I’ve been working in the running industry for 7 years now. I’ve probably seen every kind of foot type and gait you can imagine. You know you’re a runner when conversations never get old or less funny.
I’ve even written several running shoe related posts (if you ever have a question, just ask):
Losing Toenails: The Runners Rite of Passage?
What to Expect at a Running Store
How to Find the Perfect Pair of Running Shoes
I blog about running; I work at a running store, and I run myself. Heck, I’m not even an elite runner, but a good portion of my life is influenced by running. Of course, a good portion is not, but that is not what I choose to blog about :).
So perhaps you’re walking around the world, and you see someone you think you could share your hobby of running. How do you know? How can you tell? Those bright specialty running shoes? That vintage race t-shirt?
You know You’re a Runner When:
You Know You’re a Runner When…Your Shoes May Cost $120+, but a single pair of socks costs about $12+…hey, is blister free-running is worth it?
You Know You’re a Runner When…You Pay $30 for half an hour of fun…but watching a movie in theaters…no thanks.
You Know You’re a Runner When…Your wall décor are medal holders, race awards, and finishers trophies.
You Know You’re a Runner When…You’ve taken a vacation that revolves around a race or 3…
You Know You’re a Runner When…Your laundry consists of 95% running clothes, 5% other clothes. What are these “real-life clothes” other people talk about?
You Know You’re a Runner When…You’ve purchased plenty of liquid sugar (GU) but whine when regular food has added sugar.
You Know You’re a Runner When…You wear compression underneath everything. Work clothes, date night, wedding? You might even have compression tan lines, which are a badge of honor!
You Know You’re a Runner When…You wake up earlier on the weekends for long runs or races. What is the sleeping in thing people do on the weekend? And don’t get me started when people have leisurely woke up and gone to brunch. You have to compete for a table with them after you’ve done a long run!
You Know You’re a Runner When…must finish a run on an even number. 5.89 miles is not the same as 6 miles…as a 10k…as half a marathon…as 7 miles…If you run 6.06 miles, you need to round up and run 7.
You Know You’re a Runner When…Your coworkers stopped asking if you wanted to go out for lunch because they know you’re going for a run. They haven’t asked you about happy hour in years.
You Know You’re a Runner When…Your significant other used to try and change your mind about running but has since given up. Sometimes they even join you for runs or races.
Runners definitely have their quirks, but that’s what makes us awesome!
Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.
Question for you: What are some runner’s quirks you have?
You know you’re a runner when … it’s easier to count the rest days than your running days.
So true Michael!
Yes to all of this! Also- your idea of relieving stress is going out for an hour run by yourself. Best / cheapest therapy!
Haha yep! And your daily outfit consists of jeans and a race t-shirt.
Oh yes. How about “I must be in bed by 9 pm every night so that I can run in the morning.” I would much rather be up at 5:30 a.m than away at 11 pm. (or even 10pm ha!)
I started my love for running at age 19. I guess I thought my pure obsession of pouring over books, reading about running plans, nutrition, races, etc would fade… 19 years later, NOPE! I still love it. I think the hobby is truly a lifestyle and a “runner” is an actual human different from a non-runner. 🙂
Yes! That’s me! In bed by 10pm and up at 5:15am. My husband doesn’t get it but I have my priorities! 🙂
I have way cuter running clothes than my real life clothes. I swear, I only buy running and work clothes now 🙂
Yup. With you on that!
I always feel so guilty when I drop my laundry off – knowing full well how much of that is running clothes.
I also got my bf to run about a half mile with me…baby steps right?! He will play basketball for 2 hours running up and down the court but balks at straight running, sigh.
This is so great, and all of it so spot on. Love it!
Lol omg these gave me a good laugh. I’m not even that serious of a runner, but I’ve seen them in people who are. And my laundry is 95% workout clothes… but that’s mostly because I’ve fallen into the bad habit of refusing to wear anything else 😛
I love the one about liquid sugar – so true!!! LOL!!! And, you know you’re a runner MOM when you’re kids tell their friends they have been to certain places “because my mom had a race there” and think it’s totally normal 🙂 Love this!
Everyone always talks about how running makes your grocery bill go up but I was thinking about my laundry detergent bills!
Between my running and Clay’s MMA/BJJ, we use a ton of detergent and even buy the sport kind now. Not to mention, with the heat here if I drive somewhere to run, I always change clothes before I drive home so I don’t have to stay in my smelly running clothes, so that’s another shirt/shorts/undies for the wash!
Haha! this is great and oh so true. Oh and that liquid sugar is pretty costly too! I’m starting to think running is not an inexpensive sport . . .
Haha wellllll I think it’s safe to say I’m a runner. 😉 I had never read your post on losing toenails before! I think I may need to reevaluate my sneaker size – in 3 marathons, I’ve lost the toenail on my right foot 3 times. But it only ever becomes a problem at the marathon distance which I think is kind of funny.
I know I am a runner because everyone in my office and family comes to me for tips on how to get in shape. I feel like I should start a self-help line and take appointments. The laundry thing is so spot on. I am constantly washing my workout clothes. You just cannot wear them more than once without washing in most cases.
I love this post! Great picture of you and your hubs at the end, too! The only thing I can’t relate to is the compression wear? I have only gotten back into running in the last 18 mos… it’s probably just a matter of time before I figure out what is so great about it… I see the socks everywhere!
Also, another tell tale sign you’re a runner… falling asleep on the couch even though you promised yes promised your husband to watch that game/movie/Netflix show… sorrynotsorry
haha, so true!
Love these running quirks – can totally relate to the travel for races! I always have a backup pair of running clothes and shoes in my car in case I have time to kill or happen upon a beautiful trail.
This list is spot on. I’m even wearing compression socks underneath my jeans as I type this. 🙂
True runner 😉