During our delightful lockdown, large numbers of joggers-newbies appeared practically out of nowhere. Because, who would want to miss out on their entitlement of one form of exercise a day, right?
First of all, let us be clear that we (we = the true running legends *cough*) support them and encourage them to run because we love running. We want them to keep it up and do well.
At the same time, we sometimes can’t help it and tend to judge them with the same scepticism that we have for all the newbies who join the gym on January 1st every year. We know that soon their numbers will be depleted and most of them will end up back on their sofa. Sad reality.
As much as you want everyone in the world to take on running, you were doing it since before you were even born and don’t want to be mistaken for a newbie (not that there is anything wrong about being one). So how do you make sure that the world (the passing-by drivers, doggers, cyclists and most importantly other runners) realise that you are the real deal?
Here are the key points, some of which you are already following (that is if you really are the hardcore gel-eater that you claim to be):
- Wear a race top, ideally an older one, with a year clearly visible to show everyone you’ve been doing this for a long time.
- Lycra. Be dressed in lycra head to toe. Loose sweatpants advertise that you are a newbie.
- Wear as little clothes as possible. Is it windy and rainy? So? Running vest and shorty shorts are still all you need. Put away that bloody winter jacket you rookie!!
- Wear only real running brands, especially when it comes to shoes. Lonsdale sneakers are NOT running shoes. It’s gonna get expensive so whoever told you that running is a cheap sport was not a true runner.
- Do not jog holding a bottle of water. Especially not if it’s just an old coke bottle refilled with water and you are doing two laps around the block. No! You don’t need that stuff. If you are going for a long run (long run is not 3 miles!!!) and need some hydration, use a proper fancy running belt or camelbak.
- Do not stop and walk! It’s a no no. Just keep running. No stopping. NO!
- Go running no matter the weather. Pissing down? Only the hardcore runners will be out – so you can show the world you are one of them!
- Enthusiastically greet all passing runners. An acknowledgement nod is not good enough. Wave as if you’ve just spotted your best mate.
- Join Strava. Share all your runs on other social media for those who are not Strava athletes. Running without a fitness watch is not allowed!
- When talking to friends, refer to your cousin’s husband’s uncle as your “coach” just because he once gave you a running related tip.
- If you really want to take it to the next level, get a foam roller. And then never use it.
- Finally, please don’t do stupid stretches using a bench in the park. No real runner has ever been spotted doing that kind of stuff.
I hope these tips are helpful and will consolidate your status of a running legend. Also note, that it is much easier to impress non-runners who have not got a clue whether you have just completed a 10 miler or jogged up and down the street. Chances are they will tell everyone you run marathons just because they regularly see you sweaty and dressed in lycra. Take advantage of that!
Now, if you are a newbie who is trying to fit in the running community and disguise yourself as one of us, follow the tips above religiously (you are welcome). We sincerely hope that what started as a disguise will become your nature. I am already looking forward to spotting you sucking on a warm piss-flavoured gel at mile 15 of your Sunday run.