Runners love medals, race day hype, and chasing PBs. But let’s be honest—it’s the oddly specific stuff that really keeps us coming back.
Here are 25 weird things we secretly love.
1. When you run in terrible weather just to feel superior
Sideways rain? Ice pellets? Unbearable heat? Perfect. Every step is a smug reminder that you’re out there while the rest of the world hides indoors.
2. When you listen to the same power song on repeat for 40 minutes
No one else wants to hear “Eye of the Tiger” ten times in a row—but during that tempo run, it’s the only thing holding your cadence together. Bonus points if it syncs perfectly with your stride.
3. When you become the Local Legend on Strava
It’s not a world record—it’s a slightly faster loop around the duck pond. But seeing that tiny golden badge in your profile? Glory. Even if it disappears in three days.
4. When your GPS watch connects instantly
No awkward hopping at the trailhead, waving your wrist at the sky. Just beep—and go. Feels like a personal gift from the satellite overlords.
5. When you can’t walk down the stairs at work after a race
You’re stiff, shuffling sideways, and gripping the handrail like it’s a lifeline. But it’s worth it, because every coworker asks what happened—and you get to say “oh, just ran a marathon.”
Related: Race Day Regrets: 26.2 Things You’ll Wish You Hadn’t Done
6. When you drink something totally disgusting after a long run
Pickle juice, beetroot shots, that leftover isotonic goo that tastes like melted plastic—delicious. Somehow, it hits just right when you’re drenched in sweat and running on fumes.
7. When you peel off soggy socks and step onto a cool floor
Nothing feels more earned. The swamp-foot shuffle across the tiles is practically a post-run ritual.
8. When you unbox new running shoes and smell them like a weirdo
You’re not just sniffing EVA foam—you’re inhaling potential. A fresh pair means new goals, big miles, and no blisters (hopefully).
9. When your bib number is weirdly beautiful
Palindromes, lucky numbers—runners get way too excited over a good bib. It’s like the race gods are smiling at you before the start gun even goes off.
10. When you run past your own house to make it a round number
You said you’d do 10, but it’s at 9.92. Obviously, you’re going to loop the block twice like a maniac instead of stopping on a chaos number.
11. When you get green lights for the whole run
The city flows in perfect sync with your stride. No interruptions, no crosswalk buttons—just you, the road, and the rarest kind of magic.
12. When the free race t-shirt actually fits and doesn’t chafe
Soft, flattering, and it even matches your favorite shorts? It’s the holy grail of race swag—and you’re never taking it off.
13. When you overtake someone who looks way faster
They’ve got carbon shoes and intimidating sunglasses, but you surge past at the water station like a hero. Regret kicks in 10 minutes later, but that moment? Worth it.
Related: 20 Satisfying Rituals Runners Do on Race Day
14. When your legs hurt so good the next day
DOMS is real, and you’re walking like a baby deer. But it’s the kind of soreness that whispers, “you did something hard and awesome.”
15. When you dig out old race bibs and medals just to look at them
A drawer full of sweaty paper and tangled ribbons—and yet, each one tells a story. Like a personal museum of pain and triumph.
16. When you run in silence with someone for miles
No small talk, no pressure. Just two pairs of feet in sync and a shared rhythm that says more than words.
17. When gravel crunches under your shoes on a quiet trail
That crunch crunch crunch gives you actual goosebumps. The world fades, and all that matters is the rhythm underfoot.
18. When your watch congratulates you for a streak
“5 days in a row! You’re on fire!” It’s just an algorithm—but yes, you will take that validation, thank you very much.
19. When you run the same route and pretend it’s different
Today I did it counterclockwise. Totally new vibe.
20. When you wear a major marathon shirt to a 5K fun run
Nothing says experienced runner like rocking your Boston or London tee at the local parkrun. Just casually letting everyone know what you’ve been through.
21. When there’s no queue for the porta-potty
No waiting. No panic. No awkward small talk while dancing in place. It’s race morning bliss.
22. When you nail a negative split
Starting slow and finishing strong? That’s the runner’s equivalent of dropping the mic. It’s rare. It’s glorious. It’s addictive.
23. When you run before sunrise and feel a quiet kind of pride
The streets are dark, the air is still, and it’s just you and the sound of your breath. It’s not about superiority—it’s about starting the day already winning.
24. When your GPS watch tan line becomes permanent
You’re two-tone and proud. That pale strip on your wrist? It’s almost a fashion statement.
Related: 8 Annoying Runner Problems (And How to Solve Them)
25. When you talk someone else into signing up for a race they’ll regret
They hesitate, you pitch it perfectly, and now you’re both registered for an ultra trail in July. Is it reckless? Absolutely. But also—kind of perfect.
Read next: 16 Reasons You Shouldn’t Date a Runner
