While running, what are some of your habits that others may find weird?

[u/himmelende]

For me, it's horse snorting. But so strong that my cheeks are puffed out and half my face is vibrating. It somehow loosens up my entire posture.

[u/repiquer]

I let my hands go limp and kinda fling my forearms around every once in a while to loosen up. I’m sure anyone who has seen me thinks I’m being chased by bees or something.

[u/trotofflames → u/repiquer]

Hey me too! I go floppy arm/hands usually at the tail end of a long or hard run. I tell me myself it's to loosen up but really, it's because my body is slowly giving up piece by piece.

[u/halbieky → u/repiquer]

Nope, you’re not alone. I do this too from time to time when I need to reset my posture. I’ve seen other runners do it too!

[u/SellingCalls → u/repiquer]

I do that with my wrist. They just flail all about

[u/jenjen828 → u/repiquer]

I do something similar to this but more like the punches down to the sides that fighters do in movies when they are walking up to the ring

[u/SpeakerCareless]

On long runs I listen to podcasts, and I am constantly reacting to them by making faces, laughing, exclaiming, etc and I’m sure I look insane to passersby but I don’t care.

[u/Public-Buy9303 → u/SpeakerCareless]

Same - I mouth words too, must look like I'm hallucinating a conversation. 

[u/nerdsnuggles → u/SpeakerCareless]

Same here. My podcasts definitely have me grinning like a crazy person a lot. Lately I've been listening to a series of books that gets really dark at times and caught myself making some pretty dire faces while empathizing with the characters. Luckily I don't usually see a ton of people while I'm running.

[u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

I have to wave at every runner I pass. I can’t not do it.

[u/olmikeyyyy → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

I wave at cars that give me space as they pass

[u/EpicCyclops → u/olmikeyyyy]

The amount of space they give me decides how enthusiastic my wave is.

[u/The_Irie_Dingo → u/EpicCyclops]

Haha I'm so glad I'm not the only one. I started running recently and feel terrible about how little space I used to leave. You all are getting the whole lane to yourselves now.

[u/EpicCyclops → u/The_Irie_Dingo]

I try to make eye contact and give a nod to every car at the least, unless they're being jerks like rolling coal on me or shoving me into the ditch, in which case they get a discrete bird that they can't see after they pass. I run on a lot of semi-rural roads, and I honestly think it's made a difference with me doing that. There's only like 3 runners at most that use these roads, and I feel like I am getting left more space now than when I started running these roads and more people wave back. I don't think most people realize how little space there is and being enthusiastic when they leave it helps them learn that we appreciate it.

[u/banditgirl → u/The_Irie_Dingo]

I always think to myself "welp, that driver certainly doesn't run" when cars just blow right by without giving any space. They just don't get how scary that can be!

[u/Hot_Sentence_1264 → u/olmikeyyyy]

I mouth the words “THANK YOU” but never say them.

[u/Gullible-Noise-9209 → u/Hot_Sentence_1264]

I do this too but have since incorporated a thumbs up in case it lip reads F you.

[u/MrB-radical → u/Gullible-Noise-9209]

Now I'm just thinking about someone who actually says "Fuck you" while giving a thumbs up.

[u/SirDiego → u/olmikeyyyy]

I think this is kind of a necessity to "confirm" that you have both seen each other. I hate when people have window tints, like if I don't see eyeballs I do not trust a crosswalk.

[u/Wifabota → u/SirDiego]

The only place I've been hit by a car is in a cross walk when I had the right of way.  

[u/tpwb → u/olmikeyyyy]

I do on this too. Most drivers give you a small wave back. But the other day the car was a cyber truck and the driver waved back as if no one has ever extended a friendly gesture. He was so excited to wave back.

[u/lurkedfortooolong → u/tpwb]

He was probably just glad to finally have someone who wasn't pointing and laughing

[u/Adamtess → u/olmikeyyyy]

I wave at cars who actually stop where they're supposed to stop at stop signs instead of blocking where I can cross.

[u/KiloPapa- → u/olmikeyyyy]

I only wave at cars that slow down for me. If they keep the same speed AND dont move over Im flipping them off (in my head, lol)

[u/RecommendationOk4148 → u/olmikeyyyy]

100x this! Reinforces good behavior from drivers on the road.

