20 Things No One Tells You About Running
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Most certainly!11. You will be pissed if someone refers to you as a “jogger” instead of a “runner.”
22. The first mile (or half mile) tends to be the longest, until you realize that very little concerns matter at the moment. Simply step and breathe.
YESSS!!! My first mile is always SO HARD!!! I never feel like I can keep going....And then I just do.
For me it's the "getting changed into my running clothes and getting out of the door" that's the hardest bit - especially on nights like this when the rain is pounding and it's 4 degrees
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Excellent posting, OP!
A few of my thoughts:
1. Your feet will look like crap. Blisters, black toenails, callouses. If you get pedicures, just apologize when you go in.
- Mine got jacked in the military from wearing badly fitting boots, and never really recovered. Running a lot certainly hasn’t helped!
2. When people (non-runner types) learn you are a runner, they often like to tell you how much they hate running or that running will ruin your knees.
- Yes, they are all experts on something they hate and have no experience with!
3. You don’t have to look like a runner to be a runner.
- True, although the longer the distances you race, the more people seem to “look like runners”
4. If you only run and don’t do anything else (cross train, strength train), you will probably get injured.
- Yes. Also, runners who do nothing else are usually the ones who look toneless, dehydrated, and sickly.
5. Most people, especially non-runners, really don’t care that much about your running.
- Without a doubt! And yet I feel compelled to chat about it with them once in awhile, in exchange for listening to the fascinating details about their fantasy football league.
6. You will run a race and in the middle of the race you will tell yourself you will never do this again. Yet, 30 minutes after you are done you will surf the Internet for your next race. Running is kind of like childbirth that way.
- Pretty much every run over 10 miles you go through this!
12. Sometimes other runners won’t always say “hi” to you when you run by them.
- Forgivable not to say “hi” if you’re panting, but you can at least nod.
13. You might pee yourself while your run, or worse.
- allowing for pre-run port-a-john is one of the most critical tasks on your race prep agenda!
14. Running is expensive. It’s not just about a pair of shoes and shorts and a top. There are race entries, massages, watches, sports bras, cute running skirts, gels, blocks and recovery stuff.
- hotels for races out of town, knee and ankle braces, compression sleeves, sunglasses…
16. After awhile, you cannot get the stench out of your running clothes
-if you can’t wash them immediately after a race, always hang them from something (a hook in your car, over a lawn chair, etc.) This will get rid of the moisture quicker and a lot of that stench, instead of letting it fester.
17. You will never be the fastest runner you know. You will always never be the slowest runner you know.
- words to live by..
19. Running performance is as much, if not more, about mental strength as your physical strength.
- that’s what makes running transcend simply “working out”. It takes mental tenacity to persist mile after mile, with nothing but more exhaustion and pain ahead of you.
20. You will never forget crossing the finish line of your first marathon or half marathon. That moment in time will come to mean a lot to you. Your feet might not even touch the ground.
- I finally did my first full last month, and the finish was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.0 -
#21
I love the look on the runner face at that sign...classic !0 -
#4 about crosstraining to prevent injury is so true!!!! My knees were killing me a few years ago and I thought I was giving up running completely. Now, I strength train AND run and have no issues! Might not be true for everyone, but so true for me!
What sort of cross training works best for you? I'm a runner, working towards a 10 mile race. I'm planning to start swimming as soon as my costume and goggles get here!
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#7 and #8, for sure.
My first year of running was a bit like being manic depressive - really happy then really disappointed. My second year is much better - older and wiser, fewer injuries, getting good at pacing.0 -
16. After awhile, you cannot get the stench out of your running clothes.
Colour safe Napisan overnight does wonders for the smell... don't mix colours though 0 -
Most certainly!11. You will be pissed if someone refers to you as a “jogger” instead of a “runner.”
22. The first mile (or half mile) tends to be the longest, until you realize that very little concerns matter at the moment. Simply step and breathe.
This is so true for me. Love it.0 -
Wow! This is really stuff no one told me!
I'm still a noob, but trying to get into the habit of running I have a 5-km dream run coming up in January! So yay! 0 -
That first mile advice helped me on the "dreadmill" today!0
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20. You will never forget crossing the finish line of your first marathon or half marathon. That moment in time will come to mean a lot to you. Your feet might not even touch the ground.
While I appreciated all of these...some of them more than others, it is #20 that rings truest right now.
crossing the finish line of my first half marathon was surreal. crossing the finish line at my second one was even better - beat my time. now i look at my two medals with pride
all these are true though!!!!0 -
LUV all of them!0
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#18 laughing, kept looking behind me hoping no one was there.0
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#4 about crosstraining to prevent injury is so true!!!! My knees were killing me a few years ago and I thought I was giving up running completely. Now, I strength train AND run and have no issues! Might not be true for everyone, but so true for me!
