Runners, especially long-distance runners, are their own breeds of human. They spend countless hours of their lives on their feet, exploring the world or solving the life’s problems on a treadmill. They obsess over pace and count every mile. While some may not understand why we are so passionate and dedicated to the sport, those who belong to the running community are bound together by their love for lacing up their shoes and losing themselves in a run. There are certain traits to identify members of this community, as runners tend to form a routine and follow certain trends, which only increase the bond that we share. If you belong to such this community, the following below are probably true.
1. You own multiple pairs of shoes that are specifically for running.
You buy them in multiples with each pair meant for a specific workout and day of the week.
2. Running “naked” means running without your watch.
Let's be honest, your running watch is probably your everyday non-running watch as well.
3. Your toenails don’t stand a chance.
Don't even try to get a pedicure because you will be judged.
4. Summer and winter are training seasons for the spring and fall races.
Through heat waves and blizzards, we do what it takes for the next race, no questions asked.
5. You dream of qualifying for Boston marathon.
It's what we train and wish endlessly for. It's the ultimate goal.
6. BodyGlide is your best friend.
It only takes one bad experience with chafing to never make that mistake again.
7. You walk into marathon expos like a kid walks into a candy store.
Runners and clothes and gadgets oh my! Expos are the mecca of runner's world.
8. The running outfit is just as important as the actual run.
Everything is Nike and probably neon. You most likely tried on a couple other outfits before deciding on a pair of leggings and top.
9. Everything is easier after 3 miles.
Once you're through the tough warmup, your muscles and your mind are ready to go. It's sucking up and getting through the first few miles that shows true grit.
10. You never forget a finish time and you never lie about it.
We have the Internet now. Your time stays with you forever so don't even pretend to conveniently "forget" your time.
11. Before you go on vacation, you Google locale running routes and gyms.
Running trail? Check. Is there a track nearby? Check.
12. Running in the summer means early wakeup calls to beat the heat and watch the sunrise.
While the alarm may be brutal, the cool air and morning view is worth it.
13. Energy chews are your candy and you would frost a cake with gels.
You can't get through the long runs without them and oh boy, do they taste so good.
14. Carbs = pure happiness. I’m looking at you, pasta.
You know what they say, "Eat pasta, run fasta!" Olive Gardens endless pasta night anyone?
15. You spend hours creating the perfect running playlist.
The better the playlist, the better the run. A long run means it is time to turn up the music and rock out.
16. Ice baths are the best and worst thing to ever exist.
It feels so good, but so bad at the same time. They are definitely worth it, but at a painful cost.
17. You love when people call you “crazy” for being a runner.
My run today? It was just a quick 6 miles. No big deal.
18. Running is not “jogging".
This is not a social activity and not for the weak. We run, we don't jog.
19. The mind games or mental math you do to get you through a long run are plentiful.
In your mind: "If I want to run for about 15 more minutes, that means about 2 more miles which is 8 laps around the track. I got this."
20. The pure bliss and ultimate high you experience as soon as you cross the finish line
Running is hard. It challenges us at every step and every mile. It forces us to confront ourselves at some of our most challenging moments and push through. During every run we become physically stronger and mentally tougher. When you become a runner, you enter into a love affair that never quits. Like an old friend, it is there for you during your best and your worst days. It is more than an activity; it’s a passion and a lifestyle. Running makes everything in life just a little bit better.
So let’s go do what we do best my fellow runners.
I will see you out there.
