After 16 years of running, my life has become progressively… weirder.
Not only do I do things most people would consider crazy, but what I see as completely normal is anything but to the average person.
And with each passing year, it becomes harder to stop. The rituals, the habits, the borderline obsessive tendencies—they’ve all become part of who I am.
Sleep isn’t just enjoyable anymore… it’s recovery.
We’re a wacky bunch. But that’s exactly what makes runners special. Our quirks are what connect us, what bond us, what keep us going.
So from one weird runner to another—cheers to being weird together.
To celebrate that, I’ve put together a list of the 13 weirdest things we do because we run. Most come from my own experience, but I’d love to hear yours—drop your strange habits and rituals in the comments.
Let’s have some fun.
Our Weirdest Running Habits
Runners aren’t just weird because of what we do—but also because of what we love, wear, and obsess over.
1. Our sense of weather is completely broken
Torrential rain? Heatwave? Lightning?
You still have to get the run done.
My response: It’ll take a nuclear apocalypse to stop me.
2. Our idea of “fun” is questionable
Waking up at 4am to run 42km… for fun.
My response: Oh, you play social sport? Cute.
3. Nipple Band-Aids are a thing
Some sports require protective gear.
We tape our nipples.
Enough said.
4. Our definition of “far” is… different
We run further in a weekend than most people drive in a week.
5. We’re gear addicts
Shoes, watches, heart rate monitors… and socks. So many socks.
Honestly, we could double as tech consultants.
6. Our commitment borders on obsession
Running almost every day.
In any weather.
Before sunrise.
And people still act surprised.
7. One run a day? Amateur
Some of us go out twice a day.
Tell a non-runner that and just watch their reaction.
8. Bathrooms are optional
Nature is… convenient.
9. New shoes = pure joy
Nothing beats opening a fresh pair of running shoes.
The colours. The cushioning. The smell.
It’s a full emotional experience.
10. We normalise the extraordinary
Marathons, long training hours, insane distances…
To everyone else, it’s impressive.
To us, it’s just Tuesday.
11. Shorts get shorter
The shorter the shorts, the faster you feel.
Science? No.
Do we care? Also no.
12. We own way too many running books
Apparently, there is that much to learn about running.
At least… that’s what we tell ourselves.
13. We need “skippy doo” space
Furniture? Optional.
Warm-ups come first.
If you’re nodding along to any of these… welcome. You’re one of us 😄
Now your turn—what’s the weirdest running habit you’ve picked up?
