Running is a joyful sport filled with smiling runners, triumphant finish-line photos, and motivational quotes. But anyone who actually runs knows: in reality, everything is much less glamorous.
The beginning of a running journey is almost always accompanied by awkward moments that make you want to disappear into a bush mid-run. But fortunately, this is absolutely normal, every runner goes through it.
In this article, we’ll dive into the most common and funny moments that happen to beginners: from unexpected wipeouts to public bathroom emergencies.
1. Bathroom emergencies: when nature calls
One of the most classic embarrassing moments on the run is a sudden urge to go to the bathroom. And not just a mild one, but an urgent now or otherwise trouble. It happens to almost everyone and more than once.
Even experienced marathon runners tell stories of stopping the race-day shuttle bus, hiding in the bushes, or begging strangers to let them in. There is even a special term: “runner’s trots.” The reasons can be different: from coffee before a run to nerves before the race.
Related: Runner’s Diarrhea: How to Avoid a Stomach Disaster on Race Day
How to cope:
- Plan ahead. Choose routes that pass by public restrooms, cafes, or parks, especially for long runs.
- Learn your body. Track what foods or drinks trigger trouble, and adjust your pre-run routine accordingly.
- Carry tissues. A few in your pocket can save your dignity and your shorts when things get desperate.
And most importantly—don’t be embarrassed. Every runner has found himself in such a situation. And you are not the first, and you will definitely not be the last.
2. Falling with style: the runner’s first faceplant
All runners fall at some point. The more dramatic (and public) the tumble, the more it gets burned into your memory—forever.
You may have tripped over a curb, stepped on a rock, caught your own shoelaces, or just turned around awkwardly. And if you’re running on a treadmill at the gym and didn’t notice that it was still moving, get ready for the acrobatics of the year.
What to do:
- First, check if you’re okay. Then check if anyone saw. Then laugh, even if it’s through the pain.
- Use the phrase “I just checked the ground is still there.” And keep running.
Don’t stress. Even elite runners eat pavement now and then. At least you’ve earned a story to tell in your next running group chat.
3. Clothes betray: sweat, chafing, and fashion failures
Sooner or later, every beginner runner learns the hard way: not all clothes are made for running. Especially cotton.
Maybe you dashed out in light-grey shorts, only to return 20 minutes later with a suspicious dark patch between your legs. Maybe you skipped proper sports underwear, and now your usual one feels like sandpaper. Or perhaps you wore a brand-new T-shirt for a long run—and then screamed in the shower when you discovered your skin had been slowly shredded.
For men, there’s the infamous bloody nipples (yes, it’s a thing). For women, it’s sports bras that chafe like medieval torture devices. Add in transparent leggings, a belt that won’t stay in place, shorts that constantly roll, and this stubborn funk that technical fabrics develop over time.
Related: Avoid These 5 Sneaky Gear Mistakes on Race Day
How to avoid:
- Buy clothes made of synthetics with moisture-wicking fabric. Avoid cotton.
- Apply anti-friction cream or Vaseline to sensitive areas.
- Test clothes at home before running—jog around, do a few squats, and make sure everything stays in place.
- And never hesitate to use a band-aid on your nipples or talc between your thighs.
4. Tech fails: when gadgets let you down
Today’s runners come fully equipped: GPS watches, wireless headphones, fitness trackers, smartphones… And sometimes, everything goes wrong at once.
- You forgot to press “start training” and you have a 5K that no one will ever know about.
- Your headphones flew out and got under your feet.
- The phone fell out and hit the asphalt.
- The app thought you were running in zig-zags across the lake.
- Someone shouted at you: “Your music is loud enough for the whole street!”, and you didn’t even notice.
How to cope:
- Secure your gear. Use armbands, belts, or pockets that actually hold your stuff in place.
- Laugh it off. The data might be gone, but your legs definitely did the work. That run still counts—even if your GPS didn’t show it.
5. Bio-horrors: snot, drool, sweat, and gases
It’s not something we love to talk about, but running is biology in action. Your body is working at its maximum and sometimes it doesn’t look pretty.
- Your nose runs like a faucet, and before long, you’ve mastered the “snot rocket”—plugging one nostril and blasting mucus out the other (ideally away from bystanders).
- You try to spit discreetly, but the wind has other plans, and now it’s on your shirt.
- You burp too loud after a gulp of sports drink. Or worse: you let one slip… and hope no one was behind you.
What to do:
- Check your surroundings. Before you launch anything, make sure no one’s in the splash zone.
- If someone gets caught in the crossfire, offer a sheepish “Sorry!” and carry on.
- And most importantly—don’t blame yourself. This is normal. The body is working, and that’s great.
6. Social fails: running among people
Running seems like a solitary activity, but in reality, you often encounter other people, and there are dozens of awkward situations.
- You make eye contact with another runner. Smile? Nod? Say nothing?
- You’re running with a friend who’s way faster, and you’re gasping for air just trying to keep up.
- You are overtaken by elderly people, children, and ladies with strollers.
- You stop for a drink, and your friends have already run away.
- A passerby shouts: “Come on, Forrest!”—you don’t know whether to be offended or to smile.
How to react:
- Just be yourself. You can wave your hand, or you can say nothing.
- Don’t be afraid to be the “slow friend”. Real runners are patient.
- And don’t forget: no one is looking at you as closely as you think they are.
7. Emotions on the run: tears, panic, and victorious cries
Running is not only about the body but also about emotions. Especially for beginners. You’re just running… and suddenly, the emotions hit you out of nowhere.
Tears. From fatigue. From joy. From stress. Scream: “I can’t! Why am I doing this?!”
Or you might cross your finish line and scream “I’M A CHAMPION!” while random pedestrians stare, unsure if they should clap or call someone.
Remember:
- This is normal. Really. Running has a way of opening emotional doors you didn’t even know were closed.
- If you feel like crying—cry. Let it out. You’ll feel lighter afterward.
- If you want to shout with joy—do it. You’ve earned that moment. Own it.
Read next: 20 Things That Feel Like the End of the World for a Runner
Awkwardness is part of the running journey. We all had moments when we wanted to disappear. But these are the moments that make running real. They make us stronger. They unite us in a community of people who are not afraid to look ridiculous because they are moving forward.
So, if you trip, get muddy, or embarrass yourself—smile. It means you’re doing it. You’re really running.
By Lena Sage
