27 signs that you have caught the running bug

These are the symptoms of those who have caught the running bug. Or maybe it’s just me…

1. If you haven’t logged the miles, you haven’t run them.

2. If you haven’t drunk a liter of water, it’s not your running day.

3. You’ve started to view parks exclusively in gradient terms.

4. Accordingly, flat paths by the river now look positively amateur.

5. In bed, after you turn out the light, you are calculating your miles/hour goal for the run the next morning.

6. You find yourself frequently comparing your running stats to those of fellow runners to assess your running progress.

7. You consider anything less than 6 miles per hour a failed run and you delete it from your running log.

8. You obsess over your mapmyrun statistics on a daily basis, especially short slow runs and your longest run ever.

9. You’re a running purist – and frown upon walking breaks while out for a run.

10. You choose your underwear based on the comfort they’ll offer when running

11. Energy drinks for your runs are of utmost importance; no fizzy cherry flavor Lucozade please.

12. You have your liquid intake ratio down to a science.

13. You say things like ‘I haven’t drunk enough water today’ or ‘I need more carbs’ at least once a day.

14. You’ve read all Runner’s World forum threads.

15. 90% of the reason you eat carbs is so you can run further.

16. You never fail to eat protein to maximize recovery.

17. You can’t understand why in the world anyone would ride a bicycle.

18. You’re extremely judgmental of the running outfit of others (Pink sweatpants? Cotton?)

19. Choosing the right running outfit is the most agonizing eight minutes of your day.

20. You can’t remember the last evening you didn’t have achy legs.

21. More than a few times, you’ve arranged your work and social activities to fit them around your running schedule.

22. You’ve turned down a potential romantic partner because of their lack of enthusiasm for running. 

23. You consider your ratio of carbs and vitamins one of your greatest accomplishments in your diet.

24. You’re envious of people who live in country houses, purely because of the running opportunities.

25. A lack of decent running routes is a factor when booking holidays, visiting to friends or attending conferences abroad.

26. You have serious opinions about people’s running gear and training choices.

27. Running around the block is your new watching the news after dinner.