Not so unspoken of fears of a every runner
Strava judgement is a real fear!
As runners we all have different fears. Some of us fear that we may come last, others fear that they could lose a toe nail. Some fears are legit and others not so legit.
I have highlighted some of the more legit and major fears that runners are faced with nowadays.
1. Fitness watch not starting or dying mid run
Because, if it is not recorded on Stava, did it even happen?
2. Shitting yourself during a race
Because it’s ok to shit yourself during a training run but not during a race, that’s just awkward.
3. Not finding any post race photo’s of yourself
Because if there is no photo’s, did you even run the race?
4. Looking like shit in your post race photo’s
Looking like shit means that you can’t share your photos, and if no one sees your photos did you even run?
5. Starting in a pen that is not up to your standards
You’ve been placed in pen F but according to you and your Strava times you should be in pen C. Is it even a race if you start in the wrong pen?
6. Being judged by your Strava peeps
Runs 3.49 seconds slower than usual, feels the need to explain the cramps at mile 2.1 just to make sure that everyone is aware of the reasons for the slower time.
7. Running the same pace with “annoying” people
Susan, we understand that you think your son is the best at everything and his private school fees are unreasonable, but seriously, 42.2 km is still a very long way to go with you and your bitching.
Worst Case Scenario
- You have to start in Pen F when you know you should be in Pen B.
- Now you feel like you need to prove to everyone that you are indeed a faster runner.
- Unfortunately your watch dies mid run, so there is no evidence on Strava.
- Now you need to hope that one of the race photographers captures you picture
- but instead they capture Susan and her mouth running in front of you.
- To top it all off, you shit yourself
- You then proceed to use your race number to cover up the poo evidence
- And there goes your timing chip as well.
If it’s not on Strava…..
Did you even run, bro?
As a runner, what other fears do you have?
Drop them in the comments sections, let’s laugh together.
I usually end nearly last so it’s okay. Only really started using a watch in March. I fear running next to a stranger who won’t shut up or getting sick from drinking water 😂 it’s happened.
Ha, yes I also usually end in the last pack. Getting sick like vomiting?
Jip! Still trying to figure out how not to die, because of drinking water.
1. Being too slow and being picked up by the bus that takes you back to the start. I’ve never even been close but panic about it until halfway point.
2. Getting stuck by someone that thanks every single volunteer. Although this is nice and proper etiquette I’m ready to punch the mo fo in the face after a mile.
3. Arriving late and missing the race. This has actually happened a couple of times by me having start time wrong.
I do make a point if thanking the volunteers, but mostly just with a friendly wave, a smile or a nod… I need to preserve my oxygen for the later stages of the race 🙂
I used to mock those runners with their watches. I would meet them in the park, and stop to have a chat when out running, and there would be a chorus of beeps before they would acknowledge your existence. Now I have turned into one. Damn. That’s the problem with doing a programme…
On the plus side, I have never shat myself running. What is it with that? Is it really a thing? I suppose I shouldn’t tempt fate…
Bleeding nipples, though… now there’s a thing!
I too used to mock these people, until I got a watch, now I am one of those people. hahaha. Also, a friend told me that he literally saw someone proceeding with the run after shitting herself. So it does happen 🙂
Jaysus!
True Story
Brilliantly written👌 I especially relate with nr 4! Have had a few dodgy looking race pics in the past😂
Thanks. Dodgy pictures are bound to happen. I think I look like Cinderella but actually I look like Fiona from Shrek 🙂
Love the spirit! My fears are too many to count, but for sure tripping on my face is the top (happened before), then dehydration, and probably all the others you mention! I’m going on my first marathon in 3 weeks so not yet sure how the photos things will turn out 🙂
Stay hydrated and good luck with your first marathon. Enjoy every moment of it!
Bad race pics are the worst. I worked my butt off to PR a half marathon and the only pics were horrible. Unfortunately they were totally accurate as I struggled mightily. Was tempted to buy them but couldn’t spend $75 just to have evidence of just how much it hurt to reach that goal. Must confess that my Garmin turned me into one of those ‘watch people’ as well. Knowing you’re chaffing half way through the race makes all your choices seem bad.
hahaha, we have all had bad race pics. The chaffing is horrible yes, especially in the shower a day later. Talk to me about the Garmin, any good? I am currently looking at getting the FR645 – It would be an upgrade from the Tomtom
Behind the starting line with butterflies or going deep in a run, Strava won’t matter. Favorite playlist won’t matter. Miles logged won’t even matter. Mind and breath and focus will matter. Flow state. Putting all your attention on doing what you are doing. Yoga and meditation! Access flow state. 🙌🏼💪🏼❤️
100%.
“Susan, we understand that you think your son is the best at everything and his private school fees are unreasonable” – HAHA eeeh, that was funny XD
I love this, and also…. very VERY guilty of #1. I went for a run a while back with some friends, we were driving out to a trail and so in my hurry to the car I forgot my watch…. NIGHTMARE….. Oh wait… no it absolutely isn’t… The run was beautiful!
Also, I get super disappointed if my race photos suck/aren’t there…. or I think that’s me… but I’m completely blocked by the runner in front….
Can’t think of anything to add to this… pretty spot on, though shitting myself on a training run would probably be just as embarrassing not going to lie…. Although I guess it’s easier to get home on a training run haha
Hahaha, yeah I think I am guilty of all of the above as well… except shitting myself, I have never shat myself.
Probably shitting yourself is #1. Hey how do you feel about runners who play their music with no headphones? That is SO annoying. I have to speed up to get way from some lady blasting Phil Collins from her fanny pack. Not everyone dances to the beat of your drummer. ha.
Hahahaha, I love music, but I couldn’t imagine anything worse than getting stuck behind someone who is blasting music that is not my taste of music.