- Events
- Calculators
- Running
- Triathlon
Cycling Events
Triathlon Articles
- Fitness
- Sports
Outdoor Events
- Nutrition
Nutrition Articles
Health & Injury Articles
- Kids & Family
28 Things Only Runners Understand
Written by
Megan Harrington
Non-runners may admire your dedication and collection of medals, but there's a lot they just don't get. Though others may try, it's safe to say that only fellow runners can truly appreciate what's behind all of our miles. The next time you have to explain that not all races are marathons or why you need to hit the hay early, check out this list.
1. Pain is pleasure.
1 of 29
Burning lungs? Extreme sweat? If you're a runner, this is probably your idea of a fun Saturday morning. Whether it's during a race, long run or track workout, we put our bodies through a lot for this hobby. The challenge is what attracts us.
2. Dreaming of carbs.
1 of 29
Post-run pancakes and bagels and pizza, oh my. What to treat yourself with after a long run probably dominates your sleeping (and waking) hours. After all, one of the best parts about running is the subsequent eating.
3. Early runs > Late nights
1 of 29
We will gladly pass on parties and late nights in favor of Netflix and an early bedtime. We have a killer runner's high scheduled for tomorrow morning.
4. Makin' it rain at the (running) club.
1 of 29
Runners will blissfully spend copious amounts of cash on race entry fees, gear and gadgets.
5. Sh-tuff happens.
1 of 29
Let's just be frank: Few things are more crucial than the pre-run poop. This is non-negotiable. That is all.
6. We can't remember where we parked at the mall...
1 of 29
But we can absolutely recite our PR for every distance on demand. Bonus points for remembering the weather conditions.
7. The glory of the BQ.
1 of 29
All runners may aspire to the same two-letter acronym. There is perhaps no greater glory for an amateur road warrior than qualifying for Boston.
8. Owning more running shoes than regular shoes.
1 of 29
Priorities.
9. The sweet, sweet taste of cold sports drink after a hot run.
1 of 29
There's nothing more refreshing on this earth than an ice cold, fruit-flavored electrolyte refill.
10. Race-mares.
1 of 29
Can't find the start, take a wrong turn or show up barefoot? We've all had these types of nightmares.
11. An unhealthy obsession with the Weather Channel.
1 of 29
We probably spend more time checking weather reports than the actual weatherman, himself—especially in the week leading up to race day!
12. "Searching for GPS signal..."
1 of 29
Are all of the satellites hiding? Seriously, all the dishes floating around up there and your watch can't catch one. The angst, the frustration, the disbelief—it's the same for all of us.
Find:
Your Next Race13. Black toenails.
1 of 29
Should we be embarrassed to wear sandals? Hope not because we aren't ashamed a bit. Your perfectly pedicured toes haven't seen the journeys ours have.
14. Chafing.
1 of 29
Choose the wrong shorts and you'll swear they're lined with sandpaper.
15. The satisfaction of a morning run.
1 of 29
There's nothing quite like that slightly tired, very accomplished feeling that accompanies the conclusion of an early morning run to start the day.
16. The unyielding pursuit of a whole number.
1 of 29
We can't finish a run on anything short of a full mile. If that means running up and down the block a few times to get there, so be it. 6.94 is not 7.
17. Meb, Galen, Shalane, Kara and Desi.
1 of 29
We get almost as nervous for their big races as we do our own.
18. The agony of a dead battery.
1 of 29
A runners' batteries must cooperate. Whether it's our phone, watch or earphones, a dead battery a mile into a run can ruin the whole thing.
19. The red light conundrum.
1 of 29
To jog in place or not to jog in place, that is the question. Does anyone actually have an answer?
20. The porta-potty waiting game.
1 of 29
The anxiety of waiting in long pre-race bathroom lines is unmatched. What are those other runners doing in there?!
21. The dreaded sock tan.
1 of 29
And this concludes the two-part reason that our sandal-wearing situation is a mess.
Find:
Your Next Race22. The dreadmill.
1 of 29
It feels like you've been running for hours, but the treadmill says it's only been a half-mile—because that's how purgatory works.
23. Shorts season!
1 of 29
That first warm and sunny run of the year feels so, so good.
24. Awesome autumn.
1 of 29
As great as the return of warmth feels, a cool, crisp day after a summer of muggy running is a little slice of heaven.
25. The thrill of registering for a new race.
1 of 29
Time to put the pen to the calendar and celebrate a brand new training cycle. One-way ticket to PR town, please!
26. Taking a rest day is harder than running.
1 of 29
The quickest path to feeling generally awful? Never leaving the couch. The inactivity is practically unbearable.
27. Neither snow nor rain nor heat...
1 of 29
Are we postal workers? No. Do we subscribe to their creed? Absolutely. All weather is running weather.
28. Just one mile can cure a bad day.
1 of 29
The most reliable means for an attitude adjustment is a run—no matter how short. There's nothing quite like it.