12 Things You Should Never Say to Runners

Written by
Erica Schuckies
Runners are generally friendly people, always ready to offer an acknowledging wave or a quick tip to those just picking up the sport.

However, there are a handful of sayings that will get a runner riled up faster than a pebble wedged in their running shoe. Heads up, non-runners: Make sure never to say these things to a serious (or even semi-serious) runner.
"Running is bad for your knees, ya know."
1 of 13
Oh really? You know what's bad for your whole body? Not running.

In recent years, studies have shown that running itself does not contribute to knee injuries. And, in fact, some research even suggests that running can strengthen joints by stimulating cartilage growth to protect against and reverse damage.
Find:
A race near you
"Can't you just skip your run today?"
1 of 13
Can you just skip eating, breathing and blinking today? Probably not.

Our runs are necessary items on our daily agendas. We consider running part of our identity and schedule training like mandatory appointments.

Going more than a day without a run is a big deal to us. So no, we can't just skip our run today. Sorry, not sorry.
Find:
A race near you
"You paid how much for those running shoes?!"
1 of 13
Spoiler alert: Running shoes can be expensive. But it's just a small price to pay to preserve our feet, legs, back and body.

The right pair of running shoes can support and protect the parts of our bodies that play large roles in everyday movement, not just running. We consider a quality pair of shoes an investment in our running—and more importantly, our health.
Find:
A race near you
"I could never run a marathon."
1 of 13
There are always the naysayers who think running isn't for them. These people have already counted themselves out and decided it's too hard, so they don't even try.

We have it on good authority that anyone can run a marathon—you just have to try. And train, of course...you definitely have to train.
Find:
A race near you
"You're running on the wrong side of the road."
1 of 13
This is actually something that runners occasionally get wrong. Running etiquette says to run on the left side of the road, against traffic. This allows you to see traffic heading your way—and dodge it, if necessary.

We also hear the related, "Hey, that's what the sidewalk is for!," usually coming from drivers as they pass. If they would actually stick around to hear our answer, we would tell them that sidewalks are typically made of concrete. Asphalt roads are much softer and feel better on our joints.
Find:
A race near you
"You don't look like a runner."
1 of 13
'And you don't look like someone who casually throws insults around.'

Let's get this straight. If you run, you are a runner.

Sure, there are bodies that are better built for extremely fast running speeds, but it's not always about speed. And as far as we're concerned, the slowest runner at a race is as much a finisher as the fastest.
Find:
A race near you
"Did you win?"
1 of 13
This always follows after telling someone about a recent race. The answer is usually no, because, well, most of us aren't professional runners. But does it matter? No. Was it still an awesome accomplishment? Abso-freaking-lutely.

And don't you dare make me feel any less about it.
Find:
A race near you
"Did you walk at all?"
1 of 13
This is another question that people have after hearing about a recent race.

No, actually, I didn't walk. But even if I did, WHY DOES IT MATTER? Running is sometimes hard, and sometimes we have to walk for a little bit. And that's totally OK.
Find:
A race near you
"Wow, you have some appetite."
1 of 13
We run, therefore we eat. Food is fuel, and fuel is how we run farther and faster.

There's nothing like a long run to work up an intense runger, so be sure to steer clear of a runner's path to the fridge afterwards, unless you're offering carbs.
Find:
A race near you
"Those shorts are pretty short."
1 of 13
That may be true, but we dare you to try running in long (relatively speaking) shorts. Shorter shorts are practical, providing better range of motion for each stride.

Plus, we've worked hard to make these short shorts look good.
Find:
A race near you
"Don't you get bored while running?"
1 of 13
Sometimes. But we also sometimes get bored driving down a lonely road, during a slow day at work or watching an awful movie.

We've perfected the art of wasting time on runs by picking scenic routes, downloading our favorite podcasts or joining a running group. It's just that simple.

And believe us, there's nothing boring about pushing ourselves on tempo runs, hill repeats or fartleks—and that word alone is the opposite of boring.
Find:
A race near you
"Running sucks."
1 of 13
TBH, sometimes, running does suck. But other times, it's glorious and perfect and everything we could ever imagine. And that's why we do it.
Find:
A race near you
1 of 13
Find:
A race near you

About the Author

More Articles by Erica »Erica Schuckies
Erica Schuckies is a writer for Active.com. After graduating from Colorado State University, she spent time working in the rodeo industry, followed by three years with Berkshire Hathaway's Business Wire. Erica enjoys fitness, running, hunting, fishing and being outdoors. Follow Erica on on Twitter, Instagram or Google+.