Extra hot cappuccino with one! Decaf soy latte! When you hit your local café after a weekend run, have you ever stopped to think “why do I order the same coffee every time?” What if the type of coffee we order says more about our running habits than the apparel we wear, or the type of events we enter? Our full cream latte reporter offers up her thoughts.
[hr]
CONSISTENT PERFORMER: Latte
A no fuss creature of habit who logs the majority of their Ks on the weekend. A social runner aware of recovery needs, after all a regular latte packs four grams of protein.
OLD-SCHOOLER: Cappuccino
This runner has been around the block – so to speak – quite a few times! They don’t need a training program because they’ve done it all before, successfully. PBs might stem from the ’90s, but they were impressive then, and still are.
HIGH ACHIEVER: Macchiato
An intelligent runner, who trains long and strong, but factors in a little active recovery for good measure. Sets goals and backs their ability. May even use the caffeine hit to power through a tempo run.
WEIGHT WATCHER: Long black
A kilojoule counter, who is familiar with the ‘no pain, no gain’ motto. A patient runner who likes to take their time – it’s all about enjoying the experience. Possible lactose intolerance, but that doesn’t hold them back at training.
ULTRA RUNNER: Espresso
Two words: hard-core. A trail runner, who trains tirelessly and probably has short black toenails to match their coffee order! Weekly kilometre log on Strava is usually north of 60.
YOUNG GUN: Ristretto
An enthusiastic runner, who only trains to music – most likely a Ministry of Sound mash-up. Loves running, but a jam-packed calendar of work responsibilities and social engagements can often get in the way.
PRAM PUSHER: Decaf
Their body is their temple and running is for wellness. Whether pregnant or with child in tow, this runner knows the benefits of exercise and doesn’t care about being judged by others who might be fitter or faster.
READY RACER: Instant
After a quick result this efficient runner never procrastinates and trains in all weather conditions. Despises nothing more than waiting for a port-a-loo pre-race or young runners who are more concerned with how they look than how they run.
CROSS TRAINER: Chai latte
A spirited runner, who isn’t fazed about crossing finish lines. Has incredible core strength thanks to midweek yoga and Pilates fusion classes and stays calm if injury or illness strikes.
STAIR RUNNER: Flat white
A dark horse with a big tank, this runner scopes out the competition and goes after them. Attracted to physical challenges like stair reps or elevations that most people would barely walk, let alone run. May also own a road bike.
TRACK STAR: Piccolo
Typically with an athletics background, this runner never shies away from 1K reps or fartlek training. Amateur racer who is, or was, considered sub-elite. Little body hair and looks good in lycra.
TREADMILL RUNNER: Nespresso
Whether it be at home or at the gym, this runner is super fit, but time poor and therefore logs most mileage on the ’mill. Running is packaged into their day and often performed while multitasking.