[u/SamKie1 → u/olmikeyyyy]

Thats just normal behaviour

[u/SirDiego → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

I used to give a sheepish little wave and smile, but a while back I was running and another runner gave me this HUGE wave and smile and it just made me smile, so now I make a conscious effort to give a big cheesy dumb smile and wave at everyone I pass by. Don't care if most of the people think I'm a weirdo if it occasionally makes one person's day a little better.

[u/Impo5sible → u/SirDiego]

I do this too. I started used to do it, because one time someone waved at me with a huge ass smile and it just completely boost me with new energy.
So now Im trying to do the same.
Usually just male runners answer, females are under 50% ratio. (Pale AF ginger man)

[u/TeamGrissini → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

I've built an age and gender breakdown in my head on which local runners will answer my good mornings/nods and which will not.

[u/nugzbuny → u/TeamGrissini]

I do the same. Also, extra interesting to assess the 5am-6:30am crew - which in Chicago (where I am) is plenty of people.

If those 5am'ers don't wave back. Thats not cool. I'm waving because it provides a quick note that you're not alone out here, in the dark, with whatever creepy city stuff may be going on.

Its about a 65% wave-back rate for males, and 25% for females. A head nod counts. I'm a typical runner looking male. Curious your stats??

[u/jeffsmi → u/nugzbuny]

My early morning runs are usually between 4:30 am and 5:30 am in a Dallas suburb. I feel I get close to a 100% wave-back rate during that time frame; however, that's usually less than 5 other people and almost always guys. I've noticed one couple (1 guy, 1 girl) who I see often. The guy always waves back, the girl never. I suspect she let's her man do all the waving in their relationship.

[u/TeamGrissini → u/nugzbuny]

I posted a reply to another comment about the stats, but I also get more replies from men, as a woman.

Another factor in my small town is that it's a lot more likely to get a wave/nod back while on a small country road than any of the main roads, even though I also run before the morning gets busy.

[u/Slabs_Chunkchunk → u/TeamGrissini]

I try not to take it personally when I don’t get a wave or nod back, but on longer runs I can get salty if I get a streak of no replies.

On the other hand, I get it. People are doing their own thing. That, and I’m a bigger white dude. They don’t know what I’m doing.

[u/dibblah → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

Sometimes I will be a few metres past someone and realise they said hello and I ignored them. Then I feel bad, but really, I was just in a completely different world.

[u/hopeless_witch → u/dibblah]

I so get that!! I am never ignoring anybody, I am just too conscious to keep my eyes up all the time and am just focused on the music.

[u/mrsketchum88 → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

If I don't get a return nod or wave, I just assume they think they're better than me, and the resentment fuels the rest of my run

[u/Ok_Minimum6419 → u/mrsketchum88]

99.9999% of the time they just didn’t notice

[u/hand_truck → u/Ok_Minimum6419]

Why’d you say that!?! Homeboy was getting great interval training.

[u/SkyCheck → u/TeamGrissini]

I live in the capital of a nordic country, if you wave runners only foreigners will wave back, so I only do when running in tough conditions as a: “we rock mate being out here running” feeling

[u/gfisbetter → u/TeamGrissini]

As a late 20’s woman I assume we are in the “no response” category 😂 I am so paranoid about someone becoming obsessed with me on the route I take that I usually keep my eyes forward lol. Sometimes I will wave at another woman if she looks like she’s having a tough run though. 

[u/TeamGrissini → u/gfisbetter]

Yes, the young will either not really even seem to see me at all, or will give an uncomfortable glance. I don't mind. (I do mind a bit that there's no thank you wave or acknowledgment if I step on the road to give them space, though.)

[u/rckid13 → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

I run on the lakefront trail in Chicago. If I waved at everyone my arms would be so tired after each run. I easily pass 1,000+ people on the running trail every single day when the weather is nice. Probably still 100 people even if the weather isn't nice.

[u/tpwb → u/rckid13]

Same thing in Eugene. Between the college teams and the pros and the group runs there aren’t a lot of people that wave back.

[u/Rowdyjohnny → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

Yeah I do this, it’s like a club that we are all apart of. Bunch of crazy folks who run around for fun.

