Runners are Like Cats and Dogs

July 8, 2011

I got my run in for the day! Four glorious miles on the treadmill! Booyah.

  • Mile 1 @ 9:00
  • Mile 2 @ 8:41
  • Mile 3 @ 8:32
  • Mile 4 @ 8:20

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I am a sweaty beast.

Lunch

Today’s lunch was a random mix of leftovers from the refrigerator: hummus and tomato-gorgonzola salad, which I scooped up with chips to eat.

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I also threw in a juicy peach.

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And finished off the meal with two spoonfuls of almond butter.

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Instead of running outside during the downpour this morning, I mapped out a 8-mile loop around my town for tomorrow morning. Typically on Saturday mornings, you can find me doing my long run with Mal and our friends at the South Boston Running Emporium, but with all of our different plans this summer, we decided to run on our own this week and next.

At first, I was a little bummed that I wouldn’t be doing my long runs with other people, but then I thought it would be a nice change of pace for me. I love running with my friends, but, sometimes, I like doing my own thing too, which, to me, means not having a schedule or set route, grabbing my iPod and just zoning out on my long run. No pressure whatsoever.

According to Adam Krajchir, founder and director of Race with a Purpose and head coach for New York Road Runners’ Team for Kids, runners are like cats and dogs. Cat runners just want to be left alone and do their thing. Dog runners want to be social. I always thought I was a cat runner, but the more running I do with other people, the more I crave it. Maybe I’m a cat runner and a dog runner depending on the day and my mood?

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Are you a dog runner or cat runner?

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{ 102 comments… read them below or add one }

Kristen @ Change of Pace July 8, 2011 at 3:38 pm

Awesome run! I’m a cat runner. The majority of the people I’ve ever ran with want to chit chat. I have a hard enough time catching my breath :)

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The Teenage Taste July 8, 2011 at 3:40 pm

I’m both! Sometimes it is important for me to be alone when I am running so I can work on my speed, splits, etc. Other times I just want to have fun! :-)

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Corrie Anne July 8, 2011 at 3:43 pm

Definitely a cat runner, but I think it’s only because I’ve never had a running buddy who is really at my same level. It seems like everyone is just a little faster or slower….. hmmm…. I like to run with my parents, but my mom’s WAY slower, and my Dad is way faster (YES STILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).

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Michelle @ Crazy*Running*Legs July 8, 2011 at 3:49 pm

I used to be a cat, but since I started with my running group I discovered I am VERY chatty – so dog it is! It really makes those long runs go by much faster.

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Manon July 8, 2011 at 3:57 pm

I’m typically a cat runner….even if I’m running with friends, I don’t talk while I run, and my pace, or at least what it used to be, left me running solo most of the time anyway!

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Jennifer July 8, 2011 at 4:02 pm

I am definitely a cat runner. I get out of breath when people try to hold conversations while running! I like to blast my ipod and zone out. Great post! For more running tips check out my blog runningwithmascara.com

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Andrea (Run. Learn. Repeat.) July 8, 2011 at 4:12 pm

I’m a dog runner, especially when it comes to long runs! I hate doing long runs by myself. But the days that I don’t feel very energetic about running I turn in to a cat runner because I worry I’ll slow the others down. Glad you are feeling better and able to run again!

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Heather July 8, 2011 at 4:14 pm

Cat runner for sure, no pressure that way :-)

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Christie July 8, 2011 at 4:23 pm

CAT runner, without a doubt. I get nervous when I have to run with groups of people, for some reason! Primarily because I have a feeling they’ll be speed demons and I’ll be left… well, panting and, let’s face it, pretty much dying throughout the run.

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Lee @ in the pink of condition July 8, 2011 at 4:23 pm

I’m a dog person, but I’m totally a cat runner. I’m also a cat gymmer. Working out is my “me time” and it’s when I am at peace :-)

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Stacy @ Stacy Eats July 8, 2011 at 4:24 pm

Both! Dog runner on the weekends to have fun and socialize, cat runner during the week to zone out and de-stress before work.

