For a long time, the definition of what an athlete is has been fairly narrow, the article says: “athletes [are] those who strive for external, performance-related goals, such as to make teams, win games or beat opponents.”
But if that’s the case, is someone who trains to run a marathon, or climb Mount Everest, not an athlete? That doesn’t feel right, does it?
What do you think? And how would you describe yourself? — Terrell
I consider myself an exerciser working to become an athlete. I tried several sports when I was young. I did not enjoy any of them and I definitely did not excel in them. I have enjoyed running for 30+ years but I have been inconsistent. I have never finished training or a race where I had planned. 10 months ago I realized I ran a 1/2 in my 20’s and in my 30’s but not in my 40’s. With my 50’s approaching I decided to try running another longish race. I am training for Big Sur 11 mile race in April. Once again I don’t feel I am progressing like I would like (having trouble with my ankles) but I am pressing forward. I set a new goal of 50 races in my 50’s. I want to confidently describe myself as an athlete/runner in the near future. To me that means consistency and achieving my personal goals.
Yep, Athlete.......even at 72, goals and competition are important and motivate me........each and everyone of us competes on our own level.......I love to see the results of races I compete in and see that I can still do as well as a 50 something (yes, I realize that person may just get up on go and not train at all).......most of us train to do our very best.......we work hard to compete.....some of us compete with others but it is my own drive that makes me better. Chats like this always motivate, offer new thoughts, fresh views.........all so good!!! We are Athletes if we choose to be!!!
This question brings up many things…..I think of the word exerciser as a more old fashioned word. It seems to me that it is generational at best. My mother-in-law used to always tease me about running when we visited. Sometimes the running was the only way to escape a large, loud family!! She thought Exercise was a waste of time. It also reminds me of what my grandma used to always say: “Horses sweat, men perspire and women glow”! Really?? I challenge anyone who accuses me of “glowing” after running a half marathon! No, I’m a sweater thus 100% an athlete!
Between long-distance running, skiing and golfing, I am an athlete. However, what results from the exercise is the loss of weight which is a great gain!
When I started doing half marathons in early ‘08, I DID think of myself as an athlete. Whether it’s a team sport or an individual sport (bowling, golf, etc), if you put forth the effort, do the training, and enjoy it, you’re an athlete!
When I was 51 my Daughter encouraged me to run in a 10k. I was excited and trained myself by walking/running and building up endurance. I was not very athletic in school. I envied my older sister because she was the ”athletic” one. Running and riding her bike. So once I finished the 10k with my oldest daughter and youngest son. I was elated to think I might be athletic. Now at 58 I completed my first 1/2 marathon and feel great! I just want to be active as I get older…. So I exercise to be Athletic….walking, running and Zumba….loving it❤️
When my employer built a training center, one of the leads on the project said the company is installing a jogging path around the building. I spoke up and said that in the 1970s people jogged, now we run.
I'm an athlete. My doctor called me an elite athlete a couple years ago, so now when I get the double scoop of ice cream and my wife says something, I just remind her that my doctor said I'm an elite athlete. I don't have to watch what I eat...
When I first started running I thought of myself as an exerciser. After all, I was trying to lose post-baby weight. I had never been a runner. I actually loved swimming laps, but wasn’t living by a rec center at the time.
Anyway, fast forward many years & many runs. I started racing half marathons for a new challenge. Something clicked inside of me. I think it was then that I started thinking of myself as an athlete, it just an exerciser.
I've been re-reading George Sheehan's essays as mental prep for Boston. Considering the vintage of the writing? Amazing how relevant to today - especially in these challenging times across the globe. Here's a comment by Sheehan that struck me as relevant to the discussion today as well as the post of Wednesday. “Run only if you must. If running is an imperative that comes from inside you and not from your doctor. Otherwise, heed the inner calling to your own Play. Listen if you can to the person you were and are and can be. Then do what you do best and feel best at. Something you would do for nothing. Something that gives you security and self-acceptance and a feeling of completion; even moments when you are fused with your universe and your Creator. When you find it, build your life around it.”
