Running News Daily

Seven questions runners are tired of hearing

You can’t understand the sport of running unless you’re personally into it. No one who doesn’t run can wrap their head around training, racing and the other aspects of running, and because of that, non-runners sometimes ask silly questions. Some of these questions are more common than others, and you might hear the same few over and over again. Here are seven of those questions that runners everywhere are tired of hearing.

1. Why do you run? 

This isn’t some deep question — the person asking it isn’t looking to hear about the joy you get from running. Instead, they have no idea why anyone would waste their time going for a run, and if you tell them that you enjoy it and find it fun, they’ll scoff at you. Odds are at least one person has asked you this before, and it’s likely that some runners have heard it multiple times. 

2. Did you win your race? 

Some people go to races with the sole purpose of winning, but most of us will never get the chance to break the tape at a race. Non-runners don’t know this, and many of them will ask if you got the win at your most recent competition. If someone asks you this, kindly explain that, no, you didn’t win, but you race for much more than standing on the podium. 

3. Could you make the Olympics? 

This might seem like a joke, but depending on how clueless your friends are, they could think you have a chance at making the Olympics. If you actually are an Olympic hopeful, that’s pretty cool — good luck with qualifying. Most of us, though, don’t have a shot at the Games, but some of our friends might think, “Well, I know you’re pretty fast, so I assumed you could make it.” 

4. Do you ever wear normal clothes? 

As runners, many of us wear running gear wherever we go. Whether we’re sporting short-shorts, bright running shoes or any other part of a race uniform, we’re just happy in those clothes. The answer is yes, we do wear other clothes, but we prefer athletic wear. 

5. Do you want to race?

Some non-runners feel the need to challenge runners they meet to a race. Since you’re probably wearing your running gear already, you’re ready to race, so that’s good, but it can be annoying when someone randomly challenges you and says, “I bet I can beat you.” 

6. Don’t you get bored? 

Sure, sometimes we can get bored, but we love running, so the few instances of boredom we might face are well worth it in the end. 

7. Have you run a marathon? 

This question is asked by a lot of people, non-runners and runners alike. The marathon is viewed as the race, and everyone wants to know if you’ve run one. If you have, that’s great, but if not, don’t feel like you’re any less of an athlete because of it. You’re a runner, not a marathoner, so be proud of the races you do run and don’t worry about the marathon unless you choose to register for one.