The functions of symbols in the Semiotic Domain of "Runners"

Can you spot a serious runner? There are a number of symbols that runners have associated with them. Some of these may be obvious, while others can be noticed only by the trained eye. When I began running, I figured it was a pretty basic sport, all you need is a pair of running shoes and you're on your way. Over the past years I've been running, however, I've realized that there is a lot more about it than that. While for some people running can be simply a pastime that they enjoy on occassion, others are hardcore about it. The different symbols associated with running can help you identify who a runner is, and how serious they are about running.

We'll start with the basic symbols.

#1 shoes and watches
The two main symbols associated with running are running shoes, and stopwatches. Let's look at shoes first. There are a variety of different shoes you can select when it comes to running. There are your basic Nike and Adidas, that everyone knows about. While a lot of serious runners do swear by some of the elite models of running shoes these companies produce, other novice runners will buy these brands because they are more mainstreem. For example, you're probably not going to find a serious runner wearing Nike Shox. The shox don't reall give that much support, and wear easily from heavy milage. You will, however, find serious runners sporting Nike Frees, a new type of shoe recently enginereed to simulate the effects of barefoot running. The more popular brands of running shoes worn by runners are Asics and Mizuno. These two brands can be a symbol of someone who is committed to the sport of running. Second are watches. If you spot someone wearing Asics or Mizuno shoes, plus a stop watch, you can almost gurantee that they are a runner. Especially if they have a watch with the face on the inside of the wrist. Wearing your watch this way keeps you from breaking form while you run.

#2 Parafanailia of famous runners and Races
Another way to spot a runner is through the various running parafanaila they may own. For example the "go pre" shirts are a symbol of meaning for runners everywhere. They commemorate steve prefontaine and his accomplishments, while inspirinig runners of today. Another symbol that goes along with the "go pre" trend are the colors green and yellow. These are the colors of the University of Oregon, the college that Steve Prefontaine attended. Nike has recently formed a line of clothing and shoes that are these colors, and it has become very popular with runners everywhere.
Also, runners are going to be able to recognize clothing, suviniors, awards etc. that other runners may have from important races. Some of theses important races would include State meets for high school runners, Nationals for college athletes, and Marathons or Triathalons like Boston or the Iorn Man competition. If you see someone sporting a shirt from one of these events it symbolizes that the person is most likely either a fantastic athlete, or has a good general knowledge of what running is about.

#4 strange habits/ rituals.

Running is a sport that requires dedication in many ways. Because of this, runners have many different habits or rituals that function as symbols of their committment to running. A few of these include: wearing a heart rate monitor, wearing medical masks to run in cold weather, taking ice baths, yelling "track" when you're passing someone, draining lactic acid out of your legs, putting banaids over your pecs, and wearing tights to run in. All of these things are techniques used by runners to help them better function as athletes. To someone who doesn't understand running, these practices may seem odd, but to those who love to run they are symbols of commitment to running.