training miles right on the nose.

4. They do not shy away from their weaknesses.
I actually accept my weaknesses where running is concerned. By acknowledging where I need improvement, I can find a way to get better.

5. They get tons of coaching and/or mentoring.
The running community must be filled with overachievers. We all ask questions about running in general, about training, about racing. We ask questions about which shoe is best, what gear is a must have item.

6. They like to start things.
Take David and Scott, co-founders of #runchat, as prime examples. They started the hash tag and the twice-a-month chat. Many runners become race directors, starting their own races.

7. They are rabid about lists because they love achieving goals.
Do you love to set a goal, break it into little steps and then check it off your list? I do!

8. They have an “I love you” wall in their home or office.
What else do you call medal and race bib displays?

9. They work for free.
Runners love their community so much that they volunteer to help races.

10. They love applying to things.
When was the last race you applied to?

Be Sociable, Share!

•