Those moments every runner has already lived

Running is a passion, a lifestyle, a sport that makess feel invincible, well almost. Because let’s be honest, running also means living through moments of solitude, embarrassing situations, and minor dramas we’d rather avoid. Get ready to relive those moments every runner has experienced.

| Speeding up when you pass another runner

It’s hard not to have encountered this situation. Running is a sport that brings people together. When we run, we often cross paths with other running enthusiasts. You’re jogging at your own pace, enjoying your outing, when suddenly, in the distance, a silhouette appears. Another runner. Immediately, your brain triggers an ancient mechanism that no one really explains: you speed up. Several theories exist to explain this phenomenon: athletic ego, competitive instinct, fear of being judged, or just an adrenaline rush. Regardless of the reason, you’ve probably regretted this sudden burst of speed a few minutes later.

| Falling in front of everyone and pretending everything is fine

The beginning of the story is quite nice. You’re running during your weekend endurance outing, focused and in your bubble. The kilometers go by and then… disaster strikes. A treacherous curb, an untied shoelace, an awkward move… and there you are, taking a tumble. Of course, you know it, we know it, everyone knows it. The impact is brutal, silence falls. The passersby saw everything. Immediate reflex: save face. You get up as if nothing happened, even though your knee is bleeding and your ego is suffering in silence. You continue, limping, but with elegance.

| Starting too fast and burning out

Even though some are specialists in this, we’ve all experienced a ‘popcorn’ moment, more or less significant, during a race. Starting at what you believe to be the right pace, knowing full well you’ll pay for it. The last kilometers of your race become a long ordeal while others, who started cautiously, lengthen their stride and overtake you without hesitation.

| Forgetting to stop your watch at the finish line

There are only a few meters left, but you already know you’re going to beat your record. You cross the finish line, celebrate for the finisher photo that you’ll buy for 25 euros, you rejoice, you cry. You’ve achieved this new record after weeks of preparation, doubt, and sweat. You’ll be able to proudly display your time on Strava. Well, that was until you realized, 1:15 after the finish, that your watch is still running… Damn lap! All that’s left is to explain on Strava.

| Rounding up your run’s mileage

Trail runners, road runners, track runners, we’ve all done it. Yes, we’re talking about making little back-and-forths in front of your house or doing extra laps to round up your run’s mileage. And guess what, you’re right!

| Thinking you’re faster after buying a new pair of shoes

In the shop, you already looked great while testing the latest pair from your favorite brand. You did back-and-forths in the running aisle to test the shoes (let’s be honest, you’re not really testing much in-store). On your first run with your new speedsters, you think you’re the fastest in the world. In reality, you return with two big blisters because you didn’t take the time to break in your shoes before testing them out.

|  Sprinting to beat a red light (and regretting it)

For urban runners. You’ve undoubtedly sped up when you saw the pedestrian light about to turn red. Yes, a clear, sharp acceleration as if your life depended on it, just to avoid stopping at the light. In the end, it’s your heart rate that reaches the red zone, and you’ll need 3 kilometers to recover (if you ever do).

| Running past a storefront and checking yourself out

You think we haven’t seen you do it? Sneaky! At that moment, you believe you’re running like a pro, with light steps, relaxed arms, and a calm face. You pass by a store or a brand-new agency window and think, “I’ll check how I look when I run.” Against all odds (though we didn’t quite believe it either), the result is glaring: a panicked penguin. A heel strike worthy of an oil drill, more akin to a baby giraffe learning to walk than an Olympic athlete, your face matches the color of pesto rosso. Next time, just look straight ahead.

Of course, the list goes on, but if you can tick off a good portion of these moments every runner has experienced, it shows you spend a lot of time running!