I'll probably give you an answer that none else on this site will. To me, being a better runner means you enjoy running and look forward to your runs and races regardless of your speed. Of course, I'm speaking as an 80 year old. I used to be fast; but the last few years my speed has diminished regardless of my mileage and training. Of course, those nasty injuries and age related problems (arthritis, etc.) have contributed. Yet, running remains a passion and if you can tell me a year from now that you're having fun running then you're a "better" runner.

I'll probably give you an answer that none else on this site will. To me, being a better runner means you enjoy running and look forward to your runs and races regardless of your speed. Of course, I'm speaking as an 80 year old. I used to be fast; but the last few years my speed has diminished regardless of my mileage and training. Of course, those nasty injuries and age related problems (arthritis, etc.) have contributed. Yet, running remains a passion and if you can tell me a year from now that you're having fun running then you're a "better" runner.

Where's the "like" button?

Great question, Mike.

I agree that most people think of "better" in terms of faster/longer. That certainly applies when we compare ourselves to others: And, at any age, there will likely be someone else who is faster or can go further (or both). If you choose to define "better" only in relation to yourself, then Henry's answer is great. Then running becomes a reflection of your true self. It shows your dedication, determination, awareness of body, spirit, competitive nature (or not), and compassion.

Why do we make this statement, "I wish I were a better runner?" Is it because we love what we do, but want to do it better? Or because we're an unhappy runner, and think that being a more successful competitor would help us enjoy it more? What do we do if we are running at our maximum capability and are still unsatisfied? Ultimately, we each have to set our own goals, using whatever parameters work for us, and stay focused on those goals. For some, it will be about speed. For others, it may be about shedding those shackles that Evanflein referenced. For some, it may be about using running as an excuse to travel, and just enjoy the races/people/venues without concern for pace and time.

I wonder if the statement should be "I wish I enjoyed running more?" I think that allows you to open the door to terms other than speed or competition, and perhaps let thoughts like Henry's percolate. Racing is the most visible aspect of running, and provides the means to compare ourselves to other racers, as well as to our own times in previous races. And it can be very satisfying to work to improve how well you compete. But I think we all know that running is about so much more than racing. If not, why do we all spend so much time, and share so much of our lives, here on RA?

I'm looking forward to that meeting a year down the road...

Jay

When I think of what "a better runner" means to me I usually visualize myself running while asking the same question. I see myself effortlessly running with good form while enjoying the ultimate entertainment. I think that I really need to re-focus my whole attitude towards running. There are days that I really want to run and then there is lazy. Hard to run lazy - those days I just run knowing that I have committed myself to putting in the miles. These lazy runs just seem to get in the way of other things that "I" want to do. These runs become more of a bother to me and I seem to run for no reason other than keeping up the image that people think of me as a runner. These are the runs when I justify reasons not to run. I really need to appreciate that I can run and to consistently find joy with each run. There are so many reasons to run and so many blessings from being able to run.  Guess I need to be grateful. It is just amazing that there are folks here that I have never met and have so many things in common with. While I do not know any of you personally yet, I feel that I know you fairly well and even better than some of my acquaintances in my non-digital world. I believe that there are no fake people here in this forum. I find you (i.e., members, administrators, and Eric) to be sincere, honest, and good. Ultimately, just being a better person will spill over into the other things that I do in my life. So, as I strive to become a better person I become a better runner. So the real question for me is: How can I become a better person to others?

Thanks  milktruck - I needed that today

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All good stuff here. I loved this from Andrew:

"There are days that I really want to run and then there is lazy. Hard to run lazy - those days I just run knowing that I have committed myself to putting in the miles. These lazy runs just seem to get in the way of other things that "I" want to do. These runs become more of a bother to me and I seem to run for no reason other than keeping up the image that people think of me as a runner. These are the runs when I justify reasons not to run. I really need to appreciate that I can run and to consistently find joy with each run."

Yes, there are days when I use the term (if only in my head) "I have to run today" when it should be "I get to run today!" You summed up that sentiment very well, thank you.

I am going with henrun on this.  Running is a hobby for those of us here at RA.  A hobby should be fun.  Period.

I have somewhat of a competitive spirit and I always want to be a faster, stronger runner yet I'm really not invested enough in myself to be willing to do the really hard work.  so for me, "better" is just getting out there more-- breathing, relaxing, meditating, losing myself in the run.  y'know ... ZENing out!