10 Things Runners Do That Make No Sense (Unless You’re a Runner)

1. Running Laps Around a Car Park to Round Up Mileage

Runner’s Logic: My watch says 9.94 miles. I’m obviously not stopping until it’s a solid 10.00.
How It Looks to Others: A confused person circling the car park like they’ve lost their car, their phone, and possibly their mind.

We’ve all done it. You finish your run, check your watch, and horror of horrors—it’s just short of a round number. Suddenly, you’re jogging up and down your own driveway, in a shop car park, or around a random lamppost, just to get that sweet, satisfying GPS data.

2. Refusing to Walk Even When It Makes Sense

Runner’s Logic: Walking? No. That’s quitting.
How It Looks to Others: They’d rather suffer than take five normal human steps like the rest of us?

There are moments when walking would make perfect sense—like climbing a ridiculously steep hill or stopping for a drink. But no. We refuse. We’d rather shuffle at the speed of continental drift than break into an actual walk.

3. Signing Up for a Race, Then Immediately Regretting It

Runner’s Logic: This race looks fun, I’ll sign up!
How It Looks to Others: Why do they look panicked five seconds after entering?

We’ve all been there. We excitedly sign up for a race, picturing a glorious, effortless run where we feel amazing. Then reality sets in. Why did I do that? Am I even fit enough? Panic Googling “how to train for a race in three weeks” follows shortly after. But, of course, we still turn up and do it—because we’re runners, and apparently, we love this cycle of self-inflicted stress.

4. Wearing Shorts in Freezing Temperatures

Runner’s Logic: Once I get moving, I’ll warm up. Plus, real runners wear shorts all year round.
How It Looks to Others: Do they not own trousers? Do they not feel pain?

We step outside, ice on the pavement, frost in the air, and we’re still in shorts. If you ask us if we’re cold, we’ll say “I’ll be fine once I start moving”, which is runner speak for “I am absolutely freezing but will never admit it.”

5. Obsessing Over Running Gear (But Ignoring Everything Else)

Runner’s Logic: £150 for a pair of running shoes? Totally justifiable. A £10 winter coat? Too expensive.
How It Looks to Others: They have six pairs of running shoes but refuse to buy new socks?

We’ll spend hours researching running shoes, but the rest of our wardrobe? Falling apart. We’ll happily drop money on carbon-plated race shoes, but when someone suggests buying a decent winter jacket? Nah, I’ll just layer up.

6. Going for a ‘Recovery Run’ When We Can Barely Walk

Runner’s Logic: I’ll just do a light jog to shake out the soreness.
How It Looks to Others: They are limping out the door. This is concerning.

We wake up sore, legs feeling like bricks, and instead of resting like a normal person, we go out for a “recovery run”—a run that somehow does the opposite of helping us recover.

7. Getting Excited About Running in Bad Weather

Runner’s Logic: A bit of wind and rain makes it more fun. Builds character.
How It Looks to Others: They’re running in a storm… voluntarily?

A normal person looks outside at pouring rain, howling wind, or even snow and decides to stay indoors. A runner sees the same thing and thinks, this is going to be fun! Bonus points if we convince ourselves it’s refreshing while our face is being sandblasted by the elements.

8. Mapping Out Runs Like a Tactical Mission

Runner’s Logic: If I take this route, I’ll avoid traffic lights, hit exactly 6 miles, and finish near a coffee shop.
How It Looks to Others: It’s just running. How complicated can it be?

We don’t just run randomly. We plan. We analyse. We calculate perfect loops. We consider elevation, road crossings, and even wind direction. It’s a fine art. Non-runners assume we just “go for a jog.” Jog? Excuse me, it’s a highly strategic operation.

9. Talking About Running While Still Running

Runner’s Logic: What else would I talk about?
How It Looks to Others: They can’t breathe but are still discussing marathon training?

Running chat never stops. We’ll be gasping for air, but still debating the best running shoes, recent race results, or how much we love/hate hills. And we never, ever, stop talking about the weather.

10. Refusing to Call It a Jog

Runner’s Logic: It’s a run. Always a run.
How It Looks to Others: They are moving slower than a power walker. Why are they offended?

To a non-runner, it might look like we’re jogging. But we are running. No matter how slow, no matter how easy, it is never, ever a jog. Call it a jog, and watch a runner visibly recoil in horror.

The One Truth We All Accept

For all the little lies we tell ourselves and all the crazy things we do, there’s one thing that always remains true—we never regret a run.

No matter how ridiculous it looks to non-runners, we know why we do it. Because running makes us feel stronger, freer, and just a little bit happier.

And if there’s cake at the end? Even better.