The community of runners is really an incredible place, but there are always a few running red flags that disrupt the vibe. While we should never focus on the negative, it’s always good to highlight some of the behaviors you might see while out and about, so you can steer clear or help others navigate to more positive experiences.
Running Through Injury
When you’re hurt, you should rest and work on recovery. Too many runners (myself included) think they should gut it out and push through the pain and discomfort, not realizing they can make a minor problem so much worse. When someone refuses to take the time to heal up adequately, it’s a red flag.
Ignoring Illness
Every runner gets hit by illness from time to time. It stinks but it’s inevitable. Once again, there’s a time to run and a time to rest, and when you’re ill, it’s time for the latter of these. Yes, you can run with a head cold or or something minor, but fevers, diarrhea, vomiting, and anything that sits in the chest should be sending you back to bed. Those who ignore their health (because one again, exertion during something minor can escalate to something major) are throwing big red flags.
Showing Up To Races Undertrained Or Untrained
We’ve all been there: we sign up for a big race, and then life gets in the way. What’s a runner to do? If you have have enough of a base, it’s probably ok to head to the start line, especially if it’s a shorter distance, but a marathon on no training? Probably not. It can be hard to defer or DNS a race, especially one you paid for, but going into situation unprepared can lead to injury or worse, and is generally pretty unsafe.
Pace And Body Shaming
There is absolutely no excuse for being hurtful to other runners and making them feel less than for their bodies or their speed. It’s a huge red flag to harm others, especially when people are out just trying to enjoy an activity they love.
Not Being Inclusive
In running, there is room for everyone. There are some who feel it necessary to gatekeep the sport and not be a welcoming presence, and that’s just not necessary. There is a place for everyone in the running world. To shut others out is a huge red flag and shouldn’t be tolerated.
What are your running red flags?
Join the Runner’s Roundup!
Link up each week to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas. Join your hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs, each week for the Runners’ Roundup linkup! Your link must be running related. Unrelated links will be removed. You must link back to your hosts — it’s common courtesy and a lot more fun! Spread the link-up love by visiting at least two other #running bloggers! Leave a comment and find new blogs to read! Use hashtags #running and #RunnersRoundup to stay in touch and promote your content!
Its frustrating to see these behaviors on social media, especially if they impact other runners. If someone chooses to run through injury or illness that is their choice, but I dont like when it is shared in a way that may make newer runners think it is the right thing to do.
Agreed. I mean, I’ve shown up sick, injured, and otherwise underprepared, but that’s my choice and I knew the consequences. I would never recommend or encourage someone to do the same.
Such a thoughtful and important post, Jenn!
Running should be a space where we lift each other up, not drag ourselves or others down.
The injury and illness points really hit home… I’ve been guilty of both, thinking I was being “tough” when I was actually just being reckless.
And yes, the whole beauty of running is that it should be for everyone. If you’re lacing up and showing up, you belong!
I love how you said not to drag ourselves down. Yes. You are correct. We need to be there for ourselves too!
I’ve often run sick or hurt, and it was ridiculous and unnecessary. I would never encourage or recommend anyone do the same.
Ignoring your own body’s signals does not usually end well. I’ve definitely been there and hop not to repeat these mistakes
Very rarely!
One of the things I dislike about social media is that runners who stupidly push through an injury are glorified. It actually makes me angry when I see comments like, “you’re amazing!” “your so strong,” and others when people were really just being stupid and potentially causing a worse injury.
I mean, I’ve don’t it a few times, but I also was very clear that it wasn’t the smartest move. In both cases, it was destination races that didn’t have a refund or deferral policy and I ended up walking. I would never advise anyone to do the same.