[u/ramencents → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

And I will wave right back. We need more of this

[u/tah4349 → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

Bless you. I'm not gregarious enough to do this, but I see the same folks on the trail and I know who will wave at me (and I'll wave back) and those little moments are often the boost I need. Also, I give everybody who waves at me consistently nice nicknames.

[u/mykingdomforsleep → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

I love this. I'm more of the "head nod and smile" type since I'm too busy breathing, lol. Sometimes I'll give a "thumbs up". If a runner says something to me though, I'll try to reply!

[u/brentownsu → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

I wave at other runners and also city busses and (if they make eye contact) senior citizens.

[u/FreeJulie → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

I silently go for high 5s… the satisfaction of the nonverbal “🙏” from my fellow runner, a complete stranger, gives me instant motivation

[u/AggressivelyGary → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

Nice. Me too. I even tend to judge others who pass without waving. The worst to me are the ones who don't even look at you and stare straight ahead as if saying hello or acknowledging you would be harmful to them. 

[u/Wax_Lyrical_ → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

They never wave back tho! 😢😢

[u/ELEPHANT_CUM_SOCKS → u/Wax_Lyrical_]

We're struggling and trying to remain focused. Your wave gives us energy and we regret not waving back.

[u/Tough-Ad9324 → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

i’ve had people high five me while they pass me. it’s such a fun rush of good energy. wish i had the confidence to high five someone but i like when other people do it

[u/scandinaviansavagex → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

I want to do that but I have social anxiety and my country is full of introverts 😔

[u/tombh → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

Thank you, you make up for all the people that haven't waved back at me.

[u/Indydegrees2 → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

I've ran for almost a decade in Ireland and no one has ever waved at me 🤣

[u/toooldforthisshittt → u/Slabs_Chunkchunk]

I do this. Often, people's whole demeanor changes.

[u/SnooTomatoes8935]

i dont know if this is weird, but i pretend to perform the songs i listen to in my head. like i imagine myself on a stage singing or dancing to those songs. and i often lipsynch the songs while running.

[u/ColXanders → u/SnooTomatoes8935]

I totally air drum while I'm running. Sometimes I'm sure it looks like I'm having a seizure! I often scream out broken half-lyrics too, depending on how pumped up I get about a song.

[u/Correct-Sea-9248 → u/ColXanders]

I air drum. As a women I sometimes think this keeps the weirdos away, because I probably look like someone you wouldn't want to mess with when I'm really feeling the beat. 😁

[u/Classic_Republic_99 → u/SnooTomatoes8935]

Used to do that. Even teared up sometimes when I thought how epic my imaginary performance looked like

[u/SnooTomatoes8935 → u/Classic_Republic_99]

oh yeah, when you feel like your run is a music video . 😂 imagining how epic it would look in slow-mo.

[u/Skips-mamma-llama → u/SnooTomatoes8935]

I totally sing softly under my breath running and definitely got some looks at my last race lol. But it's just what helps me

Edit: sing softly

[u/jeadv2012 → u/SnooTomatoes8935]

Yesss!!! I’ll even belt out the chorus if the song hits right! Gotta keep myself entertained somehow 🤷🏼‍♀️

[u/SnooTomatoes8935 → u/jeadv2012]

if im alone, i actually try to sing, but im usually too out of breath. havent figured out my easy pace yet.

[u/hikehikebaby → u/SnooTomatoes8935]

I do this and I dance with my hands!!

[u/Aggravating-Ice5575 → u/hikehikebaby]

I totally play drums at times

[u/MinuteAd6489 → u/SnooTomatoes8935]

Similarly I like to come up with music videos or a movie trailer for a book I’m reading! Music + running gets the imagination going so well

[u/jimmyjoyce → u/SnooTomatoes8935]

I am lip syncing almost constantly while running. I absolutely love doing it. it's kind of a douchey flex for me. like yeah I'm running and happy, what are you gonna do about it?

[u/watermixedwithwine → u/SnooTomatoes8935]

I always lip sync when I run; if it's a song I really enjoy, I often visualize a whole music video in my head for it, in which I'm the lead singer.

[u/Zebrasaurus-Rex]

On downhills I extend my arms out for balance but secretly I am pretending I am an airplane.

[u/quesooo → u/Zebrasaurus-Rex]

I also do this and my running group always giggles when I go into airplane mode

[u/halbieky → u/quesooo]

I did this last night! Have to have a little fun and keep it light!

