If you're a distance runner, chances are it's become a way of life for you. You've become less afraid of feet, get excited over finding new running routes, have to do laundry 3x more than normal, and you've been permanently marked with the word "crazy" on your forehead. You know you're a distance runner when...
1. You're always hungry
2. You know exactly what the distance is around your neighborhood - even if you were to take a different route
3. You know your resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, and exactly what your heart rate is at all parts of your run
4. You pack more running clothes than regular clothes when going on vacation
5. And then you spend more time planning out running routes and potential races than looking up other things to do while on vacation
6. You have at least one drawer dedicated to just running clothes...
7. ...And probably a whole cabinet dedicated to running gear and fuel
8. You have a line in your budget for “race entry fees/race travel"
9. Your friends know that if they call or text your after 9 p.m., they won't get an answer until morning
10. They also know not to question your inability to go out if you have a long run in the morning
11. You check the weather probably more than meteorologists, especially the week leading up to a big race
12. You use the words “8 miles" and “Easy" in the same sentence
13. You no longer hate portapotties. In fact, there have been times when you've been very happy to see one
14. You have a routine of preparation the night before a long run or race
15. You don't blink an eye at $100 for running shoes, but you have to think about $100 for any other shoes
16. Kinesio Tape is frequently all over your body
17. You've woken up at 5 a.m. or earlier to beat the heat and humidity in the summer
18. Your holiday wish list can be fulfilled at any running or sporting goods store
19. Your laundry basket is 90% active gear 10% everything else
20. There's something to be said about the excitement when you finish running a distance you've never reached before
21. You know every runner in your community
22. You hear a song that used to be on your running playlist and immediately flashback to a time it motivated you on a run
23. You're more upset that an injury prevents you from running rather than what it does to your body
24. You don't mind running in the rain
25. Running has become a family affair
26. Getting a new PR is more exciting than your birthday
26.2. When someone tells you that running a marathon is crazy, you're just kind of like, "Well, yeah, that's the point."