All I keep thinking about is that scene from East Bound and Down where Kenny Powers says "I play real sports, I ain't trying to be the best at exercising".
I think right now with no race on the calendar I am "exercising". Once I start training for a race I become an athlete.
"I think what we have, is a failure to communicate !" I think it's more a play on two words that in the end mean the same thing. When I go to the gym and do weights and work on my core, I'm exercising... When I do my long run to to work on my stamina I'm doing a form of exercising.. When I ran track in HS, I was labeled an athlete but exercised to become one... What it comes down to, does it make a difference... for me NO... I lace up my shoes and do whatever is necessary to stay in shape and do what i love...
Well, if I have to categorize myself, I'd be a recreational runner. :) While the article and books I've read say my motivation is athletic, its something I've never taken seriously. Yes, I like to move, dance, run, but I lack the attitude of grim determination of many elites who call themselves "athletes." I have too much fun!
Yes, I did get out yesterday for my 45 minutes. In spite of the cold, it was a beautiful day--clear blue sky and the sun was shining! Noted that several of my running buddies were crawling out from under the leaves, too. Should on to spring and warmer weather soon!
Let’s seeeee… well, I would probably consider myself an athlete—like I’ve always trained with performance goals in mind. I ran in high school and swam in college, then started road running and playing rugby and boxing following school. Running is my main jam for sure and I’ve been pretty competitive in the past with it 😆 I still have some lofty aspirations even in my old age now I’ve finished up my boxing endeavors (lofty as in not the Olympics or anything, but Boston someday would be pretty amazing!) ❤️ To be honest though I feel all runners are athletes, just due to the nature of the sport. ❤️
So much of this question depends on definition and I see much overlap on a very broad spectrum without invidious comparisons between the two. So for me it boils down to attitude toward my body and what I want to achieve on a personal basis. I think of “athlete” as an aspirational goal and exercise as a means to achieve it. For me exercise can be an end in itself or a path leading to something beyond. In my mind, “Beyond Fitness” is the Athlete.
Getting “there” can be a very meaningful journey for all of us. It has been for me…
Wow, great question. I am an athlete, and do consider myself one now, but only recently, as a runner athlete. I played college basketball and baseball so I feel like I am versed enough in this arena. When I began running, I didn't consider myself an "athlete" but I did consider runners athletes - at least the "elite" level ones [to me, college was definitely elite and high success in HS was too]. I do compete, if only with myself and my prior times, so anyone else who does that should also be considered an "athlete" as they are striving to improve, likely at all times!
I've always considered myself an athlete. I've been involved with sports since I was 9 years old, and whether it be basketball, softball, track, running, hiking, cheerleading or biking, I've always given my all. At 59 I will not be trying out for the Olympics anytime soon, but I'm definitely NOT an exerciser!
I never did sports outside the PE classes in school, as a kid the opportunities weren't there and weren't affordable for my family. At 49 I joined a gym, solo at first, getting a trainer, then doing the classes. I'm a walker, I workout at Burn Bootcamp 6 days a week, and yes! Now I consider myself an athlete at 66!
I consider myself an athlete, even though I'm not fast and I'll never be on the podium. I'm in the same venue with elites and back-of-the packers; I feel we're all athletes.
I consider myself an athlete who trains all the time. I run and bike and swim. Else I do physical labor everyday on load packages for UPS and then off to and then off to the kitchen every day so I'm always constantly moving to me exercise is fun but I think you're an athlete even if you exercise ithe exercise it's a form of movement and and when you work like I do and train as hard as I do you become really an applebee really quick
Exercise, to me, is the road travelled to be an athlete. I try to exercise to improve myself as an athlete. But on the other hand, I love each exercise I do as a stepping stone individually !!!!
I'm an athlete. It took a long time for me to learn to claim it, but as a dedicated runner I am faithful to myself in how I show up for training, my sleep, nutrition and activities are in support of that performance and come rain or shine I show up. I don't always feel like a victorious athlete but I think anyone who shows up and shows up and shows up is doing the work. Athlete is a mindset of I can and I will.