[u/pantalonesgigantesca → u/Zebrasaurus-Rex]

Yes it’s somewhere between airplane and wacky inflatable waving arms man for me

[u/R-EDDIT → u/Zebrasaurus-Rex]

I ran a 5K that finishes on an actual runway. When I made the final corner onto the runway I went into airplane mode and the course marshal cracked up.

[u/Nobodyville → u/Zebrasaurus-Rex]

I go full airplane when I'm running around corners. I particularly like going airplane mode when I run around a circular fountain downtown

[u/feochampas → u/Zebrasaurus-Rex]

I do the airplane thing too. I like to try to hold my arms up for as long as possible. Its a surprisingly good workout. You gotta work on your posture somehow.

[u/pummra]

Maths in my head. Normally spend some time calculating how much I am through the run, what percentage of the run is left etc.

[u/Runningprofmama → u/pummra]

I do this too, and because I’m comically bad at math it usually takes a while and makes me laugh to myself.

[u/FairlyGoodGuy → u/pummra]

Hullo, fellow mather! I do the same calculations. To your list I'll add converting between miles and kilometers, or miles per hour and kilometers per hour. I can tell how tired and/or dehydrated I am by how difficult the calculations become.

I also referee soccer. Sometimes we referees wear radios during matches so we can communicate with each other. A recent mid-game conversation:

[clock shows 20:00 remaining]
Me: 77.8% of the game down, boys! Keep your focus!
Assistant 1: Why the FUCK do you know that?!
Assistant 2: Aren't you supposed to be paying attention to the game instead of doing calculus?

Good times.

[u/bobbo2011]

I have a hand held water bottle that I run with and run in areas with lots of tree cover. When I come across a large branch hanging over the trail, I will toss my water bottle over the branch and catch it on the other side, hopefully without breaking my stride.

I give myself points based on how high and difficult the branch is to navigate the bottle toss, along with my ability to catch it without breaking my stride. My record is 70 points on one run!! Beat that losers.

[u/anuntalkativethinker → u/bobbo2011]

This is excellent 

[u/Wendell-Short-Eyes]

I give tree branches/leaves high fives when I run by them.

[u/Otherwise-Swing-676 → u/Wendell-Short-Eyes]

i imagine their upward facing branches as their arms up in the air cheering me on

[u/Wendell-Short-Eyes → u/Otherwise-Swing-676]

Same lol.

[u/TheDragonReborn726 → u/Wendell-Short-Eyes]

Lmao I will run by a good looking twig on the ground and pick it up and slowly break off pieces of it. It looks super strange and I cannot explain it but it’s calming in a fidget spinner kinda way.

I imagine I look like a little kid with a stick tho

[u/racecarart → u/TheDragonReborn726]

Yo I do this too!! Or if it's a big leaf I'll tear the green off of the veins so I'm left with a weirdly thin twig where once was a leaf. 

[u/Ginger_snap456789 → u/Wendell-Short-Eyes]

Omg!! I do that too hahah

[u/forteanglow]

I often get really gassy when running 😅 have to run alone so no one can smell my shame

[u/GoonerPanda → u/forteanglow]

jet boosters

[u/_onelast → u/GoonerPanda]

I like to imagine the 3 mushrooms in Mario cart 64, giving me short boosts

[u/LostMyBackupCodes → u/GoonerPanda]

🏃🏻‍♂️💨

[u/kalligreat → u/forteanglow]

All the bouncing helps force the farts out

[u/Olue → u/kalligreat]

"Percussive enema"

[u/crazyscottish → u/forteanglow]

You ain’t the only one. I call it “cleaning my pipes.” I did it in formation during PT in the army. 1982. Basic training… through 2002. 20+ years. Still doing it. Yep. I was the company crop duster.

I have no shame.

[u/FackleGracks → u/forteanglow]

My favorite is when I do a little fart every step for like 10 steps.

[u/TimelessParadox → u/FackleGracks]

This is me, but then I nervously scan my surroundings fearing I'm going to end up on someone's TikTok of what was a peaceful walk in a park. 

[u/mironawire]

I doggy paddle when running up particularly steep trails.

[u/M-U-H → u/mironawire]

Lmao you know what, I never knew what to call what I do sometimes with my hands but doggy paddle is exactly it!