What sort of cross training works best for you? I'm a runner, working towards a 10 mile race. I'm planning to start swimming as soon as my costume and goggles get here!
What kind of costume you swimming in, is it fancy dress?0 -
I love this post! I'm a beginner and I can't wait to experience some of these things
Not the peeing though... LOL. Or the ugly feet. Yeah. I could do without those two. Haha.0 -
THIS!!! Every single one. There seem to be a few running noobs following this post so I'd like to share the article written about my running experiences. Not meaning to hijack your thread, hope its ok. Made me think of it when you said running being as much mental as physical. Cheers!!
http://runningmagazine.ca/out-running-anxiety/0 -
OMG - These are so good! I'm a beginning runner, so I,knock wood, have not had an issue with black nail, but the whole "Runner's Trot's" thing....dear lord!
#20, though, I'd have to add a 5K in there as well. I know for me, I had to move away from everyone else and I let myself cry up a storm. For someone like me (battling weight since I was a kid, presently 44 year old, bad knees, definitely NOT athletic until a few months ago - in fact, when the idea to run a 5K popped into my head, I actually had to google how long a 5K WAS!) accomplishing it was a HUUUUGE deal. I train solo and was there solo, so it was a pretty emotional deal for me.0 -
#21 , Never eat oatmeal before a run.0
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Most of them. #5 happens whenever I bring up the subject0
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1. Your feet will look like crap. Blisters, black toenails, callouses. If you get pedicures, just apologize when you go in. - nope, never had that problem once.
2. When people (non-runner types) learn you are a runner, they often like to tell you how much they hate running or that running will ruin your knees. - Nah get that from people here not people I know in real life.
4. If you only run and don’t do anything else (cross train, strength train), you will probably get injured. - nope, I get injured from doing all the other stuff....never been injured from running.
5. Most people, especially non-runners, really don’t care that much about your running. - actually quite a few do care & ask me all the time.
6. You will run a race and in the middle of the race you will tell yourself you will never do this again. Yet, 30 minutes after you are done you will surf the Internet for your next race. Running is kind of like childbirth that way. - nope, only did one race, loved it the whole 10km but found that I do not like running in a pack where I got to wait till there is a spot to pass the slower people.
7. You will go through phases where you feel totally inadequate as a runner. - nope again, I always feel like I do a great job running otherwise I'd never do it again.
8. You will go through phases where you feel totally like a rock star as a runner. - phase? Nope all the time I AM a rockstar
9. You might gain weight instead of lose weight while training for a marathon. -never trained for one, but then never put on weight either.
10. Having a spare pair of shorts in your car is important. Soiling of all kinds can happen. Eww! - dont drive, never had an accident & never taken a spare pair..... there is a reason to run on empty.
11. You will be pissed if someone refers to you as a “jogger” instead of a “runner.” - never happened.
12. Sometimes other runners won’t always say “hi” to you when you run by them. - nope cause I have headphones in that are so bright you cant miss that I cant hear you.
13. You might pee yourself while your run, or worse. - nope, once again...running on empty
14. Running is expensive. It’s not just about a pair of shoes and shorts and a top. There are race entries, massages, watches, sports bras, cute running skirts, gels, blocks and recovery stuff. - nope, 1 pair of runners costs me $30 & a re perfect for me. I run in leggings $8 and tops cost me $5 (I have 2 I swap over) ....bra is the bra I wear ALL the time (sports bra that I get 2 for $19).... I thrift spend & it suits me
16. After awhile, you cannot get the stench out of your running clothes. - what stench?
18. Farts happen. A lot. - nope.... I dont fart while running, I do after drinking though
So many were not needed to be told... does not happen0 -
This is great. :bigsmile:0
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I have a new one from my run/walk this morning
#423 - Getting "pissed off" at hapless passing cars because they drown out your runkeeper app while it is announcing your current pace! :drinker:0 -
When you workout at a high HR you develop tunnel vision and your fuse gets shorter. Otherwise ordinary things can piss you off. Passing cars, dangling change, squeaky sneakers, walkers talking out loud on their cell, groups of slower people blocking the track lanes, some smell in the air, kids chasing loose soccer balls across the track .. I have a thousand of these0
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1. Your feet will look like crap. Blisters, black toenails, callouses. If you get pedicures, just apologize when you go in.