Good morning! I consider myself to be someone who is fit (and, thankfully, healthy) enough to enjoy movement and find fun in being outside. I love that I can sprint to play chase with my dogs, kick a fallen orange back and forth on a run with a friend, and go for an impromptu long bike ride just because the weather is perfect. I compete when a race seems fun and don't when racing no longer has a draw. (My enthusiasms move abruptly from flames to embers and back.) I know I'm very fortunate to have all of this, and I strive to do whatever I can, regardless of what one calls it, to keep it.
I confess I never thought of myself as an athlete. Instead more specifically as a runner. After I ran a couple marathons it dawned on me that I must be athletic. I guess because I was not an athlete as a kid and when I think of an athlete I think of a professional. But it’s evolving for me.
This is something that I sometimes struggle with as I am not always as consistent as I should be with my workouts. That said, I run and I run half and full marathons, so yes, I am an athlete. I think with the pandemic the last year+, it's easy to lose touch with identifying as an athlete since pre-pandemic routines have changed. What we knew before is not as it once was. The routine of training for races has not been as consistent for me as it was previously, and I am having a little difficulty getting back into my old routine. I am hopeful that once the weather starts to warm up here in the Great Lakes region, it will be easier to get out the door for those early morning runs.
Merriam-Webster defines athlete as “a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina.” Meanwhile, the top entry on Urban Dictionary is more inclusive and democratic: “An individual who participates in sports.”
Finished the Austin half marathon on Sunday. There were 7374 finishers for the half. Only 31 females in my age bracket. I finished 27th out of the 31. I am definitely an athlete! Btw, the race was fantastic, weather perfect!
i'm an exerciser. i like doing races and being competitive sometimes but mostly i enjoy relaxing runs with friends.
I consider myself an exerciser working to become an athlete. I tried several sports when I was young. I did not enjoy any of them and I definitely did not excel in them. I have enjoyed running for 30+ years but I have been inconsistent. I have never finished training or a race where I had planned. 10 months ago I realized I ran a 1/2 in my 20’s and in my 30’s but not in my 40’s. With my 50’s approaching I decided to try running another longish race. I am training for Big Sur 11 mile race in April. Once again I don’t feel I am progressing like I would like (having trouble with my ankles) but I am pressing forward. I set a new goal of 50 races in my 50’s. I want to confidently describe myself as an athlete/runner in the near future. To me that means consistency and achieving my personal goals.
Yep, Athlete.......even at 72, goals and competition are important and motivate me........each and everyone of us competes on our own level.......I love to see the results of races I compete in and see that I can still do as well as a 50 something (yes, I realize that person may just get up on go and not train at all).......most of us train to do our very best.......we work hard to compete.....some of us compete with others but it is my own drive that makes me better. Chats like this always motivate, offer new thoughts, fresh views.........all so good!!! We are Athletes if we choose to be!!!
This question brings up many things…..I think of the word exerciser as a more old fashioned word. It seems to me that it is generational at best. My mother-in-law used to always tease me about running when we visited. Sometimes the running was the only way to escape a large, loud family!! She thought Exercise was a waste of time. It also reminds me of what my grandma used to always say: “Horses sweat, men perspire and women glow”! Really?? I challenge anyone who accuses me of “glowing” after running a half marathon! No, I’m a sweater thus 100% an athlete!
Between long-distance running, skiing and golfing, I am an athlete. However, what results from the exercise is the loss of weight which is a great gain!
When I started doing half marathons in early ‘08, I DID think of myself as an athlete. Whether it’s a team sport or an individual sport (bowling, golf, etc), if you put forth the effort, do the training, and enjoy it, you’re an athlete!