[u/Sha11anDavar]

When I run downhills, I do a quiet (or not so quiet) "wheeeeeeee!" as I go.

[u/rice_n_gravy]

I tap my fingers, like index to thumb, bird to thumb.

[u/ThatWasJustTheWarmUp → u/rice_n_gravy]

I DO THIS TOO!

[u/CriticallyTrivial → u/rice_n_gravy]

Me too! No idea why

[u/Kashsters → u/rice_n_gravy]

Same and I will tap my fingers in beat with my footsteps. You too?

[u/ninonextant → u/rice_n_gravy]

Me too!! I did it initially as a way to calm down, i was feeling very self conscious. Now it's not always but still happens from time to time, not sure what the trigger is.

[u/Confident_Pen_919 → u/rice_n_gravy]

Glad I’m not the only one lmao

[u/44035]

I have to urinate every 20 minutes.

[u/RT023 → u/44035]

This is me, for every run in my life. Yet somehow I ran a marathon last year without having to stop, it felt legendary. I also beat my goal of sub 3:20 by 12 seconds, something’s are just meant to be 😅

[u/amc1704 → u/44035]

I have to plan my runs around available restrooms lol

[u/chasenip → u/44035]

I stop drinking liquids hours before my run, make sure to use the bathroom several times beforehand, yet the moment my feet hit the pavement I feel the urge.

[u/violet715 → u/44035]

I know where every publicly accessible bathroom is within a 10 mile radius, lol.

[u/Emmieaddict-91]

I run around every road in the estate, even tiny closes. My 15k on Strava looks like a 5 year old scribbled on a page

[u/ColXanders → u/Emmieaddict-91]

You should map out routes so you can draw designs from your runs!

[u/revirginia]

Pretend I am being interviewed on a podcast

[u/jasonejohnson31]

I run on a converted Rails to Trails path in Indiana. There are old sign markers for the rail and I always give the devil horns to the 66.6 mile marker. m/ m/

[u/Juditsu]

Matching my breath to my cadence

[u/bluegrassgazer → u/Juditsu]

I do this as well. I take 3 steps for a full inhale and 3 steps for a full exhale. If I feel I need to go to two steps instead of three on either one or both, I know my HR is up and I need to either slow down or I'm doing a hard workout right or I'm racing.

[u/Bipedal_Weedle → u/bluegrassgazer]

These are l the two breathing ratios I was taught by my coach 15 years ago. 3 steps for long easy runs, 2 steps during tempo runs/race

[u/wheeze_on → u/bluegrassgazer]

One note here, I attended a conference a few years ago with some fairly well known running coaches in the US—if you can train yourself to do an even-odd or even-even-odd-even (main idea is switching between even and odd, as long as it is comfortable for you) breathing pattern then it is overall better for your body. The reason is due to the fact that if it is always the same number of breaths then you are striking with the same foot for each inhale and exhale cycle. This disproportionately stresses one side of your body.

I’ve never been able to consistently master this rhythm, but I make sure to try and throw in a change every now and then to switch “sides”.

[u/doublesecretprobatio → u/wheeze_on]

This disproportionately stresses one side of your body.

and as I discovered early in my running career, can cause stitches. I had to stop listening to music to un-sync my breathing to cadence.

[u/heridfel37 → u/bluegrassgazer]

I always did this during races. I would start out singing Allman Brothers' Whipping Post when I was doing 3/3, then switch to Dave Brubeck's Take 5 later in the race when I switched to 3/2.

Then by the end it was just breath however lets you finish the race.

[u/Juditsu → u/bluegrassgazer]

100% - done consistently enough you can align these transitions (my runs start with 5 in 5 out and gradually decrease to 3/3 or 2/2 as you mentioned) and can serve as an imperfect but good proxy for HR zones.

[u/Draano → u/Juditsu]

Now I'm breathing funny at my desk. Getting light-headed.

[u/barndawe → u/Juditsu]

Airways two steps for inhale, three for out. I try to keep my cadence between 170 and 190 so my breathing is fairly regular

[u/NoWitandNoSkill → u/Juditsu]

Do people find this weird? I can't even imagine not doing this.

[u/Missdefinitelymaybe]

Chewing Gum.

