This is for all the runners in the world, anybody who is interested in running, or those people who know somebody that enjoys running. I made a list of all the stereotypes about running that are surprisingly, or not so surprisingly, true. You know you are a runner when:
1. Your shoes cost more than almost all your clothes combined and they always make traveling a pain. It is very sad when you have more shoes than actually clothes. These shoes are very expensive too, so you cannot afford to not use them or lose them.
2. You can tell when you need new shoes based upon not only the miles ran in them, but also the wear pattern on the bottoms of them. Yes, we are that discreet, but it is to prevent injuries. I promise!
3. Men wear shorter shorts than the girls and most people think it is only to get attention and has nothing to do with running. Little do they know, the reason we do this is purely for our love of short shorts.
4. The running teams are always the closest. Everybody knows everybody really well…even people on the other teams. You develop your best friendships in cross-country and track and they last a lifetime.
5. Somebody freaks out about the blood on your legs and you casually look down and say, “Oh looks like I got spiked,” as if it happens regularly.
6. When somebody says, “Run Forest run,” it is no longer funny or even clever. This saying is so beyond overused that it should be not just thrown away, but locked up and then thrown into the bottom of the ocean. We all just think the people who say this while we run do not have the brainpower to think of something more astute.
7. None of us have gotten used to the starter’s gun yet and that will never change. Every single time I always jump when it goes off. It always sounds like somebody is being shot. You would think that we would get used to it over the years…nope!
8. We all have had that one race where we went out way too fast and tried to lead it from the beginning. Then at the very end, you feel like you are carrying an elephant on your back. Your splits begin to get slower and your legs casually just melt away.
9. Pasta is your best friend. Literally. I personally can eat pasta any day of the week and I can never get bored by it. Yes, I am Italian, but I do not think that is the only reason why I love pasta so much.
10. Running in the rain is one of the most epic things and we all have our Hollywood slow motion movie moments. We love running in the rain. It makes us feel victorious when we finish. It always feels like we are filming a commercial for Brooks when we go for a run in the rain. Never back down!
11. We are all crazy in our own ways because yes, we do love to run. Caution: do not try at home without full knowledge of what you are about to do. Running is one of the most stress-relieving, mind-clearing, and peaceful things I can do. My passion for running stems from my love for God because I always find myself closest to him when I go for a run.
I hope you enjoyed the list that I created and if you have any more to add on, feel free to let me know! Running is crazy, but extremely rewarding.Try it out every now and again if you have never given it a shot. If you currently are a runner...I know the pain you are going through, but remember perseverance is key!
