10 Questions You Should Never Ask a Runner

Like any other runner out there, I could talk about running at any time of the day. In fact, I talk about running probably as much as I do sports (for those that don’t know me personally, that’s a LOT). But, just like anything else out there, with the good comes the bad. There is always that one person – bless his or her heart – that just knows absolutely nothing about the sport. Whether they’re truly trying to learn about running or they’re just trying to fill some dead space, inevitably they will ask a couple of elementary, if not annoying, questions. So, I present to you my top 10 questions that runners don’t like getting asked.

(1) Are you fast?

Faster than you, yes. 

(2) Wouldn’t you rather sleep in?

Maybe. But I also want a brand new car and house without having to pay for either. But, you have to make some sacrifices for the things you want in life. Running is no different.

There is something special about running early in the morning. The brisk coolness of the autumn morning, the sunrise coming up over the horizon, or the feeling of accomplishment knowing you’ve done more than most people have by 9 am. Take your pick.

(3) Isn’t it unhealthy to run that much?

No, it’s not, but thanks for your concern. Some runners get injured just by putting on their running shoes. Some, on the other hand, can run 8-10 miles a day and be okay. It’s just luck of the draw.

I’ll tell you what is unhealthy, though. Sitting on the couch all day. Eating twinkies until you burst. And drinking a case of beer at night. But you don’t do any of those, do you?

(4) Do you really need another pair of running shoes?

Yes, in fact, I do. Do you really need another pair of heels??

Anybody who runs consistently will vouch for me on this. Running shoes are important and perhaps even the most important aspect of a run. If you don’t get along with your shoes, then everything else falls apart. Rotating between different shoes (many of which are designed specifically for certain types of running) will keep your shoes in better shape for a longer period of time.

(5) Did you win?

Nope. Neither did the other 4,999 runners who finished behind the winner. But, we beat everybody who didn’t run!!

(6) How far is your marathon?

For the record….

• 10k = 6.2 miles
• Half Marathon = 13.1 miles
• Marathon = 26.2 miles

(7) Why pay so much to run a race?

It’s true that you can go run a 10k, half marathon, or marathon all by yourself. Plenty of people do that. But, with a race, you’re paying for much more than the distance you’re covering. The atmosphere of most races is completely different than any training run. You are provided with goody bags and finisher medals. And more and more races are now having finish line festivals with live music, food, and refreshments. So you’re not just paying to run, you’re paying for the whole experience.

(8) So… You like jogging?

No, I don’t jog. I run. And that’s all I have to say about that (In my best Forrest Gump voice).

(9) Don’t you get tired?

…. of you asking questions? Yeah, I do.

All runners get tired at some point. If we didn’t then everybody would do it. Pushing yourself while you’re tired to reach a certain goal or limit is part of why we do it.

(10) Why do you run?

This question is on the list not because it’s annoying, but because it’s the hardest to answer. There is not one simple reason that I – or anybody else for that matter – run(s). There is something inside each one of us that pulls us toward the sport. Whether we are slow, fast, competitive, or recreational, we all have our unique reasons for loving the sport of running.

I think a better question here would be: Why don’t you run???

Post contributed by Brock Jones.  Brock is Co-Owner and Head Trainer with BodyFIT, Inc. in Lexington, KY. He holds a Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Kentucky and is an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.  You can read more of Brock’s posts about fitness and exercise on the BodyFIT Punch Blog.