Tuesday, March 21, 2006

You know you're a runner when...

This is a funny little yarn I tracked down on the web.
 
Travel
You Know You're A Runner...

when the drive to the race is longer than the race itself
when you say "There's only a half-marathon (10k, 5k, etc)
when you run to your gate at the airport even though you aren't late and you aren't wearing running shoes
when you pack a separate bag for your running clothes
when your idea of sightseeing involves visiting the local running store and finding the best place for hill repeats and long runs
when you get off an 18 hour flight and go for your long run because a) you need to stretch your legs, b) you want to see the city/country, and c) you have a scheduled run
when you realize that all the traveling you did in the last year revolved around races
you avoid travelling to places where you won't be able to run

Nutrition
You Know You're A Runner...

when all your friends think you eat too healthy
when you not only eat gels, but you know the best flavors for every brand
when you consider pasta to be a food group
when the sports drinks are in front of the soda, beer, and juice in your fridge
when you drink your least favorite kind of sports drink because you know it is what they will be handing out at waterstops for your next race and you want your body to be accustomed to it
when pasta is the only food you'll eat two nights before a race

Family and Friends
when you've run, showered, and eaten breakfast (twice) before your family/roommates even wake up
your friends no longer look at you like your nuts, because they know it for sure
when you forget birthdays and anniversaries, even major holidays, but never the date of your next race
when you have to make a real effort to remember to talk to your (non-running)family and friends about something other than running
when your boss tells you to go run because your having a bad day at work
when your family plans vacations based on where your next marathon will be
when people stop asking you if you are going to run today, but rather ask you when
when your friends by sports drinks for their party so you'll have something to drink, since they know you have a run/race the next day
when your friends know that if you don't answer your phone, you're probably running
when you pass on going out with your friends on Friday night because you have to get up early and run
when you no longer have to explain to your friends why cotton isn't the best choice for running attire
when you come back after a 1 hour run and your spouse says 'That was fast.
when your friends think they need to practice more before they can run with you
when your spouse begs you to go for a run because you are in a bad mood

Injuries
You know you're a runner...

when you have a favorite ice pack
when you brag about losing toenails
when you go through a box of Band-Aids without getting a single cut
when there are permanent blood stains on your T-shirts where your nipples were rubbed raw
when it hurts worse to take a shower than it does to keep running

Clothes
You know you're a runner...

when every T-shirt you own has a race name and sponsors listed on it
when your socks come in two categories: run! ning socks and others
when you have tons of race shirts but can't find a work shirt for the life of you
when you balk at the cost of everyday shoes and then spend $75 - $100 on a pair of running shoes that will only last 3 months and think you're getting a fabulous deal
when you think a black Timex Ironman watch goes with black tie dress
when you spend $12 on socks that help you avoid blisters
when you have to explain to everyone why you can't run in the T-shirts you get at races

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