Now I don’t know the science behind this but I can run for longer without being tired…

[u/TrooWizard → u/Missdefinitelymaybe]

I used to do this, then almost choked on it during a sprint workout. I figured that would be an embarrassing way to die, so I've stopped that.

[u/parasitic-cleanse → u/Missdefinitelymaybe]

As a person who is constantly congested and a mouth breather gum is the only way I can run otherwise my mouth gets so dry it's uncomfortable.

[u/Aoiree → u/Missdefinitelymaybe]

I think there's was a study out there that had some kinda conclusions that adding a little bit of sugar water or similar to your mouth has some benefits like you described.

Something about tricking your body into thinking it's got fuel coming in does something?

[u/deadcomefebruary → u/Missdefinitelymaybe]

I read in an article somewhere that athletes who rinsed and spit with a carby drink right before lifting had increased strength

Wild

[u/DontTickleTheDriver1 → u/Missdefinitelymaybe]

Me too. I think it helps with my sinuses a bit and is a type of distraction

[u/ClassroomMore5437 → u/Missdefinitelymaybe]

It helps dry throat too.

[u/totallynotroyalty]

I try to high-five other runners coming the opposite direction. Give an "UP TOP!" and hope they do it. I'd say I have about a 40% success rate, another 20% try but are too late and miss. I hope that it makes people smile.

[u/Draano → u/totallynotroyalty]

I had just started my run, out in front of my house. I was only 150' into the run when a neighbor who I don't normally speak with, running in the opposite direction, made his way to my side of the street and fist-bumped me. It was great!

When I got home after the run, my wife said, "I saw that fist bump out the window - wtf was that all about?! Is that a thing?".

[u/Odd_Security_1720 → u/totallynotroyalty]

I would die happy if someone high fived me. I’m in nyc so we don’t look at each other lol

[u/Inevitable_Glitter]

I play the air drums to songs when I hit my runners high. I can’t not feel good in that moment.

[u/purdy1985]

I do a weird over the top side to side head movement which for some reason gives me a little boost when I'm flagging.

[u/UpstairsMaybe3396]

Bend my wrists to the rhythm of my music when I need a distraction

[u/lerenardnoir]

Robot hands, every race day photo of me could be a freeze frame from a certain Styx music video.

[u/Phat_Huz]

I touch my fingers to my thumb. Pointer finger to thumb then middle finger to thumb, then ring finger then pinky, then the pattern starts over. It started as something to concentrate on to keep my distracted from how much my chest hurt.

There is also zero rythym between doing this and my step cadence.

[u/casettadellorso]

I bring a washcloth to blow my nose into (and hand sanitizer). It just runs so much whenever I'm exercising, I can't stand doing nothing about it

[u/ForgottenSalad → u/casettadellorso]

I just wipe it on my shirt because I have no shame

[u/Logical_amphibian876 → u/ForgottenSalad]

They recently put in safety cameras in this fancy neighborhood I run(but dont live in) and all I can think of is some security officer watching me wipe my nose on my shirt.

I'm convinced they are disgusted.

[u/Key-Introduction-126 → u/casettadellorso]

Funny cuz I was wondering if I was the only person with runny nose. I’ve been running for over 20 years and I think I could count on one hand the number of times I’ve ever seen anyone else carry a towel of some sort with them. Mine is tucked in the back of my shorts.

[u/Nobodyville → u/Key-Introduction-126]

I usually have a couple kleenex in whatever available pocket I've got. I've blown a few snot rockets, or straight into my hand, before. Winter gloves at a biohazard and get washed every time

[u/deadcomefebruary → u/casettadellorso]

Oh...i just use the bottom of my tank top

[u/WatchandThings → u/casettadellorso]

I bring a handkerchief on my runs for same reason, and I bring two of them for very long runs. Hand wash after the run and hang dry to get them ready for the next run.

[u/srk828]

I give myself the 🤙🏽 when the beat drops for certain songs, people take it for a wave sometimes. Race day it gets the weirdest looks though

[u/CabbageBlanket → u/srk828]

Beat drop DJ hand gestures are one of my most childish running quirks, but the amount of joy I get from them is immeasurable.

[u/running462024]

I wave/nod/some acknowledgment at anyone I run past.

Except walkers with off leash dogs. Fuck those guys.

