Because there are only two types of runners:
- Intrinsically motivated runners love to run and do not need other people to get inspired. They hate being out of shape. When they graduate, they either keep training for PRs, or they move up to a marathon or triathlon.
- Extrinsically motivated runners love being on a team. They work just as hard as intrinsically motivated runners… if surrounded by a team. They get less enjoyment from the endorphins produced by aerobic exercise, so when they graduate, they tend to quit or take up weightlifting.
There is little gray area in between, and your ‘type’ is permanent throughout life. Extrinsically motivated runners runners love to talk about “comebacks,” but as an adult, extrinsic motivation only comes as kindling, not constant fuel, so they’ll be lucky to stick with it beyond a few weeks. Intrinsically motivated runners never need to make a “comeback,” because they are never completely out of shape.
The Daily LetsRun Commentator 