2. When people (non-runner types) learn you are a runner, they often like to tell you how much they hate running or that running will ruin your knees.
3. You don’t have to look like a runner to be a runner.
4. If you only run and don’t do anything else (cross train, strength train), you will probably get injured.
5. Most people, especially non-runners, really don’t care that much about your running.
6. You will run a race and in the middle of the race you will tell yourself you will never do this again. Yet, 30 minutes after you are done you will surf the Internet for your next race. Running is kind of like childbirth that way.
7. You will go through phases where you feel totally inadequate as a runner.
8. You will go through phases where you feel totally like a rock star as a runner.
9. You might gain weight instead of lose weight while training for a marathon.
10. Having a spare pair of shorts in your car is important. Soiling of all kinds can happen. Eww!
11. You will be pissed if someone refers to you as a “jogger” instead of a “runner.”
12. Sometimes other runners won’t always say “hi” to you when you run by them.
13. You might pee yourself while your run, or worse.
14. Running is expensive. It’s not just about a pair of shoes and shorts and a top. There are race entries, massages, watches, sports bras, cute running skirts, gels, blocks and recovery stuff.
15. You will get addicted. Yes, there are worse things to be obsessed about than running (like meth and prostitutes), but you might be surprised by how hooked you get into the whole running thing once you start.
16. After awhile, you cannot get the stench out of your running clothes.
17. You will never be the fastest runner you know. You will always never be the slowest runner you know.
18. Farts happen. A lot.
19. Running performance is as much, if not more, about mental strength as your physical strength.
20. You will never forget crossing the finish line of your first marathon or half marathon. That moment in time will come to mean a lot to you. Your feet might not even touch the ground.
You forgot these as well:
21. You start out with great motivation at first and run all the time just to be set back by runners injuries.. Such as Plantars Foot!! Ouch I have had mine all year long now it HURTS for me to run but I still do it..
22. If your not wearing the proper running clothes you might get sick as the seasons change.
23: Yep you said this above but its soooo true, You CAN gain weight
24. You can love and hate it but no matter what you will still want to do it once you have started. I mean like I said Im in serious pain often times when I jog but I still do it..
25. HELPS a TON with anxiety or heart problems, it definitely helps reduce stress...
26. Its easy to do and its just plain good for you.. ONTO BETTER HEALTH! CHEERS..0 -
DeputySox Joined Sep 2013 Posts: 34 October 23, 2013 2:09 pm
1. Your feet will look like crap. Blisters, black toenails, callouses. If you get pedicures, just apologize when you go in.
10. Having a spare pair of shorts in your car is important. Soiling of all kinds can happen. Eww!
13. You might pee yourself while your run, or worse.
16. After awhile, you cannot get the stench out of your running clothes.
18. Farts happen. A lot.
JIC for prospective runners or beginners who might find running repulsive from what is spotlit above:
1 Blisters, black toenails, callouses
Seek a medium between the foot care protocols for a cross between a diabetic and someone whose suffering from gout, as your pre, during and post protocols and your feet will be fine *Lookup your local Podiatrist as a cautionary regard for your maintenance*
Be mindful of and please prioritise your footwear and your choice of socks (hygiene and maintenance conscious). *Foot soaks and foot massage (Applying the similar protocols to the Foot/Partial leg self-massage as a heels/stilettos wearer will help greatly) *We all have our preferences with footwear and socks *
10 Soiling
ONLY relevant with runners whose diets qualify as High In Cholesterol + Hardening of the arteries with serious plaque issues + Heart Disease + Dehydration + Consumers of pain management medication (OTC or Prescription) + Recurring abdominal pain attacks + Weak "a" sphincter to start-off with akin to those suffering from incontinence.
13 Pee yourself
ONLY applies to runners who are suffering from Stress Incontinence aka Urgency Urinary Incontinence ie Weak sphincter muscles.
16 Stench out of running clothes, after awhile
Baking soda, dish washing detergent, hydrogen peroxide and white distilled vinegar as minimums. Spot stain treatment > Soak for some hours *Clean your washing machine's front loader*
18 Farts a lot
ONLY applies to those who suffer from some form(s) of digestive disorders. *Try Nauli*
ETA: italics0 -
For the sake of perusers who are thinking to run or have just started:DeputySox Joined Sep 2013 Posts: 34 October 23, 2013 2:09 pm
2. When people (non-runner types) learn you are a runner, they often like to tell you how much they hate running or that running will ruin your knees.