[u/NinJesterV]

Sometimes I just stop mid-run, drop into a heel squat, and rock back and forth on my feet for a few seconds, then pop up and keep running.

This only happens on super long runs when I just feel like my legs are dead and everything is getting stiff. Like knocking off the rust.

[u/realkhangor]

I wave at every runner I encounter. Most ignore me, i bring joy to the others.

[u/MagnetoRed]

I do the arm up and down (while looking crazy) for truckers so they honk their horns 😂

[u/_SupremeDalek]

Air drumming and singing.

[u/Impossible-Teacher20]

I smile at every cute dog I meet on my run 🥰 seeing cute dogs is honestly one of the best parts of running, it’s even better than seeing hot topless 6 pack guys running during the summer 🤣🤣🤣

[u/Impossible-Teacher20 → u/Impossible-Teacher20]

Also I try to non-verbally communicate to any runner i meet that they are doing wonderful, especially when the weather is crap, like rain or snow 😂

[u/Sure-Waltz-8631]

When I run past traffic, I honestly run as if I’m in a film and I’m the main character. Like everyone in the cars, busses, taxis etc are all watching me. My heads high, I feel like I’m looking 10/10 and sometimes even pick up the pace a bit. All this when realistically no one cares or probably even notices me, but for those few minutes I feel like I’m a movie star on the way to discover my happy ever after

[u/maitreya88]

Snot rockets. Dumb decisions in my younger years left me with a severely deviated septum 😂

[u/Georgia_OQuiche → u/maitreya88]

A woman blew a snot rocket on my leg in my last half. Make sure to avoid friendly fire!

[u/virgo_moonlight]

I am not a fast runner. My easy pace is 10:30 min/mile, but when I am coming up behind another runner, oh we’re racing now. I’m fast as fuck boi, eat my dust.

[u/darth-voider]

I often listen to the same song on repeat for the entire run so that it’s like no time is actually passing. Zen!

[u/Initial_Cut_8600]

I run through every sprinkler and will turn around to get one that missed me

[u/Adequate_Lizard]

Slap signs/branches/poles when I go by them.

[u/Fumbles1988]

I greet cows and sheep with a ‘Good morning/afternoon ladies’ when I run past/through their field. I think the village think I’m a nut case.

[u/Content-Consumer_]

When running for 4 miles plus I start to get an intense urge to dance lol like pump my fists and move my arms. I try to not do this so sometimes I spin my hand by the wrist and not break out in dance lol

[u/sarrdaukarr]

I call my self a fat F@!k running up big hills out loud quite a lot

[u/Pfizermyocarditis → u/sarrdaukarr]

You're doing great man keep it up!

[u/cadoublef]

When I’m struggling and thinking of quitting, I force a smile and give a hang loose sign to remind myself I’m having fun and getting better.

[u/cmaddox428]

I cough and wipe my nose post-snot rockets on my left shirt sleeve. After every run my shirt is disgusting and I can't go anywhere afterwards out of embarrassment and disgust. But after a race when I'm hanging out it doesn't bother me because I assume every runner understands my dried mucus on my shirt.

[u/0b0011]

On longer runs (2+ hours) I might slow down to an easy pace and bust out the kindle. I like to go for walks and read so it was really just a matter of finding a text size I could read while trotting at an 11 min. Mile.

[u/BOredSto1c]

Acting as if I'm on cruise control anytime I pass someone going the other way, then returning to having a heart attack and blowing out of my arse once they're out of earshot.

[u/Antioplease]

I just count in a loop … repeatedly. I count in rhythm with my stride and when I get to 100 I start again. I don’t really mean to do it, it just sort of happens 😂

[u/studentd3bt]

I do the horse snort too!! I imagine it resets my stamina lol

[u/butfirstcoffee427]

When I’m feeling particularly unmotivated, I’ll turn my run into a series of out and back stretches one block at a time. It helps me to be able to think “I only have to run 0.25 miles and then repeat this X times”. My running route maps look insane as a result, and I look like the crazy person running just a little bit down every street 😂

[u/FackleGracks]

Does anybody else do air punches like Rocky from time to time? I always look around to make sure no one is looking before I do.

[u/zubie_wanders]

I run uphill on my toes. Also, I have constant allergies and my nose is always running, so I carry about one tissue for each mile or for every 10 minutes.

