21 Interesting Things I've Learned About Running

1. Other people aren’t nearly as interested in your running activity as you are. Shocking, but true.

2. People like to give all kinds of advice about exercise, even when they don’t know too much about it.

3. Serious runners like to be called “runners”, not “joggers”. (Note: This is similar to the “Trekkie” vs. “Trekker” controversy.)

4. Since becoming an avid runner, I’ve noticed that my toes have turned really gross. I have experienced: Purple toe, loose toenails, broken toenails, toenails cutting into other toes, blisters, broken blisters, hardened blisters, corns, yellowing, discoloration, etc. Watching the evolution of my toes has become a curious pastime for me. My kids have also been seriously grossed out by it, which I find amusing.

5. Empty beer bottles make for excellent water bottles by the treadmill.

6. The treadmill fan doesn’t do much to dispel a fart. Release with caution.

7. Pandora internet radio is a runner’s best friend.

8. Some runners are obnoxious. I’ve seen them run in the street, when a nearby sidewalk would be fine. All because it’s not flat enough? Well, shouldn’t you be watching where you are running anyway?

9. There’s a whole industry trying to sell crap to you, the runner. About 99.9% of which can be ignored.

10. Chafing in the nether regions – a fact of life that must be taken into consideration before attempting a longer run.

11. No excuses. No putting it off. Just shut up and do it.

12. Some days you will struggle. Other days you will feel like a rock star.

13. It’s easy to quit. So don’t.

14. Don’t worry about the rest of the week too much. Just make sure you succeeded in your goal for today.

15. Find a time, make a schedule, and stick to it. If you don’t plan, it won’t happen.

16. You’ll find yourself wanting to talk about it with others more and more. Resist the urge. Remember, they aren’t all that interested.

17. You’ll find yourself “connecting” with others at work who also run. Even with nothing else in common, there will still be a special understanding between the two of you. It’s like a secret club you’ve now joined.

18. You want to challenge yourself. You want to better. You want to do more.

19. You start signing up for races.

20. You can’t believe this is happening. You can’t believe how far you’ve come.

21. Every single day, you are terrified that you are going to quit.