4. If you only run and don’t do anything else (cross train, strength train), you will probably get injured.
9. You might gain weight instead of lose weight while training for a marathon.
14. Running is expensive. It’s not just about a pair of shoes and shorts and a top. There are race entries, massages, watches, sports bras, cute running skirts, gels, blocks and recovery stuff.
15. You will get addicted. Yes, there are worse things to be obsessed about than running (like meth and prostitutes), but you might be surprised by how hooked you get into the whole running thing once you start.
17. You will never be the fastest runner you know. You will always never be the slowest runner you know.
19. Running performance is as much, if not more, about mental strength as your physical strength.
20. You will never forget crossing the finish line of your first marathon or half marathon. That moment in time will come to mean a lot to you. Your feet might not even touch the ground.
2 Non-runners: Running will hurt your knees
ONLY for those who have arthritic knee/hip issues or those with weak muscle developments of the knee.
4 If all you do is run, you'll get injured
Depends. Terrain and surface (climate) + running course footwear determined at the very least, surely.
9 Marathon preparation: You might gain weight whilst in-training
Muscle mass *Positive*
14 Running is expensive
If you care enough, it will add up right across the board, affecting what we each prioritise to best manage our fitness lifestyle (distance, duration, intensity, frequency, time of the day, altitude, time of the year, objective).
15 You will get addicted
Therapeutic stress relief.
17 Never the fastest nor the slowest you know
*Very happy*
19 Performance, more mental than strength
Physical strength enables the ability of the mind to dare and complete the run = Parallel.
ETA: Fix italics0 -
... ContDeputySox Joined Sep 2013 Posts: 34 October 23, 2013 2:09 pm
3. You don’t have to look like a runner to be a runner.
5. Most people, especially non-runners, really don’t care that much about your running.
6. You will run a race and in the middle of the race you will tell yourself you will never do this again. Yet, 30 minutes after you are done you will surf the Internet for your next race. Running is kind of like childbirth that way.
7. You will go through phases where you feel totally inadequate as a runner.
8. You will go through phases where you feel totally like a rock star as a runner.
11. You will be pissed if someone refers to you as a “jogger” instead of a “runner.”
12. Sometimes other runners won’t always say “hi” to you when you run by them.
20. You will never forget crossing the finish line of your first marathon or half marathon. That moment in time will come to mean a lot to you. Your feet might not even touch the ground.
3 Don't have to look like a runner to be a runner
Non-issue in the inclusive community of runners. There's always just a general feeling of appreciation and respect for fellow runners, despite the demarcations of experience, distance, purpose, etc.
5 Non-runners: People don't care about your running
I wish. People are nosy and invasive.
6 Middle of race, never again; Half an hour after, surfing the net for the next event
N/A
7 Feelings of inadequacy ~ phases
Never inadequate, challenged - yes; My thrill! Running is dominated by personal bests; Battles within, less the external; Always fulfilling. To feel inadequate would mean being motivated by consciously comparing one's performance with someone in particular.
8 Feeling like a rock star
Cheering crowd of supporters chanting your name, yes; Deafening and an out of body experience. Otherwise, just another event, when zoned in, psyched.
11 Referred to as a jogger not a runner
Either way, doesn't bother me.
12 Sometimes other runners won't say "Hi."
Even but for a few seconds, there are polite exchanges and the very least being, nods of acknowledgement.
20 Never forget crossing the Finish Line
Absolutely! The most exhilarating feeling ever, pretty much. An unbelievable high.
ETA: sp0 -
@Dinos - Wow - that is right on - I never thought about it like that - when i am at 115-120 I am pretty easy going.. but when I am 135+ it is like a "search and destroy" mission LOL!When you workout at a high HR you develop tunnel vision and your fuse gets shorter. Otherwise ordinary things can piss you off. Passing cars, dangling change, squeaky sneakers, walkers talking out loud on their cell, groups of slower people blocking the track lanes, some smell in the air, kids chasing loose soccer balls across the track .. I have a thousand of these0
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I love this list, especially number 19 0
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20. You will never forget crossing the finish line of your first marathon or half marathon. That moment in time will come to mean a lot to you. Your feet might not even touch the ground.
The best feeling ever!!! I ran 2 half marathons and will be running my 3rd in February. Words cannot describe that feeling when you cross the finish line! Can't wait to do it again :bigsmile:0 -
Love the whole list! And it's comforting to know the more embarrassing ones haven't just happened to me :laugh:
And it is definitely addicting. I did my first 10K this year, and I was in a lot of pain afterward (tight hip flexors) and said I would never do that distance again. Jump ahead 6 months, and I've decided to do it again next spring and improve my time lol. This year I did the 10K, two 5K's and a 6K obstacle course.0
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