When I was 51 my Daughter encouraged me to run in a 10k. I was excited and trained myself by walking/running and building up endurance. I was not very athletic in school. I envied my older sister because she was the ”athletic” one. Running and riding her bike. So once I finished the 10k with my oldest daughter and youngest son. I was elated to think I might be athletic. Now at 58 I completed my first 1/2 marathon and feel great! I just want to be active as I get older…. So I exercise to be Athletic….walking, running and Zumba….loving it❤️
When my employer built a training center, one of the leads on the project said the company is installing a jogging path around the building. I spoke up and said that in the 1970s people jogged, now we run.
I'm an athlete. My doctor called me an elite athlete a couple years ago, so now when I get the double scoop of ice cream and my wife says something, I just remind her that my doctor said I'm an elite athlete. I don't have to watch what I eat...
When I first started running I thought of myself as an exerciser. After all, I was trying to lose post-baby weight. I had never been a runner. I actually loved swimming laps, but wasn’t living by a rec center at the time.
Anyway, fast forward many years & many runs. I started racing half marathons for a new challenge. Something clicked inside of me. I think it was then that I started thinking of myself as an athlete, it just an exerciser.
I've been re-reading George Sheehan's essays as mental prep for Boston. Considering the vintage of the writing? Amazing how relevant to today - especially in these challenging times across the globe. Here's a comment by Sheehan that struck me as relevant to the discussion today as well as the post of Wednesday. “Run only if you must. If running is an imperative that comes from inside you and not from your doctor. Otherwise, heed the inner calling to your own Play. Listen if you can to the person you were and are and can be. Then do what you do best and feel best at. Something you would do for nothing. Something that gives you security and self-acceptance and a feeling of completion; even moments when you are fused with your universe and your Creator. When you find it, build your life around it.”
All I keep thinking about is that scene from East Bound and Down where Kenny Powers says "I play real sports, I ain't trying to be the best at exercising".
I think right now with no race on the calendar I am "exercising". Once I start training for a race I become an athlete.
"I think what we have, is a failure to communicate !" I think it's more a play on two words that in the end mean the same thing. When I go to the gym and do weights and work on my core, I'm exercising... When I do my long run to to work on my stamina I'm doing a form of exercising.. When I ran track in HS, I was labeled an athlete but exercised to become one... What it comes down to, does it make a difference... for me NO... I lace up my shoes and do whatever is necessary to stay in shape and do what i love...
Well, if I have to categorize myself, I'd be a recreational runner. :) While the article and books I've read say my motivation is athletic, its something I've never taken seriously. Yes, I like to move, dance, run, but I lack the attitude of grim determination of many elites who call themselves "athletes." I have too much fun!
Yes, I did get out yesterday for my 45 minutes. In spite of the cold, it was a beautiful day--clear blue sky and the sun was shining! Noted that several of my running buddies were crawling out from under the leaves, too. Should on to spring and warmer weather soon!
Let’s seeeee… well, I would probably consider myself an athlete—like I’ve always trained with performance goals in mind. I ran in high school and swam in college, then started road running and playing rugby and boxing following school. Running is my main jam for sure and I’ve been pretty competitive in the past with it 😆 I still have some lofty aspirations even in my old age now I’ve finished up my boxing endeavors (lofty as in not the Olympics or anything, but Boston someday would be pretty amazing!) ❤️ To be honest though I feel all runners are athletes, just due to the nature of the sport. ❤️
So much of this question depends on definition and I see much overlap on a very broad spectrum without invidious comparisons between the two. So for me it boils down to attitude toward my body and what I want to achieve on a personal basis. I think of “athlete” as an aspirational goal and exercise as a means to achieve it. For me exercise can be an end in itself or a path leading to something beyond. In my mind, “Beyond Fitness” is the Athlete.
Getting “there” can be a very meaningful journey for all of us. It has been for me…
I am an endurance athlete. I dare anyone to call me an "exerciser"!
I tun 30 miles a week.I have been a runner for 43 years. I race 5ks 10ks and half marathon so I am athelic
I'm 65. I lift 1 day each week and do roadwork 3 to 4 days each week. I've completed 14 half marathons and multiple 5Ks and 10Ks. I'm an athlete.