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Laura July 8, 2011 at 4:31 pm

I’ve only really been running since December and I’ve never really run with anyone else, but the thought of it does not sound appealing at all! I’d be willing to give it a shot, but I’m pretty sure I’m a cat.

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R @ Learning As I Chop July 8, 2011 at 4:37 pm

Congrats on the work-out! Glad you are feeling better.

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Hillary July 8, 2011 at 4:48 pm

What an interesting way to think of running styles! I guess I’m a cat or dog depending on my mood—but most often, I’m a cat runner. I like running at my own pace, and I generally hate talking while I’m working out. It’s my “me” time!

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Kat July 8, 2011 at 4:58 pm

I think I’m both, I would like to be more of a dog runner, but I don’t have any friends that run. So, by default I seem to be more of a cat runner or Kat runner as I would like to call it :) Go you for getting better and getting back into your long runs so fast! Happy Friday

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Jess @atasteofconfidence July 8, 2011 at 5:08 pm

I’m definitely a cat runner. I’m just getting into it, so I’m not ready to run with others yet. maybe someday!

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lynn @ the actor's diet July 8, 2011 at 5:21 pm

what’s the kind of runner that hates running? that’s me.

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Serena July 8, 2011 at 6:05 pm

I’m sort of a mix, but inclined toward dog runner. Running with people inspires me to pick up the pace and impress, while running alone is relaxing and just for me.

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STUFT Mama July 8, 2011 at 6:36 pm

I am TOTALLY a cat runner. My husband calls me “Forrest Gump”. I want to me left alone, and I get a little too competitive when I’m with others. Oops. :) So happy for you that you’re able to run again!!!

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de @ hazeleyedbetty July 8, 2011 at 7:30 pm

I’m a cat runner! Like you said there’s no pressure, and I also like to zone out and get into a groove with my run. Also, it’s my time to decompress and/or pull it together after or before a hectic day.

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Rachel @ The Avid Appetite July 8, 2011 at 7:34 pm

I think I am a cat runner – I like to stick to my own plan and not necessarily feel like I’m ‘competing’ with others. I have issues :)

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April@ Motor City Runner July 8, 2011 at 7:38 pm

Im a cat runner. I like to run by myself. However, a woman I work with wants to start running together, so maybe Ill turn into a dog runner :)

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Hilary July 8, 2011 at 7:46 pm

I guess I’m the cat, as I never run with anyone else (but maybe that’s just because I’m too slow) :P .

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Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin July 8, 2011 at 8:06 pm

I’m a cat runner, but I’ve never really tried being a dog runner. I’m nervous I wouldn’t be able to keep up with others!

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Amber @ Stop and Smell the Wildflowers July 8, 2011 at 8:17 pm

Interesting idea! I’m probably a cat runner. When I’m around other people I spend too much energy worrying about them and how they’re doing, so I think I do better when I’m alone so I can focus on what’s best for me.

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chelsey @ clean eating chelsey July 8, 2011 at 8:30 pm

I am a total dog runner. I used to be a cat runner, but then I started running with people at work. When I switched schools, that ws what I missed the most!!

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Mary @ Bites and Bliss July 8, 2011 at 8:36 pm

I’m definitely a cat runner except for when running with Michael or maybe one other person…but for the most part I prefer to do my own thing.

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Erica July 8, 2011 at 8:56 pm

I love the idea of cat vs. dog runners! I am a little of both. I like my alone days, but group runs can be such a blast. That tomato salad looks delicious. I hope your run goes well tomorrow morning :)

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Lauren July 8, 2011 at 9:25 pm

I think I’m a little of both. I love talking with my friends while running. But I also like going on nice long runs alone and getting lost in my music and the scenery.

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Amber @ Chicken and Chocolate July 8, 2011 at 9:34 pm

I’m DEFINITELY a cat runner! I feel awkward and think I look funny running, so I don’t want anyone to see me! I also am completely incapable of talking and running, so I’m glad we have a treadmill at home. The only thing dog-like about my running, is that I can sometimes be motivated to run harder when Boyfriend and I go to the gym together and he’s running next to me on a treadmill–but I usually don’t like that either because I’m huffing and puffing! haha

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Abby July 8, 2011 at 9:51 pm

I am definitely a cat runner. Running is my ME time! :)

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Lizzy July 8, 2011 at 9:55 pm

I am so a cat runner! I love doing it on my own. Sometimes though it’s nice to be with others, but I like the challenge I put on myself to finish.

