Do I Look Like a Runner

Just Another Runner’s Perspective February 2026 Written by Gale Fischer

Do I Look Like a Runner

“The benefits and opportunities of running are available to anyone. A life-shaping experience is there for the taking.”

—Donald Buraglio

10/19/1997: Feelings of amazement, inspiration and disbelief consumed me as I stood along the streets of Chicago watching runner after runner pass by. I had never been part of a marathon as a participant or as a spectator and I knew very little about covering a distance of this length or running in general. My wife Kathy and I had traveled to Chicago on this mid October weekend to watch Clay, a friend of ours run his second marathon on this chilly Autumn morning. With each checkpoint I noticed the same runners clustered in a small pack with Clay. I kept anticipating that  some would fade, but they remained on pace mile after mile. In my mind I had envisioned what a runner looked like but what I saw contradicted this image. Some were tall, others were short. There were skinny runners and stocky runners. Different generations were represented from young adults to middle aged and also senior citizens. I was awestruck that anyone could run 26.2 miles but what stunned me more than anything else was the different sizes, shapes and ages of these individuals. I learned that day that in the world of running a book cannot be judged by its cover. I have observed this concept thousands of times over the last three decades as a member of the running community. There may be physical traits or genetic factors that heighten one's potential in our sport, but what truly defines a runner is not what appears on the outside. It is what lies deep inside one’s soul that defines each of us as a runner.

In this my 25th year as a teacher at the school that I call my work home, I am one of the few runners on our staff. Over the years I have remained consistent with my craft. There have been some of my peers at my workplace who have tried running for shorter periods of time but not leaned on it as a go to activity over the long haul. They don’t understand running the same way that I do. My routine during this time has involved an hour run a few days a week after work through the neighborhoods surrounding our school. My co-workers have observed me running on their commute home many times and understand that it is a big part of my life. Some admire my running routine, others are impartial, and I feel most find it difficult to understand my motivation. I typically refrain from bringing up running but periodically this topic will come up in general day to day dialogue. 

A few weeks ago a conversation with some of my co-workers centered on this concept of the perceived physical make-up of a runner. Two of my peers had noticed me running on the roads a few days prior on a frigid February afternoon. Our conversation included inquiries that are common from a nonrunner to a runner. “How can you breathe when running outside in the cold air? Aren’t you frightened that you might slip and fall on a patch of ice or snow?” I offered plausible explanations but still it was difficult for my co-workers to understand. Although most of these non-runners still had no desire to try running, the dialogue sparked curiosity. “Could you see yourself giving running a try?” One teacher asked another. “Have you ever tried running?” another teacher asked the others. One sarcastic reply to this question caught my attention instantly. “Do I look like a runner?” one of my co-workers replied. Her comment summoned an immediate response from me. “You will find many runners who look like you on any marathon course, in any pack of runners on a training run, or on occasion a solo runner out on the road logging miles by themselves,” I interjected. 

My body type has experienced changes since becoming a runner nearly thirty years ago, but this just tips the surface of how my life is different now than it was then. Running has transformed my life mentally and emotionally leaving a far bigger impact than how my body type has evolved. I feel blessed to be a part of the running community. I love being around people who share a common interest and passion with me. Perhaps what I like most about the running community is the diversity of its members. We come from different careers, religions, political affiliations, age brackets, and we represent many body types. The nonrunner may perceive that some of us look more like runners than others but one’s physical appearance does not determine if they are a runner. 

For the nonrunner who possesses a curiosity to join the running movement, we welcome you. I have heard the same story from many experienced runners that fear and embarrassment made it difficult for them to start running. Concern of being observed by others when running and not having the appearance of a runner is common. These runners eventually tried running and in time this embarrassment and fear faded away.  There are many reasons to begin a running routine. Running will improve physical, emotional, and mental health. It will provide a network of peers, some becoming lifelong friends. What running can do more than anything is provide one with confidence to become comfortable in their own body, whether or not that body is perceived by others as a runner’s body. Brian Schneider, a local runner and good friend of mine has often mentioned to me that his level of fitness and his physical makeup provide the perfect scenario for a bar bet. He can walk into a bar and challenge a patron of his choice to a 10K race. I would agree with Brian that he has a good chance of winning this challenge.

Until next time, this has been just another runner’s perspective.