Characteristics of a Runner

Running is a challenging sport that requires the development of a variety of physical and mental traits. It is not known whether these characteristics develop because of running or if the runners had them all along, yet research has shown that runners consistently demonstrate a high level of cardiovascular fitness, focus, strength, resilience and competitiveness.

Unsurprisingly, runners characteristically demonstrate a high capacity for aerobic work. The American Council on Exercise reports that running burns a lot of calories in a short period of time, making it a highly effective cardiovascular workout. This high caloric burn helps the heart and lungs operate more efficiently, which removes waste from the body faster. Running also helps the body ward off disease. It sheds pounds and improves mental outlook. Perhaps best of all, if a runner practices more than 150 minutes per week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that it reduces the runner's risk of early death, too.

Dr. JoAnn Dahlkoetter, a sports psychologist and an elite athlete in her own right, studied the emotional characteristics of serious runners and drew several interesting conclusions. Dahlkoetter found that successful runners demonstrate extraordinary mental toughness including strong vision, focus and resilience. She also observed that runners exhibit an extraordinary capacity to plan ahead, a natural ability to handle unexpected problems with a calm yet competitive demeanor and a willingness to accept feedback. Runners also shared a common belief that they had the core resources available to achieve their own success.

In addition to the healthy cardiovascular and mental makeup traits, runners also develop strong legs and glutes that can endure weight-bearing physical activity for a prolonged period of time. Runners use their calves, quads, hamstrings and glutes with every step. Although it is impossible to know the breakdown of endurance versus power muscle fibers in the runner -- that is, without performing a muscle biopsy -- genetics and training may play a role, according to exercise physiologist Joe Cannon.

In addition, one study from "The Journal of Gerontology" found that middle-aged runners were physiologically younger than their birth certificates noted. The same study noted that runners exhibited intelligence, forthrightness and imagination but also tended toward reserve, even introversion. The study also found that while marathoners demonstrated a higher level of overall fitness, they shared the same mental traits as their non-marathon-running friends. Whether the personality traits developed because of running -- or if those traits led the athletes to running -- is not known.