On today’s edition of Thursday Tangents, let’s talk about things you should never tell a runner.
Running is bad for your knees. Recent studies have proven that running actually helps your knees and doesn’t harm them. Typically runners who have knee issues have other underlying muscle imbalances, which make them more predisposed to injuries.
You paid how much for your running gear and shoes. Running might be easy and seem relatively cheap to get into but it adds up real quick. Between the $100-150 shoes, all the tech clothing, race entries, etc. it quickly becomes an expensive sport.
You don’t look like a runner, why do you call yourself one? Runners come in all shapes and sizes. If someone is not a size 0 with killer abs and normal body fat on their bodies they are still a runner. If you run, you are a runner regardless of what your body looks like.
Are you going to eat all that? Long run “runger” is the worst. (Runger = like hangry but is hunger caused by running all the miles.) Don’t judge someone who just ran a lot of miles. Typically running burns about 100 calories a mile so it is okay to refuel after a long run and is necessary for recovery.
Running is boring. Instead of telling a runner this, ask them how they keep their runs interesting. What you will probably hear is how they change up their routes every once in a while, how they run on different surfaces (trails vs. roads, etc.), how they run with friends on occasion. Variety is the spice of life so change is good.
Are you sure it is safe to do all that running? Unless you are the runners doctor, you have no reason to say how safe running is for a person. Instead ask about how training is going.
Your feet are gross. Runner’s feet can be very different from everyone else’s. This is typically caused by ill fitting running shoes. Instead offer to pay for a pedicure.
You are almost there. Unless you can see the finish line at a race you are NOT almost there. This is one of the worst things to say to a runner. And if you do say it you are risking bodily injury by runners.
So how far is this marathon you are running? Have you met my friend Google? You know you can find out everything and more on it. A marathon is 26.2 miles. A half marathon is 13.1 miles, a 15k is 9.3 miles, a 10k is 6.2 miles and a 5k is 3.1 miles. Lack of using the correct terminology drives runners crazy. Most people use this question incorrectly and are referring to a run that is less than a marathon.
Did you have fun running your 5k marathon? For starters a 5k is nowhere near the distance of a marathon. A 5k is only 3.1 miles. The correct question should be did you have fun running your 5k? The only time you should use the phrase marathon is in conjunction with someone running a half or full marathon (13.1 miles or 26.2) or an ultra marathon (anything more than 26.2 miles – common distances are 50k (31 miles), 50 miles, 100k (62.13 miles), and 100 miles).
Did you win? There can only be one winner in the race. Unless you see someone walking around with an award, don’t ask this question. Instead ask “How did your race go?”
You actually train to run? Yes, most runners train to run a specific distance. They train to get faster. They train to run longer. They train to ___________. Some people run because they want to. But the majority of runners have a specific reason they are chasing and that is why they run.
I wish I was as athletic as you. Not all runners started out being extra athletic. I never did. If you want to get into running, you don’t need athletic ability so much as dedication to train and just get out there and run.
Don’t you know that someone died during a race? Runners know about the risks during a race and make adjustments for it. Just because one runner died during a race there are countless others who survived.
And now one to avoid at all costs: Why are you so upset about being injured? Wouldn’t you be upset if you hurt your body so you couldn’t do your favorite hobby? Runners dread injuries and will try their best to avoid them at all costs. Running tends to be emotional and a way for dealing with the stresses of the day. You take away their way to relieve stress and it makes most runners anxious and almost wanting to avoid having to deal with the injury. Instead of asking why, be sympathetic and do something to help keep the runners mind off of not being able to run.
What else have your heard that drives you crazy?
Until next time,
Candace
Running on Second 