Ben
Wow, great question. I am an athlete, and do consider myself one now, but only recently, as a runner athlete. I played college basketball and baseball so I feel like I am versed enough in this arena. When I began running, I didn't consider myself an "athlete" but I did consider runners athletes - at least the "elite" level ones [to me, college was definitely elite and high success in HS was too]. I do compete, if only with myself and my prior times, so anyone else who does that should also be considered an "athlete" as they are striving to improve, likely at all times!
I've always considered myself an athlete. I've been involved with sports since I was 9 years old, and whether it be basketball, softball, track, running, hiking, cheerleading or biking, I've always given my all. At 59 I will not be trying out for the Olympics anytime soon, but I'm definitely NOT an exerciser!
I never did sports outside the PE classes in school, as a kid the opportunities weren't there and weren't affordable for my family. At 49 I joined a gym, solo at first, getting a trainer, then doing the classes. I'm a walker, I workout at Burn Bootcamp 6 days a week, and yes! Now I consider myself an athlete at 66!
I consider myself an athlete, even though I'm not fast and I'll never be on the podium. I'm in the same venue with elites and back-of-the packers; I feel we're all athletes.
I meant to say applebee sometimes my words come out backwards
I consider myself an athlete who trains all the time. I run and bike and swim. Else I do physical labor everyday on load packages for UPS and then off to and then off to the kitchen every day so I'm always constantly moving to me exercise is fun but I think you're an athlete even if you exercise ithe exercise it's a form of movement and and when you work like I do and train as hard as I do you become really an applebee really quick
Definitely an exerciser! I run as a way to work out and relieve stress. Running races or mile times are not high priorities for me
Exercise, to me, is the road travelled to be an athlete. I try to exercise to improve myself as an athlete. But on the other hand, I love each exercise I do as a stepping stone individually !!!!
Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman said "If you have a body, you're an athlete". It's now their company mission statement.
Exercise is defined as "any activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness".
I'm an athlete who exercises ;)
I'm an athlete. It took a long time for me to learn to claim it, but as a dedicated runner I am faithful to myself in how I show up for training, my sleep, nutrition and activities are in support of that performance and come rain or shine I show up. I don't always feel like a victorious athlete but I think anyone who shows up and shows up and shows up is doing the work. Athlete is a mindset of I can and I will.
Good morning! I consider myself to be someone who is fit (and, thankfully, healthy) enough to enjoy movement and find fun in being outside. I love that I can sprint to play chase with my dogs, kick a fallen orange back and forth on a run with a friend, and go for an impromptu long bike ride just because the weather is perfect. I compete when a race seems fun and don't when racing no longer has a draw. (My enthusiasms move abruptly from flames to embers and back.) I know I'm very fortunate to have all of this, and I strive to do whatever I can, regardless of what one calls it, to keep it.
How about you, Terrell?
I hope you all have an excellent day. :)
I confess I never thought of myself as an athlete. Instead more specifically as a runner. After I ran a couple marathons it dawned on me that I must be athletic. I guess because I was not an athlete as a kid and when I think of an athlete I think of a professional. But it’s evolving for me.
This is something that I sometimes struggle with as I am not always as consistent as I should be with my workouts. That said, I run and I run half and full marathons, so yes, I am an athlete. I think with the pandemic the last year+, it's easy to lose touch with identifying as an athlete since pre-pandemic routines have changed. What we knew before is not as it once was. The routine of training for races has not been as consistent for me as it was previously, and I am having a little difficulty getting back into my old routine. I am hopeful that once the weather starts to warm up here in the Great Lakes region, it will be easier to get out the door for those early morning runs.
Merriam-Webster defines athlete as “a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina.” Meanwhile, the top entry on Urban Dictionary is more inclusive and democratic: “An individual who participates in sports.”
Finished the Austin half marathon on Sunday. There were 7374 finishers for the half. Only 31 females in my age bracket. I finished 27th out of the 31. I am definitely an athlete! Btw, the race was fantastic, weather perfect!