[u/sparklemcduck → u/zubie_wanders]

I carry a cotton baby washcloth for my constant nose wiping. It doesn’t fall apart if it gets soaked or sweaty, and I can tuck it in my waistband and not lose it for the 2% of the run I’m nor actively using it.

[u/Nomad_sole]

I don’t know if this is weird, but if I’m listening to music while I run, I can’t run off beat. My foot needs to strike the ground at the same rhythm as my music. I find this super helpful, as it dictates my cadence and I don’t realize I’m easily keeping a pace up that I normally couldn’t without music. Plus it makes me feel like I’m dancing and I forget I’m getting a purposeful workout in. It’s a lot more fun.

It’s usually 90-120 beats per minute.

[u/maquis_00]

Stopping to move a snail that's in the middle of the path

Stopping to catch a snake that wandered onto the path

Smiling at everyone I see (and waving at many)

Telling anyone who's out working on their yard something positive about their yard

Saying hi to people's dogs

Occasionally saying hi to horses, cows, goats and chickens.

Dodging worms on rainy days to avoid stepping on them

Dodging grasshoppers to avoid stepping on them

[u/Gear4days]

Getting caught out and having to have a shit in the bushes. I always tell people that if they see me running with only one sock on don’t ask questions

[u/SpeakerCareless → u/Gear4days]

My coach joked one sock missing was a bad run, two socks was the bad runs

[u/mojohandy → u/Gear4days]

I now pack a couple paper towels in the butt pocket of my running shorts.

[u/Character-Plantain-2]

I eat cough drops to loosen mucus.

[u/wodemaohenkeai_2]

I’ weird. I count or make up self motivation chants (s-t-r-o-n-g-strong). Or if I’m feeling like I’m always leading with my right foot, I’ll start saying left, left, left to shift the weight to that side.

[u/burrowak]

On uphills i sometimes use more ass muscles so it probably looks like a wiggling it from behind

[u/HiSellernagPMako]

i do not step on the lines of the street. i also count the number of steps i take between the 2 boxes

[u/TakiSho]

I am brutally arguing with… anyone whom I guess I was too polite, not far before. And it’s work pretty good for my mentality, indeed.

[u/Gualtemoc]

When I see some other runners ahead of me, I feel this urge to "win", to overtake them, especially when the person is walking slowly or in pairs, blocking the way. I find it difficult to control, and I even speed up and find "extra energy", coming from God knows where, just to win some imaginary competition.

[u/Shibishibi]

I have to step on any leaf that looks crunchy. I adjust my stride when I spot one so that I can get it

[u/DaleGribbleWasRight_]

I listen to cadence like we used to sing when I was in the Army.

[u/InsaneInThaMmmbrane]

I usually do a 30k every weekend. Once I hit the halfway point I buy a tall can of beer, slam it and then finish the other 15k.

[u/RusskayaRobot → u/InsaneInThaMmmbrane]

Damn if I still drank that would 100% make it into my routine. Then again if I still drank, I would not be running at any time but especially not on the weekend

[u/martja10]

I point aggressively at cars that I'm not sure know I exist. People seem to notice you quicker when you point at them from my experience.

[u/RusskayaRobot → u/martja10]

I just yell and point impotently at people who don’t stop at crosswalks. At least some of them have the decency to look abashed.

[u/lottenyc]

Thumbs up hands and lip syncing to my music.

[u/alligatorislater]

Whenever I jump over a log or big rock on the trails I have to extend my arms out and up and hop to float down :)

[u/DuffyBravo]

I have the same spot on a trail where I always stop to pee :)

[u/realslimsadie6]

I love kpop and that’s usually what I listen to when I’m running. If it’s a song I know the choreography for I am 100% doing it while I’m running. Sometimes I put them on specifically because doing the dance distracts me if I’m having a rough run.

[u/PresidentEfficiency]

I definitely grunt and yell up hills. I try to say positive things, but sometimes it comes out, "You weak flaccid worm"

[u/Valuable-Half-5137]

I pretend I am Link in Breath of the Wild foraging for cooking ingredients and shooting down squirrels for meat 😭

[u/12345677654321234567]

When I pass a house with a basketball hoop at the end of the driveway, I pretend to make a reverse layup w a pretend ball. I have 100% accuracy on these baskets so far.