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Margo @ Peanut Butter Trees July 8, 2011 at 10:01 pm

I like the cat/dog runner analogy – it’s so true! I think I’m typically a cat runner, but it is fun to run with others sometimes too, especially when I’m feeling unmotivated. Having someone to chat with makes the time fly, and also hold you accountable to the running date.

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Sarah @ Food and Love Diaries July 8, 2011 at 10:09 pm

Hah.. that’s kind of cool… never thought of it like that. I’ll be a dog runner so long as the person I’m running with isn’t faster than me. I know some people LOVE being pushed by their partner…. I am not one of those people.

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Hannah July 9, 2011 at 12:15 am

That lunch looks amazing! All the different flavours and textures!

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Robyn @ Blueberries and Oats July 9, 2011 at 12:32 am

Hehe I love Murphy in the background of your almond butter spoon. <3 What a cutie!

I think I am definitely a cat runner. When I run with others I feel like I need to interact with them and breathing just doesn't allow for that!

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Girl in the pink July 9, 2011 at 12:55 am

Funny, I never thought of it like that, but it’s so true! I’m def a cat runner! I like to go at my own pace and have some time to myself!

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Sophie @ threetimesf July 9, 2011 at 5:52 am

Definitely a dog runner! Mostly because I need somewbody else to push me, and I get distracted pretty easily on my own!

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katie @ KatieDid July 9, 2011 at 7:50 am

Definitely a cat runner! I don’t really like fixing my pace according to other people, and conversation isn’t quite so easy when your huffing up a huge hill. I save my dog tendencies for going out for coffee and dinner.

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Daniella @ Runner at Heart July 9, 2011 at 8:51 am

Glad to hear you are feeling better and am able to finally run again. I am more of a dog runner for sure, it helps motivate me when I have someone else to run with.

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Aine @ Something to Chew Over July 9, 2011 at 9:55 am

I’m a cat runner – I’m selfish with my fitness goals!

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Marissa July 9, 2011 at 10:17 am

I’m a dog runner! I love running with people, the more the better! Hahah, it actually kinda reminds me of a herd of horses, which makes it really fun… Its weird because I’m usually more of a quiet, shy, introverted person… but when I’m running, I’m a little chatterbox! My friends sometimes get annoyed at my relentless perkiness, lol.

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Kate @ World According To Kate July 9, 2011 at 11:15 am

I am definitely a cat runner! I have a good friend who keeps hinting that he wants to come out running with me and I keep having to awkwardly change the subject or explain how early I start (knowing he’s not a morning person). I like the idea of running socially, but realistically, I just like to kind of let my mind wander or just focus on me while I’m out there.

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Kristin July 9, 2011 at 3:46 pm

Hmm my first instinct is that Im a cat runner but my time is definitely better when I run with other people! I guess it depends on my mood…I’m a moody cat runner !

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Vanessa @ Gourmet Runner July 9, 2011 at 5:10 pm

I’m a cat runner! I love running alone and really zoning out and focusing on the run.

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ashley @ ashley's adventures in alaska July 10, 2011 at 1:42 pm

Totally a dog runner. And, when I don’t have a human running partner, I take my dogs. Makes sense to me. :)

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Amelia July 10, 2011 at 8:05 pm

For the most part I’m a cat runner but I had one of my best times at a race where I talked and ran with a friend practically the whole way. Depending on the day, the run, maybe I’m a dog runner too.

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Mollyberries July 11, 2011 at 10:02 am

Oh I just love this post! I never thought of running personalities in this way, I am a cat runner about 95% of the time, but every so often the canine comes out in me and I want to be social. :)

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Sonia (the Mexigarian) July 12, 2011 at 9:05 pm

Cat runner because I haven’t had the chance with anyone else. Though I do like running by myself. I get to zone out and focus on myself and my run :)

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